/oss/taxonomy/term/1495/all en /oss/article/environment-health-technology-you-asked/you-asked-are-foam-puzzle-mats-toxic-children <p>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.</p> Tue, 11 Feb 2014 08:09:26 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 2094 at /oss