There are many harmful and hazardous items that can be found in our home. Including toxic cleaning materials, petrochemical-based detergents, ammonia, toxic pesticides and even what you think are harmless, plastics containers for food.
Since I have a 3 year old kid and another one on the way, I realized that, it’s time to get organic from the very core. Not only in what we eat but also the place we live.
I will start with what we think are harmless food containers called “Plastic.” Our food seems to be always touching plastics. From food production, preparation and packaging. Even at home, we store and reheat the leftovers in plastic containers.
So, what’s in a plastic?
1. BPA (Bisphenol A)
Used in: hardening of plastics. Used in containers that store food, beverages and consumer goods. It is also found in detergents, toys, cosmetics and pesticides. It is also use to coat the inside of metal products, such as food cans, bottle tops, and water supply lines.
What can it do to the body: a known “endocrine disruptors” – there are chemicals than interfere with body’s endocrine system. They mimic the naturally occurring hormones in the body like estrogen, androgens, thyroid hormones, potentially causing over stimulation.
One large, well-conducted study in humans showed that people who had high levels of BPA in the urine had a higher rate of diabetes, heart disease, and liver toxicity. (WebMD) http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/cookware-plastics-shoppers-guide-to-food-safety#2
How to avoid BPA
Eat less canned food. Can linings can leach BPA directly into food.
Breastfeed your baby. BPA can be found in formula milk cans and baby bottles.
Avoid bottles and plastic containers that are made from polycarbonate. (usually marked with Number 7 & or PC). Look at the number at the bottom of the plastic container.
“Keep in mind that heating and washing polycarbonate bottles can increase the amount of BPA that leaches out.”
2. Phthalates
Used in: These are used in so many products that they are so impossible to avoid. From PVC pipes, dust your breathe, to perfume you use.
What can it do to the body: Like BPA, phthalates disrupt hormones -- in this case, the male hormone, testosterone. Phthalates are thought to block the action of testosterone in males, causing significant effects on the male reproductive tract and other organs" in high-dose animal studies.
To avoid phthalates: Avoid polyvinyl chloride (marked by number 3 or PVC)
In General:
- While some plastics are okay such as Polypropylene (used for take away food containers), as a general rule it is safer to avoid using any “plastic container” when cooking, or reheating food in a microwave oven. Toxic substances are more likely to migrate and leach into foods at high temperatures.
- Use glass containers instead.
- Breastfeed your baby directly.
- Use cloth for diapers. Some disposable diapers have Phthalates.
Because of these things, I removed all the plastic container at home especially the ones touching my family’s food. We now use:
- Glass bottles in storing water or any juice in the refrigerator.
- Glass container in reheating in the microwave or oven.
- Glass plates and glasses.
- Glass food container in storing food.
I am still in my baby steps in making our home green. I hope you walk with me as we protect the family we love so dearly.
Watch out for more post on making our home green.
Going Green,
Doc Pinky
Sources
niehs.gov
CNN
Mayoclinic
WebMD
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