Guest Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 I have some polystyrene that came in a parcel the other day. The ones that are s shaped and tube shaped, some are easy to squeeze. My daughter suggested I keep them and use them for art or something but I was unsure that they are ok for a 13 month and a 19 month old. Ideas please. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 we dont use them in preschool as they are a chocking hazard and dont show up on xrays i have been told. such a shame at they are great for craft. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Yes I have heard this so dont allow it in the nursery Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Ok thanks. Thought this would be the case. Even if I was supervising I suppose it would be a danger that isn't worth taking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnonyMouse_73 Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 must be tired, I read this as panicking polysterene and imagined all these little bits jumping up and down! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnonyMouse_29641 Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 I can see the problem with the choking hazard but if you assessed the risk and only brought them out for 'special' supervised time then maybe e they could still be used. You could use it in adult led activity - threading with bodkin and thread. What about collage with bubble wrap and noodles? And could you use it to bulk up your potting compost? Honey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnonyMouse_79 Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 must be tired, I read this as panicking polysterene and imagined all these little bits jumping up and down! Lovely image, Mundia! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnonyMouse_705 Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 I looked into the use of polystyrene some time ago, contacting various agencies asking if there were anything written down as fact. Not many places had anything written down but I eventually contacted the PLA who said that they did not recommend the use of polystyrene in settings, for the reasons mentioned. Will try to do a forum search and paste a link. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 I worked in a setting where a child stuck little bits up his nose ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnonyMouse_1195 Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 Both local authorities I have recently worked in do not allow polystyrene bits or sheets to be used in schools because of the dangers of inhaling it if it disintegrates, as well as being a choking hazard. Styrene is also thought to be a carcinogen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 We don't use polystyrene but the cornstarch pieces often used now are great and can be bought in an expensive coloured version from ELC. Years ago a little boy in my setting inserted pieces of poylstyrene in his ears (at home) They were apparently 'alien microphones!' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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