Dangers of plastics - printable

[sugarfish]

This is a good printable document to help you work out which plastics are the most dangerous when used in cooking and food preparation, storage and serving.

http://www.agobservatory.org/library.cfm?refid=77083


Here is a summary from the printout:

The worst culprits are those with the recycle (triangle with arrows) symbols 3, 6 and 7 (only some).

7 is "other" and is usually polycarbonate which is used in most plastic baby bottles, 5-gallon water bottles, “sport” water bottles, metal food can liners, clear plastic “sippy” cups and some clear plastic cutlery.

Polycarbonate contains BPA which exposure to may bring about:

• Early onset of puberty, and stimulation of mammary gland development in females
• Changes in gender-specific behavior
• Changes in hormones, including decreased testosterone
• Increased prostate size
• Decreased sperm production
• Altered immune function
• Behavioral effects including hyperactivity, increased aggressiveness, impaired learning and other changes in behavior.

3 is DEHA which is found in PVC clingwrap. It can leach into oily foods on contact and when heated. DEHA exposure is linked to negative effects on the liver, kidney, spleen, bone formation and body weight. It is also a possible human carcinogen, affecting the liver.

6 is Polystyrene, used in Styrofoam food trays, egg cartons, disposable cups and bowls, carry-out containers and opaque plastic cutlery. Styrene can leach from polystyrene plastic. Styrene is toxic to the brain and nervous system, among workers with longer-term exposures, but also has been found to adversely affect red blood cells, liver, kidneys and stomach in animal studies.


The main things you can do include:

1. Avoid using plastic containers in the microwave.

2. Avoid clingwraps, especially in the microwave (use waxed paper or paper towel to cover food).

3. Use alternatives to plastic packaging whenever possible.

4. Use alternatives to polycarbonate plastic baby bottles and “sippy” cups.

5. Avoid plastic water bottles unless travelling and have no alternative and don't reuse single use plastic bottles.

6. Avoid PVC products such as plastic containers, toys and building products.



Ruth xx

[Clover]

Thanks for the info Ruth. I am already conscious of plastic but still use it. Might have to change me thinks!!

[annah]

WOW that definately has made an impact on me! Going to research plastic alternatives

[Julianne]

Thank you so much for this information, I have been concerned about this lately.

[sugarfish]

I have added some info about this onto my blog as well as a Stainless Steel water bottle giveaway

SugarFish

Ruth xx