Where's the Corn in TOYS?

Toys. The symbols of an innocent, carefree childhood. America is up in arms about the hidden dangers of lead and melamine in products for young children, but we don't think twice about the sinister dangers lurking beneath the words "All Natural".

Nature is safe. For most folks.

There is an exception, though. As we keep pointing out, for those with allergies, nothing is sacred. Toys and other playthings are no exception.

Things to watch out for:
"Scented"--Many of us uncornies react to scents. Perhaps its the corn based ethanol, or maybe it's something else. Baby powder odors most certainly are applied with a liberal dose of cornstarch. Whatever the cause, scented baby dolls, play food kits, and other tantalizing playthings should send up large red flags.

"All natural, eco-friendly and/or Green"--as in all other areas, these words are more commonly found in unison with corn. Corn is cheap, readily available, and they need to get rid of it somehow. Alright, alright, it does have that nasty habit of actually decomposing quickly in a landfill which I suppose makes it technically eco-friendly, at least in some regards. Corn can be used to make cloth and stuffing for soft rag dolls and plushies; plastic polymers (think plastic tea sets)

Modeling compounds: Corn starch has great chemical properties for things like putty and play-dough. It's also non-toxic (when you aren't allergic to it) and the FDA claims it's hypoallergenic. Currently, FAAN seems to agree. Which makes it an appealing option to most child-friendly art suppliers.

Art supplies: As stated above, as a food product, corn based ingredients appeal to most companies that cater to kids. They feel it's a low allergy risk, and non toxic compared to most petroleum options. Besides, most parents reach for the label proclaiming "All natural!" It simply sells better.

Rattles and Beanbags: Corn kernels make a delightful rattling sound. They also settle well in the hand, and are slightly lighter and cheaper than dried beans. And, they can be used as soothing ice or hot packs. Corn kernels will eventually break down and the dust could, potentially, be problematic.

Cardboard: There are some playhuts and kitchen sets that include cardboard or are entirely designed of cardboard. Be aware that many corrugated cardboards are made with corn material. The dusty sensation many people experience when handling cardboard is corn starch, and when airborne (especially that thick) it can get accidentally ingested, causing GI reactions even for allergy sufferers who aren't contact sensitive.

Soft, malleable vinyl or plastic: these products, like the clothing for certain small pocket-sized dolls, can be coated with corn oil or starch to keep it from cracking. In fact, the manufacturers recommend regular dusting with baby powder or cornstarch. I'm not sure at this time if all toys can be cleaned of the residue, but many manufacturers will send out a coupon or rain check in return for merchandise that makes someone ill (You will probably need to return the product, with or without packaging; at their expense). So, if you react call the company and return the product. It lets them know there's a problem, and lets you get something safer for your household.

Anything meant to be blown up usually has a light dusting of cornstarch on the inside to keep it from attaching to itself; so don't use lung power to inflate balloons, swim rings or beach balls. A thorough rinsing of the outside, in theory, will remove corn starch residue.

Stuffed animals and other cloth: Corn is increasingly popular as an eco-friendly fiber. Watch out for corn stuffing, and soft corn fabric animals and dolls. The upside is, most manufacturers are proud of the corn-derived status. Popular names for corn fiber are amaizing wool (mostly used for mattresses and bedding for the time being) and Ingeo.

Where's the Corn in Clothing?

When you're dealing with a corn allergy, you're always on guard. It's there, everything that is packaged is carefully scrutinized for those tell tale words that mean "corn". And then, when the ingredient list passes the first scrutinization; you double check the packaging and call the company to verify that the ingredients of each ingredient is, indeed, safe for you to consume.

But sometimes, corn still sneaks up and bites you.

One of the most innocent seeming things is fabric. You wear it. You sleep on it. You wrap yourself up in it on a cold day. And shopping can be a fun, food free venture for the teenager in all of us.

Trying on clothes. Its as easy as pie. Easier, if you have a normal body style and like the current fashions.

Where could the harm come?

Unfortunately, as the corn growers association stretches the limit of their imaginations; and environmentalists stretch the limits of their imaginations, and anthropologists study the buying trends of the general public (We want sustainable goods! From new, natural, renewable resources!) corn finds its way into increasingly unexpected places.

Before trying on that dashing new blouse or flirty black dress, check the label. 100% cotton, or bamboo, or acrylic or even spandex might be okay. But if that label reads Ingeo, Natureworks PLA (From Cargill-Dow), Sorona or even simply "Corn Fibre"; buyer beware of even trying it on. Watch out for company issued uniform shirts too.

The main controversy against fitting humans out as corn husk dolls? The corn used to make many of these fabrics is genetically engineered. While that is a problem in and of itself, I'd like to know more about the potential for allergic reaction. As corn is considered hypoallergenic by many standards, and is an "all natural" fiber (as a native crop to the Americas) the labels are deceptively misleading. And how long does it really take to track down a mild rash? Or simple itching and discomfort? In our society we've learned to tune out our own instincts. Just look how long we used polyester. It's still in use, we just tend to blend it with breathable cotton for comfort sake.

Corn fabric is also being integrated into carpets, upholstery, mattresses, bedding, towels, and yarn.

And even if your fabric is certified, 100% cotton (and organic to boot); there's still the danger that it was washed in corn-laden laundry detergent. Read the ingredients of Seventh Generation or Natureclean to see corn proudly listed as a source ingredient on the label. That's not necessarily a bad thing. Corn is a better option for the environment than petroleum based chemicals that won't biodegrade into our soil. However...its still a safety issue for those of us who have allergic reactions to even minute amounts of the golden crop.

Clothes on store shelves may also be sprayed with anti-wrinkle agents, whose main ingredient is...you'll never guess...Yup, that's right...cornstarch. There are rumors from employees that similar measures are taken at second hand stores, clothing that looks more presentable is simply more salable. Luckily, a thorough washing should dissolve any corn-y residue...its just that anyone who is contact sensitive needs to beware.