Sunday, February 17, 2008

Beware of Plastics?

I am sure some of you have heard the controversy in the news regarding plastics. No, I don't mean the lead content in toys (produced mainly in China)....that is a whole other issue to worry about.

The reports that I am referring to, are about plastics leaching a chemical called bisphenol A, particularily when heated (microwave OR dishwasher). Now, I have been aware for the last several months of some of the potential problems with heating food in plastic dishes in the microwave. As a result of that knowledge, I have stopped putting hot food on or in plastic dishes altogether. BUT, I wasn't aware until recently, that putting plastic dishes in the dishwasher has exactly the same effect as putting them in the microwave.

The scariest thing is, one of the biggest culprits of this chemical are BABY BOTTLES. All of the most popular brands are included: Avent, Disney, Dr. Brown's, Playtex, The First Years, Evenflo and Gerber (with Dr. Brown's leaching the highest amounts of BPA). You can read more here: http://chej.org/bpa-e-s.htm

This is also a very good site for many things environmental and health related: http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/

Also, some infant formula brands use BPA as an epoxy liner in their formula cans. For info on which brands this includes go here: www.ewg.org/reports/infantformula

Some studies suggest ceasing to use any plastics that are a #7 (found in the recycling triangle on the bottom of the item). Plastics numbered 1, 2, or 5 are not as threatening, providing you DO NOT heat them in any way. Once they have been heated, you are at risk.

I am taking this very seriously. There are so many hazards in our environment that we cannot control, that when something comes up that I have a choice in, I am going to make those choices carefully.

I got rid of all of my #7 plastics. Many of your children's favourite character dishes have number 7's on the bottom. Please check yours. I am also beginning the slow process of phasing out all of our plastic dishes. The ones that do remain, I wash only by hand and I do not microwave in them. I also serve only cold food on them.

For me, a good alternative for every day dishes has been Corelle dishes. There are reasonably priced and they are break and chip resistent. I just ordered some via Amazon.com. Once they arrive, all of my IKEA plastic dishes will be out the door.

Noah takes his lunch to school every day...so obviously, glass isn't really a viable option. I can tell you that I bought all new Gladware this week, and we are starting fresh. I can't remember which of the old containers have or have not been put in the dishwasher. It just isn't worth the risk for me. There are always Ziplocs, but that doesn't do the environment any justice, does it?

Please do the reading, do the research and make the decisions for your family. I just wanted to share this info, because I know a lot of my readers have young children and are putting their sippy cups and dishes in the dishwasher.

Please check back for more info on this, and some links for alternative products that are available.

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