Plastics and Our Health
Take a look around you – how many different types of plastic are found in your everyday environment? Plastic is everywhere – from your computer and your carpet to your food wrap and your food itself. We know that plastics don’t degrade – we find them in their original state in the landfill years and years after they entered. Are these plastics and the chemicals they contain entering more than just the landfill? What effects are they having on our health? Are they our only option or are there alternatives to all the plastics in our lives?
Plastics have been big talk in the news recently – specifically plastics containing bisphenol A (BPA). BPA is found in polycarbonate (PC) food and beverage containers (like plastic baby bottles, water-cooler bottles, sport bottles, and microwave oven dishes), the resin lining in metal cans of food, water supply pipes, and even some dental sealants. This chemical leaches out from the plastic and into the food and drink we are ingesting, and so onwards into our bodies. Why is this particular chemical gaining so much notoriety? BPA is a hormone disruptor; it interferes in the way our hormones perform all their functions required in the running of our bodies. Low-dose BPA exposure has been linked to mutated genital tracts, increased prostate weight, decreased testosterone, predisposition of breast and prostate cells to cancer, hyperactivity, structural brain damage, altered immune function, increased fat formation, and obesity. This list in itself is disturbing enough, but on top of that, a study from the Centers for Disease Control in the US found that 93% of people tested have had internal exposure to BPA. Environmentally, bisphenol A at low levels can also harm fish and organisms over time. It can currently be found in municipal wastewater.
Canada is taking action against bisphenol A; the first country in the world to do so. Under the Chemicals Management Plan, the government has completed a risk assessment of BPA, and on April 19, 2008 it started a 60 day public comment period which will lead to the decision on whether to ban the importation, sale, and advertising of PC baby bottles which contain BPA. The proposal also includes designating this chemical as “toxic” under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. The government’s approach with BPA is to target the danger in baby bottles and canned baby formula; because of higher exposure and lower body mass these chemicals have a greater effect on infants.
If it’s not good for babies, it can’t be good for the rest of us either. What can we do to decrease our exposure? Since BPA is found in polycarbonate plastics and canned food containers, reducing our dependence on these items will reduce our exposure. Polycarbonate (PC) plastics are marked with a recycling triangle #7. Not all #7’s are PC, but all PC’s are #7’s. They are found in many reusable water bottles including many types of Nalgene bottles. Switch to a healthier alternative; glass, stainless steel, or lined aluminum refillable bottles are available (Siggs, Kleen Kanteen, or just saving your glass juice bottle are great options). Recycle your #7 plastic bottles for proper disposal. Reduce dependence on canned food products; switching to fresh or frozen also provides a higher nutritional value.
Is bisphenol A the only point of concern with plastics? Absolutely not. Besides the health concerns we know about now, there will always be new ones being uncovered. Plastics in our landfills are also a huge issue that will be around for years to come.
Points to keep in mind when dealing with plastics -
o High temperatures and harsh detergents and will leach more toxins out of the plastics and into the food or water inside. High temperatures in washing, heating/microwaving, storing in direct sun or lighting, etc. can all cause chemicals to leach out in to the food within. (Microwaving and holding hot food and drink can cause BPA to be released 55 times more rapidly.) Hand wash plastics (especially if you are still using #7’s), don’t microwave food in plastic containers or cover in plastic wrap, and keep bottled water out of direct lighting.
o Carry your own reusable shopping bags wherever you go. Cut down on frivolous use of extra packaging. When buying items, find the non-plastic option (kids toys, shower curtains, food storage, diapers, etc.).
o Bottled water – when you see the recycling triangle #1, think one time use (difficult to clean, thin plastic leaches easy). Cut down/out the amount of single serving/single use water bottles you buy. An estimated 88% of these bottles end up in the landfill, so if you do purchase them, be sure to recycle.
o Better plastics to use (for now) include #2, #4, and #5. Save glass jars or use glass pyrex containers for storing leftovers.
Make a conscious effort to decrease your reliance on plastics. Whether for health or environmental reasons, any change away from excess use of plastic is a good move. Notice how much plastic is all around us. It’s time to do our part so our children aren’t left to live in a giant plastic playground.
References/Resources–
www.chemicalsubstanceschimiques.gc.ca
www.toxicnation.ca
www.mercola.com
www.greenlivingonline.com
Angela Wright is a Registered Nutritional Consulting Practitioner (RNCP) who operates Align Holistic Health and Nutritional Services. To personally reduce her plastics intake, she carries water with her wherever she goes in a Siggs bottle, takes her lunch in pyrex dishes, reuses plastic bread bags instead of using new sandwich bags or plastic wrap, and never leaves home without her reusable shopping bags. For more nutrition facts, whole food recipes, and information on her services, please visit her website – www.alignnutrition.com. Be sure to sign up for the Align Newsletter to keep informed of upcoming events and new recipes.
