Did you just send your kid off to school with poison?

Your child’s backpack could be toxic! 

A new report from the Center for Health, Environment and Justice says some of our favorite backpacks, lunchboxes and binders may contain unsafe levels of unhealthy chemicals. Phthalates are the biggest offenders, and have been linked to an increased risk of diabetes, ADHD, asthma and birth defects. Here’s what the CHEJ suggests: 

• Avoid backpacks with shiny plastic designs. They often contain polyvinyl chloride, a type of phthalate. 

• Opt for cloth lunch bags instead of lunchboxes made of plastic. 

• Pass up notebooks with metal spirals or colored plastic coating. 

• Buy PVC-free rain boots and raincoats. 

• Check the recycling label on any packaging. If it contains the number “3” or the letters “V” or “PVC” underneath it, it contains PVCs.