07.28.09
Plastics!
This is a quick summary of an article by Linda B. White, M.D., in the August/September 2009 issue of Mother Earth News. (One of the few magazines I read from cover to cover.)
BPA (bisphenol A) made big news stories earlier this year. It’s used to produce polycarbonate and epoxy resins and its in a ton of things – many drinking containers, the lining of most food and beverage cans, bottle caps, plastic cutlery, plastic food storage containers, toys, dental sealants, some dental composites, water pipes, and eyeglass lenses. It’s also in printer ink, newspapers, carbonless receipts, most recycled paper – including paper towels and paper used to contain food.
It can get into our bodies because BPA migrates from the plastic into the things it touches. The list of potential side effects is like reading something from the Island of Dr. Moreau. If you really want to see them, get the magazine article. Trust me, they’re scary.
Then there’s something called phthalates. (Gesundheit!) These are used to soften plastics in things like children’s toys, plus a plethora of person hygiene products. Phthalates have been linked to reproductive problems, male and female, plus asthma and allergic conditions.
We’re all doomed.
Eventually, yes. But in the meantime, here’s how to help avoid BHP –
No canned food. (I’m really up a creek, here.)
Try to find plastic wrap without BHP.
Warm and store food in ceramic or glass containers.
Make sure baby bottles, etc. are BHP free.
Avoid plastic bottled water.
Use metal or wooden utensils when you cook. Use wood rather than plastic cutting boards and clean thoroughly when you’re done.
Bring your own containers for carry-out or doggy-bags.
Avoiding phthalates:
Look for “phthalates free” on the label of personal care products.
Use fragrance free detergents, cleansers, and personal care products.
Avoid products made of vinyl plastic usually labeled as #3.
Earlier this year, my husband and I discontinued using any water bottles with a #5 on the bottom (linked to BPA). There is an e-mail floating around about Sheryl Crow getting breast cancer from continuing to drink water from plastic bottles that were warm from being left in her car. Sounds like a good tip to me.
Try using a Sigg or other stainless steel bottle instead. More alternatives are available if you keep shopping. In fact, in this week’s Target flyer, they have water bottles (for kids going back to school) labeled BPA free! Go Target!
*I was just at Rusted Moon Outfitters in Broad Ripple and they have a great selection of BPA free water bottles. Check it out and support the local economy! http://www.rustedmoonoutfitters.com/
OK. So plastics are not evil. Just don’t eat them.
