Plastics & Your Health
Written by Debra Kirchhof-Glazier
Xenobiotics, from the Greek words “xenos” (meaning foreign) and “bios” (meaning life), are synthetic chemicals that are foreign to living things. From 1930 to 2000 there was a thousandfold increase in the quantity of carbon-containing xenobiotic chemicals that were produced. About 65,000 of these chemicals are now in common use. Plastics are one source that has become virtually ubiquitous world-wide. Many plastics contain a compound called bisphenol A (BPA) that is also used in epoxy resins and has a chemical structure that mimics the hormone estrogen.
BPA is found in polycarbonate plastic water bottles, infant bottles and sippy cups, compact discs, impact-resistant safety equipment, and medical devices. BPA-containing epoxy resins are used to coat metal products, such as food cans, bottle tops, and water supply pipes. Some dental sealants and composites may also contain BPA. Most of our exposure comes from consuming BPA that leaches into food and beverages, and it has even been detected in breast milk. The degree to which BPA leaches from plastic bottles into liquid depends on the temperature of the liquid or bottle, the age of the container, and the abrasiveness of cleaners used on these products.
An independent panel of scientists was convened in 2006 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina to discuss concerns about possible implications of BPA on human health in light of published studies on laboratory animals. The possible problems that were discussed included abnormal fetal development and low sperm count in males, early puberty in girls, ADHD and autism, type 2 diabetes, childhood obesity, and hormonally mediated cancers like breast and prostate cancer. Many of the laboratory studies involved doses that were at or below the level that is currently found in the tissues and urine of most people. The conclusions of the panel were published in the journal Reproductive Toxicology in 2007. The main points were that human exposure to BPA is widespread and that commonly reported levels of BPA in humans were higher than those extrapolated from laboratory animals that experienced BPA-related health effects. Research studies in laboratory animals showed that prenatal and/or neonatal exposure to low doses of BPA caused abnormal changes in the prostate, breast, testis, mammary glands, body size, brain structure and chemistry, and behavior. The panel raised concerns for humans regarding persistent effects of BPA in babies and children after early exposure and possible alteration of the immune system from exposure to BPA in adulthood.
In April of this year the National Toxicology Program of the National Institutes of Health also issued a report that voiced some concern about the effects of current human exposures to bisphenol A on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland in fetuses, infants, and children. However, they had minimal concern that current levels of BPA were harming breast tissue or causing early puberty in girls.
In sharp contrast, the FDA issued a comprehensive draft scientific assessment in August that strongly reaffirmed the safety of food-contact products containing BPA. Dr Steven G. Hentges of the American Chemistry Council’s Polycarbonate/BPA Global Group commented that the “FDA is the premier agency responsible for the safety of our food” and that the “FDA’s thorough analysis confirms that food contact products made from polycarbonate plastic, including products for infants and children, can continue to be used safely.”
What are we to believe- especially when it comes to our children? It is difficult to sort out all the details, but in general, it is important to understand that xenobiotics can have significant effects at very low doses and that they can interact with other chemicals, both foreign and natural, in unpredictable ways. Furthermore, there are critical periods in the life cycle when we are more susceptible to the effects of xenobiotics, particularly during embryonic life and childhood. And perhaps most importantly, the health effects of most xenobiotics in the environment have never been investigated. In terms of BPA and children, one good comprehensive treatment of this complex issue can be found on the WebMD site at http://www.webmd.com/parenting/news/
In the meantime, if you wish to minimize your exposure to toxins from plastics consider the following guidelines:
Avoid using plastics that aren’t identified on the packaging
If you must use plastic look for products that state “no phthalates” or “no bisphenol A (BPA)” or “BPA free” and check for #1, 2, 4, and 5, usually stamped on the bottom of the product. These numbers indicate plastics made from polyethylene or polypropylene, which have fewer toxic additives and are non-chlorinated
Avoid plastics with #3, 6, and 7, which are made of the more toxic compounds of polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, and polycarbonate, respectively
Wash plastic containers by hand with a mild soap.
Don’t put plastics in the dishwasher where heat and excess moisture can cause degradation of the plastic
Be cautious of cling wraps, especially for microwave use.
Use glass or ceramic containers to microwave food and beverages
Wrap foods in butcher paper, waxed paper, or paper towels
Store food in glass, lead-free ceramic, and stainless steel containers, especially if the food is hot
Reduce your use of canned food
Choose toys and books made with natural wood, paper, cloth, or metal.
Although it is impossible to live in a toxin-free world, we can take steps to minimize our exposure to substances that can cause problems. In the case of plastics, it certainly cannot hurt to err on the side of caution, and it might even provide health benefits down the road for ourselves and our children.
The Huntingdon Health and Wellness Association makes no medical claims or recommendations. Check with your doctor about your specific health care needs.