ABSTRACT: Many of us are aware of the hazards that plastics have been creating on our environment over the years, but how many are aware of the detrimental risks plastic bottles and containers have toward our health?
CONTENT: Poisoning might be a strong word to use here in association with our use of plastic bottles, but there are certainly severe health risks that are involved by using them. Over these many years plastic bottles have become a very convenient alternative to the heavier, breakable glass bottles or containers. It really wasn't really all that long ago, that beverages such as soda, juice, water and milk were sold in glass bottles. Also, women with babies also relied on glass bottles to fed their children formula.
I suppose when plastic bottles replaced glass, we all thought of the wonderful advantages of such containers. They were lighter in weight, and best of all of course, was the fact that plastic bottles didn't break. Not only have beverages been commonly sold in plastic bottles, but more and more plastic container usage is being found in many food items as well, such as ketchup, mustard, vinegar, cooking oils, mayonnaise, salad dressings and so forth. Many canned food items as well, have a thin layer of plastic lining the cans. With all this seeming convenience however, have we been putting our health at risk?
Almost on a daily basis, we're are hearing not only of the harm plastics are creating to our environment, as none are biodegradable, but worse we are hearing of the potential dangers plastic bottles and containers have toward our health.
All plastics are made of chemical compounds that includes the use of petroleum, but many also contain other added chemicals that are known toxins. If one looks on the bottom of any plastic bottle or container, one will see a triangle that has a number rating on it from #1 to #7. These are the numbers to be aware of and can tell you which plastic bottle has the most potential for health risks. For instance one of the chemicals used in plastics is di-2-ehtylhexyl phthalate or DEHP, and is one of the chemicals used and found in the #3 PVC or Polyvinyl plastics, however there are traces of DEHP in the more commonly used #1 PETE (polyethylene terephthalate).
Polyvinyl or PVC plastics have been commonly called the Poison Plastic. When both manufactured and/or burned, it releases toxins in the air. This deadly plastic is not only found in any #3 bottles or containers, but in just about any household product in plastics and even in children's toys. (1) Anytime one purchases any item made of plastic, and it has that plastic "smell" you can bet it is a PVC plastic.
The #1 type bottle can be recognized by its very clear, see- through transparent appearance and is the one most used for almost all water bottles, especially the smaller ones, sodas, juices, and the condiments I've previously mentioned. Not only will the #1 be visible but usually the word PETE is also on the bottle. This is the type of bottle that is primarily manufactured for one-time usage only and it's not recommended to reuse it again, no matter how well one cleans it out. The older the bottle is, and if reused the more risks are involved that this toxic DEHP chemical will leach into the beverage. However the health risks aren't only apparent when one reuses the bottle but even in unopened bottles or containers. As far back as 2003 there had been a study and random testing had been conducted on unopened water bottles, and it was discovered that the amounts of DEHP had increased very significantly the longer the bottled water had remained on store shelves.(2)
Another highly toxic plastic is the one which contains the chemical known as Bisphenol A or BPA and this plastic is given the code #7. This plastic is most commonly used not only for large five-gallon water containers, but some so-called reusable sports beverage bottles such as manufactured by Nalgene, as a plastic lining for many canned foods, but worse is the plastic used for baby bottles.
The toxic BPA is even more traceable whenever such a container or bottle is heated, and that even includes the process of washing such plastic bottles or containers in hot water. In an article featured on April 16, 2008 by the New York Times, Canada is making moves to ban use of BPA in all bottle containers, especially those of baby bottles.(3) Perhaps we in America and the rest of the world should follow suit.
Just exactly what are the health risks involved with any of these toxic plastic containers or bottles especially those with BPA?
1). Can impair brain function in development
2). Can affect hormonal levels and proper reproductive functions especially in women
3). Can be a contributing factor and link to the development of Alzheimer's disease
4). Can trigger early puberty in children
5). Possible links to cancer(4)
These are just some of the health risks that can endanger us all with using any plastic bottle or container containing BPA, but think just how damaging this is to infants and children who are being feed formulas using baby bottles with this toxic chemical. And while none of these articles I've read have outrightly listed or suggested this as a potential health risk in children, could this be an explanation in the rise of such behavioral problems as ADHD or autism since BPA has been linked with brain impairment and function?
We obviously can't eliminate plastic containers or bottles completely in our lives, but we can at least monitor carefully just what kind of plastics we are using whenever we buy beverages or foods by being aware of those code numbers. We most certainly can completely eliminate any plastic #7 container such as those used for baby bottles and in this case switch to the old fashioned glass type baby bottles or baby bottles that are made out of the #5 type plastic which is considered safer.
More Information About Plastic Products
http://www.chej.org/BESAFE/pvc/about.htm(1)
http://thegreenguide.com/doc/101/plastic (2)
http://www.simplyneecy.com/simplyhealthy/2008/02/dangers-of-plas.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/16/business/worldbusiness/16plastic.html?
ex=1224043200&en=4d20b3af50fc113a&ei=5087&excamp=GGBUplasticdanger&WT.srch=1&WT.mc_ev=click&WT.mc_id=BI-S-E-GG-NA-S-plastic_danger (3)
http://www.ewg.org/node/25991
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070804101711.htm
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080422114734.htm (4)
Video about dangers of plastics
http://video.nbcsandiego.com/player/?id=23851
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