Toxic Plastic

by Carol Chuang

According to a Centers for Disease Control (CDC) study, bisphenol A (BPA) is in the urine of 95 percent of the people tested. Studies in animals suggest that early-life exposure, at least for fetuses, infants, and children, can lead to genetic damage as BPA causes chromosomal errors at even very low levels.

BPA is a chemical used in many common products such as impact-resistant baby bottles, spill-proof toddler "sippy" cups, Nalgene water bottles, plastic storage containers, plastic utensils, dental sealants and the inside linings of just about every food or soda can.

What is BPA?

BPA is a chemical used to make polycarbonate - a clear, tough and lightweight plastic - as well as epoxy resins that line the insides of food and beverage cans. BPA is an estrogen "mimic". It activates the same receptors in the body as estrogen does. In the 1930s, BPA was first studied as a synthetic estrogen for women. Because hormones are the messengers in the body's endocrine system, chemicals like BPA disrupt the functions of the system.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved BPA for use in materials that come in contact with food three decades ago when there was little research about its risks. After the recent release of a number of research studies from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), the FDA says it will reconsider the safety of BPA.

The NIEHS studies show that BPA might be linked to increased rates of breast and prostate cancer, early onset of puberty in girls, type 2 diabetes, obesity, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a decline in semen quality, and urogenital abnormalities in male babies.

Women of childbearing age are at greatest risk. Early-life exposure can lead to genetic damage, as BPA causes chromosomal errors at even low levels. These chromosomal errors in the developing fetus can also lead to spontaneous miscarriages.

Heat Releases More Toxin

The problem with BPA is that it doesn't stay put in the plastic. It leaches into whatever food or beverage you put in a plastic container, canned goods, or plastic baby bottle. And if you microwave the containers or bottles, put hot liquids or foods into them, or wash them in the dishwasher with harsh detergents, you increase by 55 times the amount of BPA that leaches into your food or drink than when used cold! Moreover, the increased release of BPA continues even after the hot liquid is removed, leading to increased BPA leaching in cold drinks.

How to Minimize Your Exposure to Toxic Plastic

• Avoid using anything made with the clear, tough, lightweight plastic called polycarbonate. It contains BPA. Check the recycling symbol on the bottom of the container. If it's No. 7, the plastic may be polycarbonate. Not all No. 7 plastics are polycarbonate though; No. 7 is the "Other" category which covers mixtures of plastics that don't carry their own recycling symbol.

• Only use glass baby bottles and dishes for your baby. Give your baby natural fabric toys instead of plastic ones.

• Prepare or store food, especially hot foods and liquids, in glass, porcelain, or stainless steel dishes or containers.

• If you choose to use a microwave, don't microwave food in a plastic container. And never microwave anything covered in plastic wrap even if it is labeled "microwave safe".

• Replace canned foods with foods that are fresh, frozen, or packaged in aseptic (shelf-stable) boxes. At least one manufacturer, Eden Foods, lines its cans with a BPA alternative made from plant extracts.

• Avoid older versions of Delton dental sealant. (Dental sealants are plastic resins that a dentist bonds into the grooves of the chewing surface of a tooth to help prevent cavities.) Older sealants contain BPA; the newer Delton Plus sealants don't contain the chemical.

• Avoid using plastic made with the No. 3 recycling symbol (PVC or V). Polyvinyl chloride is another toxic plastic used for cling wrap, some plastic squeeze bottles, cooking oil and peanut butter jars, detergent and window cleaner bottles.

PVC is the least recyclable plastic and poses risks to both the environment and human health. PVC contains chlorine, so its manufacture can release highly dangerous dioxins. If you must cook with PVC, don't let the plastic touch the food. Never burn PVC, because it releases toxins.

• Avoid using plastic made with the No. 6 recycling symbol (PS). Polystyrene is used in Styrofoam food trays, egg cartons, disposable cups and bowls, carry-out containers and opaque plastic cutlery.

Polystyrene can leach potential toxins into foods. Never microwave food in polystyrene containers.

Safer Plastic Choices For Foods And Beverages

If you do choose to use plastic with your food, it is relatively safer to use those with recycling symbols No. 1 (PETE) 2 (HDPE), 4 (LDPE) and 5 (PP).

Water bottles from No. 1 and 2 are recommended for single use only.