Evidence is growing that chemicals from plastics used in cooking and food/drink storage are harmful to human health. The most disturbing of these are hormone (endocrine) disrupters, such as Bisphenol A (BPA), which can stimulate the growth of cancer cells. Exposure to BPA at a young age can cause genetic damage, and BPA has been linked to recurrent miscarriage in women. The health risks of plastic are significantly amplified in children, whose immune and organ systems are developing and are more vulnerable. The manufacture of plastic, as well as its destruction by incineration, pollutes air, land and water and exposes workers to toxic chemicals, including carcinogens. The evidence of health risks from certain plastics is increasingly appearing in established, peer-reviewed scientific journals.
There are several types of plastics in the market and our modern life cannot escape to this reality. Every place we turn we are consuming or purchasing products that have been packaged in plastic containers. I’m not a fan of plastic and have learned a great deal about its toxicity and effects on body functioning. So when I have no choice but have to buy something packaged in plastic I check the bottom of the container to see the number in the triangle (a symbol you cannot miss). The number inside the triangle will vary depending on the type of plastic. Replacing drinking bottles or kitchen containers may be a first step in order to reduce the amount of chemicals we’re exposed to. While avoiding plastic altogether is the safest bet, sometimes that can be hard to do.
http://www.lifewithoutplastic.com/factsonplastic.htm
The site above has a great guide to learn about these codes printed on plastic containers. I have included a short version here:
#1 (PET or PETE) The most common of all and it is used commonly with bottled water. This type of plastic is intended to be used only ONCE and then recycled. Health concerns: developmental delays in unborn babies and young children born to workers exposed to the chemical.
#2 (HDPE) Research is still being carried out regarding this plastic but so far it appears to be the safest option available.
#3 (Vinyl or PVC) A component of PVC called phthalates causes many of the problems associated with this plastic. Health concerns: endocrine disruption (mimics estrogen), asthma, allergic symptoms, decrease in sperm count, DNA damage in sperm, & brain cancer. Phthalates can be found in such products as toys, wallpaper, cosmetics and anything made of vinyl. The European Union, Fiji, Argentina & Mexico have already banned phthalates from being used in plastic toys for young children (Interesting that the U.S. still hasn’t banned it. Europe usually seems to be ahead of us health-wise).
#4 (LDPE) Research ongoing. Appears to be a somewhat safe option but recycling programs may not always accept it.
#5 (PP) Research ongoing. The second-best plastic option.
#6 (PS) (One form is “styrofoam") Health concerns: Endocrine disruption that can cause serious reproductive & developmental problems. Hot, oily foods are especially bad in this plastic as they cause the container to leach the chemical, styrene. This type should especially be avoided by pregnant women.
#7 (Other) This plastic often contains Bisphenol A (BPA), the chemical that many are trying to avoid in plastic baby bottles. BPA can be found in “dental sealants, eyeglass lenses, toys, consumer electronics, CDs, DVDs, medical equipment, cans, and reusable water bottles” (Source 2). BPA is also used as the lining in metal food cans (Grrr. That one makes me mad!). Health concerns: reproductive system damage/cancer, low sperm count and early puberty.
Summary:
Choose glass whenever possible!
Best plastics: #2, #4, #5
Other links to consult:
http://www.physorg.com/news142171566.html
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Evidence is growing that chemicals from plastics used in cooking and food/drink storage are harmful to human health. The most disturbing of these are hormone (endocrine) disrupters, such as Bisphenol A (BPA), which can stimulate the growth of cancer cells. Exposure to BPA at a young age can cause genetic damage, and BPA has been linked to recurrent miscarriage in women. The health risks of plastic are significantly amplified in children, whose immune and organ systems are developing and are more vulnerable. The manufacture of plastic, as well as its destruction by incineration, pollutes air, land and water and exposes workers to toxic chemicals, including carcinogens. The evidence of health risks from certain plastics is increasingly appearing in established, peer-reviewed scientific journals.
There are several types of plastics in the market and our modern life cannot escape to this reality. Every place we turn we are consuming or purchasing products that have been packaged in plastic containers. I’m not a fan of plastic and have learned a great deal about its toxicity and effects on body functioning. So when I have no choice but have to buy something packaged in plastic I check the bottom of the container to see the number in the triangle (a symbol you cannot miss). The number inside the triangle will vary depending on the type of plastic. Replacing drinking bottles or kitchen containers may be a first step in order to reduce the amount of chemicals we’re exposed to. While avoiding plastic altogether is the safest bet, sometimes that can be hard to do.
November 20, 2008 - 10:15pmhttp://www.lifewithoutplastic.com/factsonplastic.htm
The site above has a great guide to learn about these codes printed on plastic containers. I have included a short version here:
#1 (PET or PETE) The most common of all and it is used commonly with bottled water. This type of plastic is intended to be used only ONCE and then recycled. Health concerns: developmental delays in unborn babies and young children born to workers exposed to the chemical.
#2 (HDPE) Research is still being carried out regarding this plastic but so far it appears to be the safest option available.
#3 (Vinyl or PVC) A component of PVC called phthalates causes many of the problems associated with this plastic. Health concerns: endocrine disruption (mimics estrogen), asthma, allergic symptoms, decrease in sperm count, DNA damage in sperm, & brain cancer. Phthalates can be found in such products as toys, wallpaper, cosmetics and anything made of vinyl. The European Union, Fiji, Argentina & Mexico have already banned phthalates from being used in plastic toys for young children (Interesting that the U.S. still hasn’t banned it. Europe usually seems to be ahead of us health-wise).
#4 (LDPE) Research ongoing. Appears to be a somewhat safe option but recycling programs may not always accept it.
#5 (PP) Research ongoing. The second-best plastic option.
#6 (PS) (One form is “styrofoam") Health concerns: Endocrine disruption that can cause serious reproductive & developmental problems. Hot, oily foods are especially bad in this plastic as they cause the container to leach the chemical, styrene. This type should especially be avoided by pregnant women.
#7 (Other) This plastic often contains Bisphenol A (BPA), the chemical that many are trying to avoid in plastic baby bottles. BPA can be found in “dental sealants, eyeglass lenses, toys, consumer electronics, CDs, DVDs, medical equipment, cans, and reusable water bottles” (Source 2). BPA is also used as the lining in metal food cans (Grrr. That one makes me mad!). Health concerns: reproductive system damage/cancer, low sperm count and early puberty.
Summary:
Choose glass whenever possible!
Best plastics: #2, #4, #5
Other links to consult:
http://www.physorg.com/news142171566.html
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