Back-to-school in PVC

The Center for Health, Environment and Justice is trying to generate publicity for its annual Back to School Guide to PVC-Free School Supplies project, so don't be surprised if your favorite local newspaper or TV station picks up on the story. Many of the reports, like this one from Minnesota Public Radio, just give the anti-PVC side. There's no hint that not all experts agree that buying your kid a colorful vinyl book bag is hazardous to their health. So I thought it was noteworthy that this report from Ontario actually tried to add some context to the story. Along with the "PVC is bad" message, the reporter also interviews Keith Solomon, an environmental biology professor from the University of Guelph, who notes that PVC poses little risk in such products because they are not consumed. Even though the anchor concludes with a rhyme that implies that only certain types of plastic are safe, I doubt that most reports on the subject will be this balanced.