IS “SAFE PLASTIC” AN OXYMORON?

The short answer is YES, but as one who is rarely if ever satisfied with a short answer, I will go on and on (as I am wont to do) to elaborate on the subject.

WHAT HARMFUL CHEMICALS ARE IN PLASTIC?
Some plastics are safer than others. However, many plastics contain known toxic compounds such as phthalates and bisphenol A.

Phthalates are used as softeners in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products which include children's toys and pacifiers, plastic containers, shower curtains, medical equipment, food wraps, cosmetics, an ingredient in fragrances, and a multitude of other products.1 Products containing phthalates break down, creating phthalate dust.2

Bisphenol A (BPA) is used in hard plastics like baby bottles and pacifiers, food containers, water bottles, linings of tin cans for food, dental sealants, and many other products. It is known to leach into foods, especially when heated or as the plastic ages. On recyclable items it is designated as number seven.

Heating products with these chemicals, either in a microwave or dishwasher, causes the chemicals to leach out at a much greater rate, yet these containers come with the announcement that they are microwave- and dishwasher-safe. It is safe in that the container will not melt. In advertising no differentiation is made between the different categories of “safe”, and safe to our health is NOT the kind being referred to.

WHAT MAKES THEM HARMFUL?
These chemical compounds are endocrine disruptors, and here's why you should care about that: They behave like estrogens in the body, disrupting the function of natural hormones. Estrogen is a primary female hormone and occurs in males at a lower level, but the right amount is vital to the healthy structure and cellular functioning of both genders. Too much estrogen or estrogen-mimicking hormones are implicated in breast cancer and many other diseases and health complications.

Phthalates are suspected of contributing to early puberty, asthma, hay fever, and eczema in children. Male fertility is significantly compromised by a high level of phthalates in the body, as is thyroid function. In 2000, the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) conducted studies and found phthalates in every person tested, and at surprisingly high levels.3 According to Collaborative for Health & the Environment (CHE), both the European Union and the State of California have banned phthalates. Do they know something we don't know?!

Bisphenol A (BPA) is suspected of contributing to breast & prostate cancer, reduced fertility, obesity,4 early puberty, insulin resistance (which can lead to diabetes), and attention-deficit disorder. In a CDC study of 400 people, 95% had significant levels of BPA in their blood. And harmful effects are evident with very low doses of the chemical.5 In 2006, San Francisco banned products that contain BPA. Interestingly, 130 independent studies found BPA to have harmful effects, while industry-backed studies found no danger. The FDA, which regulates such things, has decided that “the dietary exposure to BPA … is safe".6

For the fascinating details of a study of ten Oregonians, conducted by Oregon Environmental Council and CHE, visit this website: http://oeconline.org/pollutioninpeople

REDUCING YOUR EXPOSURE to PHTHALATES

• Find companies that make phthalate-free products
• Avoid PVC by using glass, metal, ceramic, wood, or other natural non-PVC products
• Avoid plastics with recycling code # 3
• Store food in polyethylene wrap or bags (e.g. GLAD brand) or glass
• Do not use plastic containers in the microwave or dishwasher
• Look for toys made from polypropylene or polyethylene, or avoid plastic toys.
• Avoid products with “fragrance” as an ingredient since it almost certainly contains phthalates. Choose products with essential oils instead.

Eco-Healthy Childcare facilities are emerging. In Oregon, you can choose from a list created by Oregon Environmental Council. Click here for a complete list of providers currently endorsed as Eco-Healthy.

OEC provides this list of resources for non-PVC products:

• PVC Free campaign, including detailed info and alternatives, CHEJ
• For detailed information on PVC hazards and alternatives, Greenpeace
• How to Find and Avoid Toxic Vinyl (PVC) in Your Home, Greenpeace USA
• PVC Alternatives for Building Materials, Healthy Building Network
• PVC Alternatives for Medical Products, Sustainable Hospitals Project
• PVC-Free Office Supplies, Sustainable Hospitals Project

REDUCING YOUR EXPOSURE to BPA

• Avoid polycarbonate plastics which are recycle code #7 PC, and #3
• Choose fresh foods and drinks instead of canned, as can linings contain BPA
• Ask for BPA-free dental sealants and composite fillings
• Use water bottles & plastic containers with recycle code HDPE #2 or LDPE #4 or #5
• Use Klean Kantene or Sigg water bottles
• Don't put plastics in the dishwasher or microwave

Studies show that bisphenol A can alter cell behavior at levels in the parts per trillion range. Humans commonly receive exposures 10 to 100 times greater.7 We would all be well-served to make every effort to cut these exposures. This is no small task, but with good information and focused intent, it can be done.

Citations

1. Case Study: Phthalates
2. Oregon Environmental Council; “Plastics of Concern”
3. Environmental Working Group; http://www.ewg.org/node/21838
4. Oregon Environmental Council; http://oeconline.org/pollutioninpeople/chemicals/bpa
5. Environmental Working Group; http://www.ewg.org/node/21838
6. ABC News online; July 2006; Jaime Hennessey
7. http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2007-10-30-plastics-cover_N.htm