Scientists are worried about the possible health threats associated with plastic -- mostly due to the chemical bisphenol-A (BPA). BPA is an endocrine disruptor, and in numerous animal studies it’s been linked to cancer, infertility, obesity and early puberty.
BPA is used to make polycarbonate plastic or items marked with the number 7 on the bottom. Some plastic dishes, cups, reusable water bottles and baby bottles are made out of polycarbonate. Heating foods in polycarbonate plastic increases the amount of BPA that leaches into food. BPA also is used to line the inside of metal food and soda cans and can leach from the can liner into the food. Acidic foods like tomato sauces and soda absorb more BPA.
Other plastic containers, like those made with polyvinyl chloride or PVC and marked with the number 3, concern scientists for health and environmental reasons. PVC contains phthalates, softeners need to make the plastic bend. They have been found to interfere with hormonal development. The production of and burning of PVC plastic releases dioxin, a known carcinogen, into the atmosphere.
Safer Plastics
#1 PETE or PET (polyethylene terephthalate) -- used for most clear beverage bottles, such as 2-liter soda, cooking oil bottles and peanut butter jars. One of the most commonly recycled plastics on the planet.
#2 HDPE (high-density polyethylene) -- used to make most milk jugs.
#4 LDPE (low-density polyethylene) -- used in food storage bags, some cling wraps and some squeeze bottles.
#5 PP (polypropylene) -- used in opaque, hard containers, including some baby bottles and some cups and bowls. Drinking straws and yogurt containers are sometimes made with this.
Avoid These
#3 PVC (polyvinyl chloride) -- used in commercial plastic wraps and salad dressing bottles.
#6 PS (polystyrene) -- used in Styrofoam cups, meat trays and “clam-shell”-type containers.
#7 Other (these contain any plastic other than those used in #1-6. Most are polycarbonate which contain BPA) -- used in some water bottles, Nalgene water bottles, some baby bottles, and some metal can linings.
Some Easy Tips
- Using plastic water bottles? Use a metal or stainless steel container instead
- Using a plastic spatula? Try using a wooden spoon
- Using Tupperware? Try pyrex glass containers
- Using plastic cutting boards? How about a bamboo cutting board?
- Using a plastic lunch box? A stainless steel lunchbox provides a sturdy, elegant alternative