Beware of Plastic

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WHAT’S WRONG WITH PLASTIC?

 

 

 

Some types of plastics can leach chemicals into foods and beverages. These

chemicals include suspected carcinogens or endocrine (hormone) disruptors.

Hormone disruptors have the ability to mimic, block or otherwise

interfere with the signals of naturally-occurring hormones throughout the

body. Some scientists suspect that they may be linked to some alarming

health trends, including reduced sperm counts and fertility, and increases

in breast, testicular and prostate cancers.

 

Endocrine disrupting chemicals may be present in children’s toys, dental

sealants, food cans lined with plastic film or even shower curtains. While

some plastics appear to be free of these chemicals, there is currently no

way for the consumer to be absolutely sure of the safety of any plastic.

Nevertheless, being aware of the plastic recycling codes (see guide below)

can help you steer clear of plastics which currently may present a health

risk.   

 

Polyethylene terephthalate (PETE or PET) - no known hazards.

High density polyethylene (HDPE) - no known hazards.

Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC or Vinyl) - plasticizers (phthalates and DEHA)

are added to many PVC products. PVC is commonly used in plastic wraps and

in food containers. Avoid use.

Low density polyethylene (LDPE) - no know hazards.

Polypropylene (PP) - no known hazards.

Polystyrene (PS or styrofoam) - made from styrene and P-nonylphenol, both

suspected endocrine disrupters. Styrene is also a suspected carcinogen.

Styrene leaches into fatty foods and alcoholic beverages. Avoid Use.

Other resins, including polycarbonate (PC) - most clear plastic baby

bottles and 5-gallon water bottles are made of PC. Bisphenol-A, an

endocrine disrupter in PC, has been found in water and heated infant

formula heated in PC. Avoid use.

 

Information reprinted with permission from “The Green Guide” #77, March

2000

 

Note: A " microwavable " label on a plastic container only means it will not

break or melt in the microwave. It does not address the fact that certain

platicizing chemicals (noted above) can leach into food when heated. Foods

with a high fat content present the greatest risk as most chemicals that

leach from plastic are lipophilic (fat loving) and heat speeds up the

leaching process into the fat. To avoid this risk, never use plastic

containers to heat food. For heating or storage, use glass or lead-free

ceramic containers. Unwrap foods purchased in plastic wraps and store as

above or in wax paper or cellulose bags.

 

Printable version (pdf)

 

BACK

 

 

 

 

 

Now we can understand why the Oxford University philosopher, Prof. Sir A.J.

Ayer, made the following statement on the front cover of the first

edition of the Mail on Sunday.

 

" Christianity is morally outrageous and Intellectually contemptible. "