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Plastics 101 Headlines warn us about hazardous chemicals in ordinary products. How much should we worry? The most recent controversy is over polycarbonate baby bottles containing bisphenol-A (BPA). What should you do? Information and knowledge is power. The more you know about a potential toxic chemical, (where it is found, how toxic it is, can it be avoided, etc….) the more you can make an informed decision about what to do. Alternatives exist to plastics. The more we learn about the negative impacts of plastics on our individual health and the environment – we can reject products and actively seek out other options in all aspects of our lives. General Rules to Follow: Avoid putting plastics into the microwave or dishwasher. If you must use the microwave, use glass, ceramic or corning wear. This way you avoid the toxic leaching of the plastics from entering your food. Also do not use plastic wrap (may contain PVC) on foods heated in the microwave. In fact when purchasing foods wrapped in plastic, you may opt to cut off a thin slice of food where the plastic touched and discard it. Avoid PVC (polyvinyl chloride-a plastic softener) in products like shower curtains and children’s toys. This is the worst plastic from both an environmental and health standpoint. Children might suck or chew the plastics and ingest PVC (recycle # 3) which is a known endocrine disrupter (mimic hormones and may interfere with children’s growth and development, may cause cancer). The Phthalates in the products can damage the liver, kidneys and reproductive systems. There are allegations that they can cause certain types of cancer and asthma. In 1998 Health Canada concluded that phthalates are potentially risky to infants who chew or suck on vinyl products. This PVC plastic is under a complete reassessment by the Ministers of Health and Environment. Plastics labeled #1, #2, #4 or #5 are not endocrine disrupters. Water and soft-drink bottles contain polyethylene terephthalate which are considered food safe and are intended for single use only. These bottles can often grow bacteria easily. The recycling symbol on these bottles are #1. Note; these bottles are listed as controversial plastics, better to be avoided as much as possible. Sport water bottles, plastic baby bottles, sippy cups, large water containers (19 liter and 5 gallon), and metal lined containers contain a toxic compound bisphenol-A. Bisphenol-A is a suspected hormone disrupter and has been found to stimulate prostate cancer cells to grow. BPA has been found to be cancer causing, neurologically damaging and cause behavioral damage in fetuses and children. This recycling symbol on these bottles is #7. Avoid their use!! Replace plastic baby bottles and water bottles with glass, and stainless steel bottles. Look for bottles with BPA-free labels. Plastics labeled #3, #6, and #7 are to be avoided. Many companies have already voluntarily taken products with Bisphenol-A content off their shelves. Consider purchasing kleen kanteen’s at your local health food store or on the internet in place of plastic water bottles. For safe baby bottle options, a local shop called Marley and Me have a wonderful selection. Do not store left-over foods in plastic containers. Throw out all your old margarine and yogurt containers, your Tupperware etc… and move to good old fashion glass containers, Pyrex and corning wear. What about your take-out containers. Bad news unfortunately! These containers, plastic cutlery, disposable cups and bowls contain polystyrene (recycle #6). Long-term exposure to styrene has been found to have effects on the central nervous system including headaches, fatigue, weakness and depression. Avoid them by bringing your own containers for a fill-up at your favorite restraint. Dawn Cormier-Hazen, HBSc., ND. |