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3 Plastics to Avoid
Whether its in a hydration bottle or a baby bottle, wouldn’t you like to know if it has harmful toxins? This web page will be updated regularly to keep you informed of the latest health issues that affect all of us.Three key plastics to avoid are PVC #3, PS #6, and Other Plastics #7. How do you know what type of plastic it is? For the most part it is simple. Turn your container in question over and look at the bottom for the number. Most containers are labeled, however, if the container does not have a number, you might try contacting the manufacturer or place of purchase for that information.
#3 Polyvinyl Chloride or PVC:
PVC is found in containers holding cooking oils, peanut butter, as well as clear food packaging among others. Number 3 plastics are said to release toxins such as pthalates into liquids and food. The risk is the highest when these containers are heated, like in the microwave or fresh out of the hot dishwasher. According to the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, known as IATP, PVC needs additives and stabilizers to make it useable. For instance, lead is often added for strength, while plasticizers are added for flexibility. These additives are toxic and contribute to the further pollution of the planet and our bodies.
#6 Polystyrene or PS:
Polystyrene is found in carryout containers, disposable plastic plates, cups, etc., egg cartons, meat trays, and any soft or hard Styrofoam containers. Number 6 plastics can release toxins such as styrene especially when heated. Ergo that carryout container keeping your dinner warm!
#7 Other Plastics:
This category contains baby bottles, 3 and 5 gallon water bottles, sport hydration bottles, metal food can liners, clear plastic child sippy cups, and hard plastic food containers. The container may be labeled “#7”, or “Other”, or it may not be labeled at all. Assume that any unmarked plastic falls into this category and avoid using it as it may leach the toxin bisphenol-a (BPA) into its contents.
Also consider using a glass baby bottle instead of the standard #7 plastic. Baby bottles known to be made of polycarbonate are Avent, Evenflo (clear), First Years, Playtex Vent Aire, Sassy and Tupper Care. Sippy cups are also made of polycarbonate plastic. Consider using a hydration bottle that does not contain bisphenol-a (BPA) such as glass or metal with an approved inner liner. Health experts also advise against pregnant or nursing mothers using hydration bottles that contain BPA as it can be passed either to the fetus or to the nursing baby. For more information on BPA, refer to the article below.
For more information on the numbers visit the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy at iatp.com or click here for their Smart Plastics Guide.
Bisphenol-a (BPA) It Could Be in Your Body!
Popular hydration bottles leach toxins such as bisphenol-a (BPA) into their contents causing breast cancers, most recently found in men, abnormalities during fetal development, reproductive abnormalities, early puberty, and obesity. 95% of Americans are known to have a measurable amount of this chemical alone in their bodies.
What is BPA and How are People Exposed to It?
BPA is a synthetic form of estrogen which was originally developed as a hormone replacement drug and used to make a type of polycarbonate plastic and certain types of epoxy resins. Polycarbonate plastic is used in the production of some reusable hydration bottles and baby bottles, some plastic utensils, etc. This plastic is not found in single-serving water bottles. Some epoxy resins contain BPA and are used in dental composites and sealants, as corrosion-resistant metal coatings, and as coatings inside some food and beverage cans
For more information on the numbers visit the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy at iatp.com or click here for their Smart Plastics Guide.
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