Are Plastics a Potential Health Problem?

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A friend who has been coping with breast cancer asked me if drinking out of hard plastic bottles like the ones that hikers use could potentially put her at risk for more cancer due the chemical bisphenol-A. You may know it as BPA indicated by #7 on the bottom of containers for recycling purposes. Many reusable water bottles, some baby bottles, and clear plastic storage containers are made with polycarbonate plastic containing BPA. The lining of most canned food, pizza boxes, water pipes, cell phones, shower curtains, CDs and some dental sealants contain BPA. There is even a small amount of BPA in house dust and the air but the biggest part of our exposure comes from food and liquids.

What is BPA, why are we concerned about it and how can you lower your exposure to it? The health issue buzz focuses on BPA, a chemical which mimics or acts like the hormone estrogen and is referred to as an endocrine disrupting chemical. Animal studies have found that BPA is linked to abnormal development of reproductive systems and precancerous lesions. Last April a report from the National Toxicology Program found some concern for potential exposure of BPA to the fetus, infants and children yet stated that not enough research is available at this point. We don't have studies in humans but some researchers feel the same potential health problems seen in animals may occurs in humans along with others including the early onset of puberty and perhaps developmental problems.

From a food and drink standpoint, here is the concern. BPA does leach into food and drinks from cans, containers and bottles. In 2005 the Center for Disease Control conducted a study which found that 95% of the 2000+ people screened tested positive for BPA. It seems that we're all exposed to BPA on a regular basis or what's referred to as ubiquitous human exposure to BPA. A study this year published in Toxicology Letters found that hot liquids and food put into plastics containing BPA actually leached more of the chemical from the container into the food or liquid.50 times more.

Manufacturers do not have to label a product as to whether it contains BPA. Because consumer awareness of this potential health issue is growing, many manufacturers are now doing so. But you can also try these tips to help reduce your exposure to BPA.

1. Use plastics marked BPA-free or opt for stainless steel, glass or porcelain. Remember, you can email or call the manufacturer too if in doubt.
2. To prevent BPA from seeping into food and liquids, wash plastics by hand instead of in the dishwasher even if the container says dishwasher safe.
3. Also, forget about using plastics in the microwave and go with glass or porcelain that's made especially for a microwave.
4. This also includes plastic wrap for a cover. Use glass, paper towel or wax paper as better alternatives.
5. Try to avoid those white clamshell take-out containers. Both plastic wrap and these containers contain other plastics that may be problematic.
6. Try to stay away from #7 on the bottom of containers in terms of recycling unless the items say BPA-free. Choose #1 or #2 instead which use products abbreviated PETE and HDPE. At this point these options appear to be better for both health and recycling although not great for the environment.
7. Choose glass or BPA free infant formula bottles.
8. Select fresh or frozen foods over canned unless you find a manufacturer that uses an alternative to BPA in the lining. Eden Foods is one company that does this now and hopefully there are more who will follow. Also look for shelf stable cartons, pouches, bags and cups as alternatives to cans.

Keep a watch for more items marked BPA-free. You as the consumer have the power to lower your exposure to BPA by putting any of these tips into practice and communicating with the companies you like to do business with.