The most controversial chemical added to plastic is bisphenol A (BPA). Because BPA behaves like a hormone, it can have harmful effects. BPA is banned in baby bottles but is still used in a wide range of other plastic products. Other substances leaching from plastic can also be harmful to health. An online article in the Huffington Post states that over 90% of the American population has detectable levels of BPA in their urine, and that especially women who are pregnant or want to become pregnant should avoid BPA.
The article provides the following tips:
1. Avoid plastic bottles with spring water and use your own glass or metal water bottles (and only metal bottles without plastic coatings).
2. Always carry a metal spoon and fork with you, so you don’t have to use plastic disposable cutlery when eating on the go.
3. Reduce the use of canned foods that have a plastic coating (epoxy resins) on the inside, such as soup cans or beer cans. These often contain BPA. Choose glass where possible.
4. Avoid the plastic water coolers commonly found in offices; just drink tap water instead.
5. Store food in glass.
6. Bring your own cup for drinks on the go, or ask for a real (ceramic or metal) coffee cup. Toxins are more likely to leach from plastic cups when filled with hot beverages.
7. Avoid using non-stick cookware (polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE, like Teflon) and heating food or drinks in plastic in the microwave.
8. Minimize the use of hard plastic materials in the kitchen, such as spatulas, blenders, measuring cups, and strainers. Replace them with tools made of wood, metal, or glass.
9. Shop with your own (cotton) bag.
2. Always carry a metal spoon and fork with you, so you don’t have to use plastic disposable cutlery when eating on the go.
3. Reduce the use of canned foods that have a plastic coating (epoxy resins) on the inside, such as soup cans or beer cans. These often contain BPA. Choose glass where possible.
4. Avoid the plastic water coolers commonly found in offices; just drink tap water instead.
5. Store food in glass.
6. Bring your own cup for drinks on the go, or ask for a real (ceramic or metal) coffee cup. Toxins are more likely to leach from plastic cups when filled with hot beverages.
7. Avoid using non-stick cookware (polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE, like Teflon) and heating food or drinks in plastic in the microwave.
8. Minimize the use of hard plastic materials in the kitchen, such as spatulas, blenders, measuring cups, and strainers. Replace them with tools made of wood, metal, or glass.
9. Shop with your own (cotton) bag.
Photo: Jack Fussell
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