Have you seen the news reports recently? Ever? There is new intensity building over the fear of plastics. It seems the recent surge– we have all had concerns about plastics for a while– is because specific conclusions have been made by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), National Toxicology Program (NTP), and the Canadian government.
The CDC says,
92.6 percent of Americans age 6 and above had measurable BPA in their bodies.
Plastic bottles – are they safe? - The Daily Nightly - msnbc.com
The NYP says,
there was a possibility BPA could be causing brain problems in fetuses and children and prostate and breast problems in adults
Plastic bottles – are they safe? - The Daily Nightly - msnbc.com
The Canadian government says,
“We’re not waiting to take action to protect our people and our environment from the long-term effects of bisphenol-a,” in response to a move to ban polycarbonate infant bottles as it officially declared one of their chemical ingredients toxic.
Canada Bans Plastic Bottles Tied to Health Concerns - New York Times
So what now? What is safe? Pulling from a few sources I’ve managed to sort out what is of concern and their chemical of concern:
1 - One time use only, not meant for reuse, like ever. (PETE)
3 - AVOID, DEHA chemical, and you can find me in plastic wrap. (PVC additives, like DEHA)
6 - Do not cook/microwave in me (styrene)
7 - Not so good, I’m in water/baby bottles and jugs. (BPA)
BPA is the chemical of concern above in the quotes.
Despite this information, the FDA has not yet ban the substance, so plastic industry websites are claiming ‘no fault.’ Despite the current all ok by the agency, both CVS and Walmart have banned shatter-proof waters bottles (like Nalgene, that often use (7)) from their shelves.
I think better safe than sorry. One alternative includes corn plastic products:
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Wow! I reuse plastic containers all of the time. I should be more careful. I’ve also been more conscious of what can be recycled. I think in NYC we only recycle plastics 1-3, and that’s not including things like bottle caps. Those usually need to be thrown away in regular landfill, infiltrate soil trash.