Are Foam Puzzle Mats Toxic for Children? Office for Science and Society - McGill University

There was a question about the possible toxicity of the popular foam puzzle mats that children play with and on. The concern is about exposure to formamide being released. This chemical is used in the manufacture of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foamed plastics to make them more pliable. It's a liquid, but like any liquid formamide does evaporate. There is no question that exposure to the liquid should be avoided; it is corrosive and has been linked to problems in a developing embryo. But the small amounts that outgas from foam present a totally different situation. The vapour dissipates quite quickly but nevertheless French and Belgian authorities deemed some levels unacceptable and established limits of formamide release from foams used in childrens' play mats and toys. Studies, however, show that outgasing drops off very quickly and the amounts that could conceivably be inhaled by children playing on EVA foam mats are way below levels that could cause health issues. I certainly wouldn't let my grandson play on an EVA mat, which he does quite often, if I thought there was any risk.

PDF) The Science of Bureaucracy. Risk Decision-Making and the US Environmental Protection Agency

Make your child’s play area safe while helping them learn with the Interlocking Foam Shape Tiles by Hey! Play! Each tile is made from 100% nontoxic

Interlocking Foam Tile Play Mat with Shapes - Nontoxic Children's Multicolor Puzzle Tiles for Playrooms, Nurseries, Gyms and More by Hey! Play!

Foam, Baby Puzzle Mats Containing Toxic Formamides - Finding Safer Floor Mats For Your Baby - Living Safe

KC Cubs Soft & Safe Non-Toxic Children's Interlocking Multicolor Exercise Puzzle EVA Play Foam Mat for Kids's Floor & Baby Nursery Room, 36 Tiles, 9 Colors, 12” x 12”, 54 Borders

Looking for a perfectly safe playing-come-learning tool for your kids. Our EVA ABC puzzle playmat is just the thing you need. KC CUBS has always been

KC Cubs Soft & Safe Non-Toxic Children’s Interlocking Multicolor Exercise Puzzle Educational ABC Alphabet EVA Play Foam Mat for Kid’s Floor & Baby

Pseudoscience, Page 19

Play mats: How are their materials made?

Pseudoscience, Page 19

Environment, Page 10

Pseudoscience, Page 19

Play mats: How are their materials made?

ABC Play Mat - Foam Interlocking Alphabet Floor Mat & Puzzles- Non Toxic Kids Foam Play Mat - Soft 26 Tiles for Exercise -12x12in (10mm) - Floor Coverage 26 Sq F : Toys & Games

ABC Floor Puzzle The Perfect Foam Play Mat Now Reduced On !

Puzzle Playmats-Classic Baby Playmats By Toddlekind

Play mats: How are their materials made?

Beautifloor, Alphabet Foam Tiles

Mainstays Interlocking Foam Mat, interlocking foam mat

Outside Play Mats, Outdoor Foam Mats

Anti-Slip Floor Interlocking Mat Black 600mm x 600mm x 10mm 6 Pack - Screwfix

Foam Mats 9 piece - Grey l Tiles - B&M