Can plasticizers and phthalates in kindergarten classrooms expose your child?

What's actually in it

Kindergarten classrooms contain vinyl flooring, plastic toys, foam mats, art supplies, and PVC-coated materials that all release plasticizers into the air and dust. These chemicals include both old-school phthalates and newer replacement plasticizers. Children spend 6 to 8 hours a day in these spaces, breathing in the air and touching surfaces covered in contaminated dust.

What the research says

A 2026 study in Environ Int measured plasticizer levels in kindergarten classrooms and identified where they come from. The researchers found both legacy phthalates and newer alternatives in classroom dust and air. Using source identification methods, they traced the chemicals back to specific materials in the rooms.

The study calculated that children in these classrooms absorbed plasticizers at levels that exceeded safety guidelines for some compounds. The main sources were PVC flooring, plastic furniture, and soft plastic toys.

Ask your child's school about the flooring and material choices in classrooms. Advocate for good ventilation and regular cleaning with HEPA vacuums. At home, choose natural materials for play areas.