Here’s
to your health
How safe are plastic bottles?
Although
most of us don’t know what it’s called,
we’ve been hearing about the possible health issues
related to using plastic food and drink containers. The National
Institute of Health identifies the cause of concern as BPA
(bisphenol A), a chemical found in many types of hard plastics,
such as water cooler bottles, baby bottles, and the plastic
covering inside food cans. It’s found just about everywhere
and experts have been debating its safety for nearly 20 years.
While
it’s true that most plastic containers aren’t
made with BPA, it’s often found in strong see-through
plastic called polycarbonate. Polycarbonate containers usually
have a #7 recycling symbol on them, but not all #7s contain
BPA.
It’s
been shown that tiny amounts of BPA can leech out of these
containers into food and drink and some studies
suggest that exposing plastic to high temperatures can cause
even more BPA to seep into foods.
There
has been concern expressed about potential harm from BPA
to unborn babies, infants and children. And although
study results are uncertain, Dr. John Bucher, associate director
of the National Toxicology Program states we “cannot
dismiss the possibility that BPA may affect human development.”
So even
after years of studies, inquiring minds still want to know:
How much BPA in our systems is bad for our health?
The answer remains: We’re not sure. The Food and Drug
Administration hasn’t recommended that people stop
using products made with BPA, but they do note that there
are alternatives for folks concerned about it.
If you’re so inclined, here are a few simple things
you can do to reduce your exposure to BPA. (1) Don’t
microwave polycarbonate plastic food containers. The plastic
may break down if repeatedly expose to high temperatures.
(2) Reduce your use of canned foods. (3) Whenever possible,
choose glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers – especially
for hot food or liquids. (4) Use baby bottles and water bottles
that are labeled “BPA free”.
[Source: National
Institute of Health]
For more information relating to the BPA controversy, including
information from the plastics industry, go to the Links page.
This article is for general
information only.
For specific medical information, please contact your health care provider.
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