Are PLASTICS SAFE?
October 2009
BPA (Bisphenol A) is an estrogen-mimicking chemical used to make polycarbonate, a clear and rigid plastic that is found in numerous products, including:
• Polycarbonate plastic baby bottles
• Large water-cooler containers and sports bottles
• Bottle tops
• Microwave-oven dishes
• Canned-food liners
• Some dental sealants for children
• Water supply pipes
The use of BPA is pervasive with industry using more than 6 billion pounds of BPA a year; and scientists have found that 95 percent of people tested have dangerous levels of BPA in their bodies.
A major problem with BPA is that it doesn't stay in the plastic. It leeches into food or beverages put in plastic containers, canned goods or plastic baby bottles. Even worse, if you microwave the containers or bottles, or place hot liquids or food into them, BPA is released 55 times more rapidly.
Dr. Mercola's 10 Tips to Reduce Your Exposure to BPA
1. Only use glass baby bottles and dishes for your baby
2. Give your baby natural fabric toys instead of plastic ones
3. Store your food and beverages in glass containers, NOT plastic
4. If you choose to use a microwave, don't microwave food in a plastic container
5. Stop buying and consuming canned foods and drinks
6. Avoid using plastic wrap (and never microwave anything covered in it)
7. Get rid of your plastic dishes and cups, and replace them with glass varieties
8. If you opt to use plastic kitchenware, at least get rid of the older, scratched-up varieties, avoid putting them in the dishwasher, and don't wash them with harsh detergents, as these things can cause more chemicals to leach into your food
9. Avoid using bottled water; filter your own using a reverse osmosis filter instead
10. Before allowing a dental sealant to be applied to you, or your children's, teeth, ask your dentist to verify that it does not contain BPA
Look at the Plastic Recycling Labels
In the event that you do opt to use plastic containers for your food, be sure to avoid those marked on the bottom with the recycling label No. 7, as these varieties may contain BPA.
Containers marked with the recycling labels No. 1, No. 2, and No. 4 do not contain BPA (however they may contain other unsavory chemicals that you're best off avoiding by using glass instead).
Here is an assortment of resources for locating and buying BPA-free products:
· Amazon.com's BPA-free section lists water bottles, glass food storage containers, baby bottles and sippy cups.
· Rubbermaid says that some of its food storage containers and water bottles contain BPA, while others do not.
· Nalgene now offers BPA-free water bottles.
· Brita, which makes water filtration products, says that its pitchers and filters don't contain BPA.
· SC Johnson, which makes Saran brand wraps and Ziploc bags and containers, says that it doesn't use BPA in its products.
· Consumer Reports describes its BPA test results on baby bottles and provides advice on choosing safe plastics.
If you'd like assistance getting the toxins out of your environment and your eating habits back on track, try a complimentary 30-minute sample coaching session. See how coaching can help you design a plan and provide support so you can feel great and accomplish your goals. 847-971-3643 andrea@hgcoaching.com
