Other than recycled content, are there other environmental factors worth considering for the sake of vendor comparison?
Phthalates a known carcinogen, developmental toxicant, and reproductive toxicant are used in the production of flexible PVC, which is used to coat metal stairs, decks, ramps, and bridges of many playground structures. Phthalates are not banned from use in the manufacturing of playground equipment in the U.S. as they are in ECU member countries. While the CPSC did ban phthalates being used in toys for children, the law specifically excludes playgrounds, due to the fact that a playground does not fit within the definition of toy. Until the U.S. passes a law to eliminate the use of this chemical in the manufacture of playground equipment, some vendors continue to use flexible PVC. Other vendors have recently removed phthalates from the playground products or are offering a non-PVC option. And there are a number of playground equipment vendors with products that are phthalate-free, and always have been, since these vendors do not use metal stairs, decks, ramps, or bridges. What other facto
