is eva foam safe

2024-11-08

EVA Foam Safety: Is Formamide Toxic in EVA Foam Sheet?

There has been some discussion lately about the safety of the EVA component in EVA foam sheets and related products. People are concerned because EVA foam sheets and related products can sometimes contain a chemical called formamide. Formamide gives foam pads their soft, squishy texture, but it is also considered a carcinogen and has been found to cause developmental harm in high enough concentrations.

For these reasons, France and Belgium banned EVA foam several years ago. However, no other countries followed this trend, and some countries conducted studies on formamide and EVA foam safety. These studies found that the levels of formamide in consumer products were not dangerous.

Of course, people still want to be sure that the EVA foam they use is safe for their bodies. Your concerns about EVA foam safety are important to us, which is why we test all of our EVA foam products to ensure that they do not contain any formamide.

But what if you already have EVA foam sheets but are unsure whether they contain formamide? Don’t rush to throw them away. In this article, we’ll gather all the facts about the formamide content in EVA foam safety.

What is EVA Foam?

EVA stands for Ethylene Vinyl Acetate and is a soft and flexible plastic that is also very strong. EVA is often used as a safe alternative to PVC. When combined with heat, pressure, and other plastics, EVA turns into closed-cell EVA foam.

This is where the safety issues begin. Some manufacturers use formamide in the process, while others do not.

EVA foam is an extremely versatile substance, so you can find it just about everywhere. It’s in soft flooring, life jackets, padding inside boxing gloves, exercise mats, and more. You probably come into contact with EVA foam regularly, and some of that material may be made with formamide.

But what does this mean for you and your family? It means it’s time to learn more about formamide.

What is Formamide?

Formamide is a colorless, odorless liquid with the chemical formula CH3NO. Manufacturers sometimes use this compound when making EVA foam. The amount of formamide used in the product depends on how soft the foam needs to be.

You should definitely avoid using liquid formamide because it is corrosive. However, liquid formamide evaporates during the manufacturing process. Small amounts of formamide left in foam products will slowly release gas over time.

Several government agencies have studied formamide to determine if it poses a hazard as it does in flooring. Their studies show that exposure to formamide is safe at the levels they tested.

The government of Canada “conducted a science-based evaluation of formamide, called a screening assessment,” and this is what they found:

“The Government of Canada has concluded that formamide is not harmful to human health at current levels of exposure. Based on the conclusion of the final screening assessment, no further action will be taken on formamide.” - Canada Health and Product Safety

Is EVA Foam Safe for Babies and Children?

EVA foam products are rigorously tested to ensure safety for all consumers, especially children and infants. In fact, our EVA foam toys undergo the most thorough testing of any floor. Our foam toys must pass the same tests as every toy your child plays with. That's why we can assure you that our foam products are 100% formamide and formaldehyde free and safe for children. You don't have to just take our word for it. The Australian government conducted their own research, specifically looking at EVA foam toys and their potential safety risks to children. They tested 16 different EVA foam products, and half of them had no measurable formamide. An additional 8 EVA foam samples contained very small amounts of formamide.

They determined that the formamide in EVA foam toy poses no risk to children:

“Based on the actual testing, it was concluded that a child would need to mouth for 20 minutes, or ingest, at least 4.17 square metres of typical foam play mat every day over their entire life to approach a level of exposure to formamide which might raise health concerns.” - Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC)

Where to Buy Non Toxic EVA Foam Sheet

Although studies have proven that EVA foam is safe with or without formamide, some people may want to purchase EVA foam that does not contain formamide as an extra precaution. The best way to determine if a product contains formamide is to contact us. We will show you a certificate stating whether their product does not contain formamide.

If you have more questions for us, feel free to contact the company and they will be happy to answer your questions. They can tell you what they test and whether their products contain any materials that you are concerned about. Companies that are unwilling to provide this information are probably not worth your time.

All of our EVA foam sheets and EVA products are formamide-free. You can also review the spec sheet for each product to see all of the additional testing we perform to ensure we are providing our customers with safe, high-quality products.All of our EVA foam sheets and EVA products are formamide-free. You can also review the spec sheet for each product to see all of the additional testing we perform to ensure we are providing our customers with safe, high-quality products.

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