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

Are the chemicals in your plastic food containers, water bottles and even baby bottles harming your health? I guess I'm not sure anymore.

The risks are not something I really want to take a chance with. Recently the Food and Drug Administration said that a chemical widely used in plastics is safe for children and adults, even though recent research has raised questions about its safety. Studies have linked the chemical bisphenol-A, or BPA, to increased risks for heart disease and diabetes, according to The New York Times, and to the development of precancerous lesions and reproductive issues in animals.

I realize that plastic food containers, reusable water bottles and plastic baby bottles are so popular because they're convenient. Which is not to be overlooked. But the price of convenience might have a dark side.

I used the facts from an article in a recent issue of EatingWell magazine to help me decide whether to replace my plastic containers with glass or another non-leaching option. Check out these four facts to decide for yourself:

1. Polycarbonate plastics, often used to make reusable water bottles, clear plastic food-storage containers and some baby bottles, contain BPA, an estrogenlike chemical also used in the linings of some food and drink cans. Studies link BPA to the development of precancerous lesions and abnormal development of reproductive systems in animals. While BPA can leach into food and drinks, whether it actually affects human health is currently not known. However, consumer concern peaked in April after the National Toxicology Program (part of the National Institutes of Health) issued a draft report noting that, given the current science, the possibility couldn't be ruled out.

2. What is known is that we're all exposed to plenty of the chemical. In a 2005 study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control, 95 percent of people screened tested positive for BPA.

3. Hot liquids and foods exacerbate leaching in BPA-containing plastics, suggests a study published earlier this year in Toxicology Letters. When researchers poured boiling water into polycarbonate drinking bottles, it caused up to 55 times more BPA to seep out than room-temperature water had.

4. Whether washing containers in hot water causes them to break down and release BPA the next time they're used isn't clear: Only a handful of studies have been conducted, and results are conflicting. While heating these plastics in the microwave hasn't been studied, it's not recommended. Anila Jacob, M.D., a scientist with the Environmental Working Group, says that we can assume there is increased leaching with any kind of heating.

The Bottom Line: Manufacturers currently aren't required to label BPA, so there's no way of knowing if it's present in the plastics or cans you use. For now, the best way to reduce your exposure is to use stainless steel, glass or plastics labeled "BPA-free." If you're not sure about a product contact the manufacturer for more information.

Are you concerned about plastics? Share your thoughts here.

Interested in living greener? Find more information to help you make healthy choices:

• Tap or bottled? Find out which water is better for you and the environment.
• Find out how plastic rates in the paper versus plastic bag debate.
  

By Michelle Edelbaum

Michelle is the associate editor of interactive for EatingWell Media Group. In between editing and writing, she enjoys sampling the tasty results of the easy, healthy recipes that the EatingWell Test Kitchen cooks are working on.

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