chemical smell from new shoes: health risk?

peggy_j

Here's a new one for me: I ordered some sandals online and when they arrived, they have a weird chemical smell (coming from the sole, I'm guessing). Right now I have them on my back porch, de-gassing, but I'm wondering if anyone has heard about the health risk of chemicals from random items like this? If I can smell it, presumably I am breathing it in too. I'm actually more worried about keeping them in my bedroom closet 24x7 than the exposure through my feet. They're cute and comfy, but I'm leaning towards returning them. The label says "made in China." Anyone have a similar experience and/or thoughts? Thanks.

Signed,

The crazy lady who is trying to avoid environmental toxins

leggo

Hi Peggy. I learned my lesson a little while ago (posted about it actually). I had this vinyl, made in China jacket that I wore for years...I loved it so so much. One day, out of the blue, I got super itchy and when I took it off I could see the outline of where my tank top was. Every other part of my torso was covered in hives. Either it was a new allergy (which I doubt, I've never been allergic to anything in my life) or those toxins have been building up for years. I'm going with the latter. I really hated throwing it away, but I think it was trying to kill me :b 

farmerlucy

I hate the smell some plastics put off - especially in the "jelly" shoes - gives me an instant headache. I've always figure it was bad for you. Ugh

peggy_j

leggo and farmerlucy, thanks for your replies. That does it. I'm taking them back. They are cute sandals (and on sale!) but it's not worth it. Thanks for letting me know I'm not crazy (or not the only one who is crazy

leggo, one thing I've learned about allergies in general is that our bodies have an internal threshold. First, my understanding is that we never have an allergic reaction the first time we are exposed to something (surprising, but that's what I've heard) but on the next exposures we may, and our body's reaction can become increasingly severe. A couple years ago I began itching after taking a medication. When I late saw an allergist he said that my next exposure was likely to be much more severe. So even if it was "just" an allergy, it sounds like you made the right choice.

leggo

Peggy, thanks for telling me about allergies. I had no idea they work that way. That makes total sense. 

And no, you're not crazy. What's crazy is that this toxic stuff is even allowed to be sold. I guess nobody really cares about our environment killing us. It's sad that we're on our own to figure this stuff out and have to deal with the damage. Sigh.