Are plastics harming your health? 4 facts to help you decide

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  Posted by Sparkle Wed Oct 1, 2008 4:06pm PDT

  I am very glad that there are more articles coming out about the use of plastics. I am one of the few people that has a "health" issue with the use of plastics for drinking. I was getting migraines daily and couldn't figure out why, so I started to eliminate foods until it came down to drinking bottled water. I couldn't believe I was allergic to water, but it happened every time I had a bottled water. Some mornings, I would only have a bottled water to see what happened and some days I just had something to eat, the migraine happened every time I drank the water. I figured I couldn't be allergic to water so I went to my allergist to check. He said he had recently been to a seminar in regards to plastic and allergies and it wasn't the water, but the bottle. It doesn't have to be just water either, juice or soda will do the same thing to me, as long as it is in the plastic bottle. Although unusual, my allergy is not uncommon, the plastic does seep into the liquid. Bottled liquids sit in their containers at the manufacturers, in the truck and on the shelf, going from hot to cold, and by the time we purchase them, the liquid has been in the container for months. I'm not saying ALL plastic is bad, I just think that if the studies and people like me know and FEEL the effects, maybe we should consider an alternative to using plastic containers for water, juices and soda. I know glass is dangerous because it can break, it is heavy and more expensive, but it is recyclable and better for the environment anyway. I only drink out of glass now, mainly because of the reaction I have to plastic, but I am also very nervous because of what I now know. It may not be the answer, but it doesn't hurt to try another way, cancer is one of the most deadly diseases, and if this is truly a factor, we owe it to ourselves and our children to explore it further and not just "assume" it's not true for consumer reasons. It doesn't hurt to try......

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  Posted by aj Wed Oct 1, 2008 4:37pm PDT

  So you think BPA is bad it might be that would not supprise me, but think about this. How many of us know or think about how bad fluoride is. Fluoride is highly toxic poison. First off it is aluminum manufacturing waste highly toxic, expensive, and hard to dispose of. Just read the back of your toothpaste it says if accidentally swallowed to contact the poison control center immediately. Buy the way the amount their refering to is much less than what we normally brush with. On top of that is has been pushed and marketed as(fluoride good for kids teeth, fights cavities). Fluoride is also put in the water supply. On average the same ammount of fluoride in one 8oz glass of water is the same amount as what is considered to be toxic if swallowed in toothpaste. Hey dont believe me just drink up Americia. Buy the way most all water filters can not filter fluoride. Hitler knew about water fluoridation he intentionally put fluoride in the drinking water at concentration camps. It makes people dosile and kills brain cells. Go to the library look up the subject eugenics or on the internet just type in the word eugenics mabey that will wake some more of us in this country up. If you want to really know whats happening in the world today go to youtube and type in endgame by alex jones. Watch that documentary it's free all kinds of stuff will start to make sence to you. For real news go to infowars.com and click listen live it's free and the show refeeds 24 hours a day till the next live show. If you disagree with whats being said call in and make sure to tell them you disagree they do not screen calls and you will move you to the front of the line because you disagree.

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  Posted by rbttha Wed Oct 1, 2008 6:33pm PDT

  I try not to use much plastic as I'm aware of the info in this article. Eliminating it entirely is difficult to do as many things (even organic food and drinks purchased from a health food store) are packaged this way as well. I line things with wax paper before heating, or wrap in wax paper THEN plastic to prserve leftovers. There are stainless steel water bottles that can be purchased when glass isn't the practical thing to carry. Anyone with a hormone imbalance is more predisposed to having a problem with BPA and other types of plastics. Also other food sources (meat that is not organic or free range) and fruit and vegetables (especially those from other countries) also have hormones from pesticides.

  It is frustrating that even "natural food" is packged with this type of plastic. Those companies don't do anything better for our health.

  Since Saudi Arabia owns most of the world's plastic...I think (like foreign oil) it's prudent to lessen one's dependence on it as much as you can NOW.

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  Posted by jdawg pragmatic Thu Oct 2, 2008 9:00am PDT

  I think "SHINE" is an appropriate name for this blog - using definition #15 in Dictionary.com...

  15. Informal. a foolish prank; caper.

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  Posted by EatingWell Magazine Thu Oct 2, 2008 12:13pm PDT

  From the Editors of EatingWell:

  The piece we wrote on the chemical bisphenol-A is based on scientific research and careful fact-checking. However, it was not intended to address every issue related to BPA in plastics. As we wrote, and the Food and Drug Administration recently concluded, more research is needed to determine the effects of BPA on human health. For those who are concerned, one of the best ways to reduce your exposure to BPA is to use glass or stainless steel containers.

  In the meantime, here are a few more facts you may want to know:

  · Where BPA is found: Some plastic baby bottles, dental sealants, the

  linings of food cans and food packaging, among others.

  · How to tell if a plastic contains BPA: Polycarbonate plastics (some of which may contain BPA)

  are labeled with recycling code 7. This code also identifies several other types of plastics, which may or may not contain BPA.

  · Note: Disposable plastic water bottles or soft drink bottles made from

  polyethylene terephthalate plastic (PET), which were shown in some pictures accompanying this blog, do not contain BPA. These plastics, generally labeled with a recycling code 1, are generally considered safe and fine for single use.

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  Posted by Nancy Sat Oct 4, 2008 2:23am PDT

  It's horrible! The only drinkable water in my country is bottled water!

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  Posted by Nancy Sat Oct 4, 2008 2:23am PDT

  It's horrible! The only drinkable water in my country is bottled water!

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