Plastics of Concern
Which plastics should you avoid
There are two main plastics of concern. We recommend avoiding plastics with the recycling codes #3 (made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and contains phthalates) and #7 (usually made of polycarbonate and likely containing Bisphenol-A).
Both phthalates and Bisphenol-A are suspected endocrine disruptors, meaning that they can potentially disrupt the hormone system. Here is a link to the"Smart Plastics Guide: Healthier Food Uses of Plastics" [PDF] which has specific detailed information about each of the recycling codes and more of the scientific references for the information listed below). Click here for a list of baby bottles that do not contain Bisphenol-A.
Bisphenol-A (BPA)is the main ingredient in hard polycarbonate plastics used for drinking water bottles, food containers and some baby bottles. These plastics are used in many food and drink packaging materials, and are commonly used to coat metal products such as food cans, bottle tops and water supply pipes.
BPA can leach from plastic material. Human exposure to BPA likely comes from the consumption of food or liquid that has had direct contact with BPA-containing plastics.
Bisphenol-A has been linked in animal laboratory studies to reproductive damage, hormone disruption and reduced sperm count.
If you want to take a precautionary approach and avoid bisphenol A, these companies offer water bottles that do not contain bisphenol A including Kleen Kanteen and Sigg which is sold numerous stores including Whole Foods and Sportsman's Warehouse. Also, here is a list of baby bottles that do not contain Bisphenol A.
Phthalates are used to soften plastic and can be found in many products, including food containers, plastic wrap, toys, perfumes, beauty products, lubricants, wood finishers and building materials such as pipes, vinyl flooring and wallpaper. Phthalates are perhaps best known as the chemical that helps create that “new car smell.”
People can exposed to phthalates in many ways such as chewing on vinyl products (teethers, toys), eating contaminated food, inhalation (it can breakdown and get into house dust), and certain hospital tubing. People may also be exposed through the use of personal care and cosmetic products.
There are several types of phthalates, some of more concern than others. The one of most concern - DEHP- is considered a probable human carcinogen. DEHP and several other phthalates are suspected endocrine-disruptors, particularly of male sex hormones.
If you do use plastic products, be sure not to heat them or send them through the dishwasher, as this can increase the amount of leaching. Instead, consider using glass or ceramic, or look for products with recycling code #2 (high density polyethylene), #4 (low density polyethylene), or #5 (polypropylene). Also, even when plastic containers say “microwave safe,” using them in the microwave can cause the chemicals in the plastic to leach out into the food. Therefore, when microwaving food or beverages, always use a glass container.
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