A message for residents of the European Union and California

As with a large number of plastics, oilcloth is manufactured with a compound called "phthalate", which helps vinyl stay soft and flexible. (You'll find it in everything from garden hoses and plastic wraps to auto interiors and medical equipment.) Some studies have shown that high doses of phthalates can mimic hormones in young lab animals, which some surmise might lead to early puberty or other developmental abnormalities. While phthalates are not considered harmful to adults, the European Union and the State of California have chosen to mandate the elimination of its use in the manufacture of products designed for babies and young children (baby bottles, toys, etc.) As a result, oilcloth should not be used in for items designed for small children in those locales.