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The dangers of DOP and DEHP

DOP and DEHP are chemicals that are sometimes used in various products, but they are also known for their potential health and environmental risks.

DOP (Di-Octyl Phthalate): DOP is a type of chemical known as a phthalate. It is often used as a plasticizer, which means it’s added to plastics to make them more flexible and durable. You can find DOP in various products like PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastics, vinyl flooring, toys, and even medical devices such as IV bags.

And they are often found in PVC strip curtains.

However, DOP has been a subject of concern because it can leach out of these products and potentially harm human health. It has been linked to health issues such as hormone disruption and developmental problems, especially in children.

DEHP (Di-Ethylhexyl Phthalate): DEHP is another type of phthalate that is commonly used as a plasticizer in various plastic products, including PVC items like vinyl flooring, clothing, and some medical devices like blood bags and tubing. Like DOP, DEHP has been a source of concern due to potential health risks. It can also leach out of products and may have harmful effects on hormones and development, particularly in children and pregnant women.

Arrow take the use of these chemicals very seriously and have omitted DOP and DEHP from our production of PVC curtains completely. With the recognised dangers inherent with the use of DOP and DEHP, you should always check with your supplier to see if they are being used in their production methods. When you consider that PVC strip curtains often feature in high traffic areas, are constantly being rubbed against, have contact with people and produce, why would you take the risk?

Here’s some handy tips that you can follow to see whether DOP or DEHP is used in your PVC strip curtains.

  1. Contact the Manufacturer or Supplier: Start by reaching out to the manufacturer or supplier of the PVC strip curtains. They should be able to provide information on the composition of the curtains and whether they contain DOP or DEHP.
  2. Check Product Labels and Documentation: Examine the product labels, packaging, and any accompanying documentation that came with the curtains. Manufacturers are often required to disclose information about hazardous chemicals used in their products.
  3. Review Safety Data Sheets: If you have access to safety data sheets  for the PVC strip curtains, these documents typically contain information about the chemical composition of the product. Look for any mention of DOP or DEHP.
  4. Independent Testing: You can also consider sending a sample of the PVC strip curtains to a testing laboratory for chemical analysis. This will provide you with a definitive answer regarding the presence of specific chemicals. However, this option can be costly and time-consuming.

The important note to take from this is, don’t be afraid to ask! The health issues attributed to the use of DOP and DEHP far outweigh the possible uncomfortable feeling you may have asking for the information.

The team at Arrow are always ready to answer your questions and provide any documentation you may wish to see.

You can also find out more about DOP and DEHP by clicking here

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