Nontoxic, Safe Bicycle Helmet

May 24, 2016 by Debra Lynn Dadd

Question from Grace

Hi Debra,

I am looking to start bike riding again and wondered if helmets were generally non-toxic and safe for someone with MCS? Are there any brands you recommend?

Thanks.

Debra's Answer

Well it only took 30 seconds to find out the materials used because someone had already compiled all the information at How Bicycle Helmets are Made. This website has a lot of information about helmets, but unfortunately not a list of least toxic helmets.

The liners are molded from Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) which is the same material used to make coffee cups. Years ago styrene was found in the blood of almost 100 percent of people tested. This part of the helmet is mostly made in China. Other foams are used as well, and they have a separate page just for Bicycle Helmet Liners: Foam and Other Materials.

“Polystyrene contains the toxic substances Styrene and Benzene, suspected carcinogens and nurotoxics that are hazardous humans.” Polystyrene Fast Facts, Harvard University.

The hard shell is PET (the plastic used for bottled water containers). It is glued to the liner, so there may be some toxic adhesive there. More expensive helmets have shells made of polycarbonate (that’s the plastic that contains BPA).

I’m just going to stop here. I think you get the idea. Many more chemicals are mentioned in this article.

I think this is an instance where the safety benefits of wearing a helmet outweigh the exposure. Keep yours in a garage or shed to reduce exposure in the house.