Bisphenol-A (BPA), a material used in household products such as
baby bottles, food-storage containers and the lining of soda cans,
imitates the sex hormone estradiol. It has been discovered that
even
the smallest amount of BPA can trigger detrimental changes in
the body, including an increased risk of breast cancer.
However, BPA is not the only packaging material to be wary of,
for reports have found all the plastics commonly used for food packaging
can leach suspected hormone disruptors. That's why, according to
a source from the International Plastics Task Force, the wisest
heath choice is to store foods in glass or ceramic containers when
possible and to avoid heating or microwaving foods in plastic.
Specific Plastics to Avoid
-
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC or vinyl): used to make Reynolds Wrap
and Polyvinyl Films cling wraps, the cling wrap most popularly
used in grocery stores.
-
Polystyrene (PS): found in its non-inflated form in some disposable
plastic cups and bowls and in most opaque plastic cutlery.
-
Polycarbonate (or "other" resins): used to make plastic
baby bottles, 5-gallon water bottles, clear plastic "sippy"
cups for children and some brands of plastic cutlery.
Further, since most grocery stores use PVC for their cling-wrapped
cheeses and meats, it would also be wise to trim off the outer layer
of such pre-packaged foods to reduce ingestion of DEHA--which has
been found to cause reproductive effects and liver tumors in test
animals. Canned foods, which can contain traces of bisphenol-A from
the plastic inner lining of the can, may also be a source of concern.
International
Plastics Task Force June, 2005
| 