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Our plastic food containers: Are they really safe to use?

The chemicals bisphenyl-A (BPA) and phthalates used in plastic food preparation and storage containers can pose health hazards. These chemicals were also once found in lots of containers food and drinks were stored in, from plastic bottles, baby bottles. sippy cups and canned food liners. Now, manufacturers are telling us they don’t use BPA in their containers, yet does this mean we are safe? Not according to a Digital Journal article on Jan. 21, 2015.

In January 2010, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it had some concerns over the potential adverse health effects of BPAs, based on consumer inquiries, and they felt this concern warranted further research.

A little history lesson on BPA and phthalates
BPA was first discovered and used in 1891. The chemical is used to make a hard, clear plastic called polycarbonate. It was used to make everything from baby bottles to food containers. The chemical was also used in epoxy resins to line cans for food and beverages.The BPA makes the plastic clear, shatterproof and heat-resistant. In the 1960s, the FDA approved the use of BPA for food and beverage containers.

But once the BPA-containing products come in contact with food or liquids, the chemical begins to leach out into the product. And if the food or drink is hot, the leaching is 55 times faster than at room temperature. This was based on a 2008 study at the University of Cincinnati.

Starting in the 1930s, phthalates came into wide use. This chemical component is used in making polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics used to make food containers and plastic food wraps. This compound is used in any number of products, such as perfume, large water storage containers, nail polish, liquid soap, and hair spray, as well as many other products used outside our kitchens and the bathroom.

The thing about phthalates is that they don’t bond with the PVC plastic and, therefore, they leach out very easily into whatever the container or wrap is holding. And even worse, this leaching also is faster at higher temperatures and if the container is scratched or marred.

The health dangers associated with BPA and phthalates
Both of these chemicals are in a class known as endocrine disruptors. They can mimic the body’s natural hormones, disrupting the endocrine system. There have been a number of studies that show that long-term low-level exposure can cause human health problems. These problems are associated with early sexual maturation, mental problems, and adverse effects on prostate and mammary glands. A 2010 study found that BPA is also associated with cardiovascular problems and diabetes.

In 2004, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found traces of BPA and phthalates in nearly all urine samples collected as part of a study for its National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals. In 2008, Canada banned the import of baby bottles containing BPA. With all the studies and uproar by the public concerning the use of these two chemicals, the FDA on Nov. 5, 2014 issued a report on their latest evaluation of BPA.

Basically, the FDA says consumers should use the triangle-shaped “resin code” found on all plastic containers. But all they say about that is a code bearing the number “7” contains BPA. As for regulating the use of BPA in plastic containers, the FDA has literally thrown that responsibility back to the manufacturers to deal with. The exact wording of the report goes like this: “In general, FDA now reviews food contact substances under a notification process, which is manufacturer specific. For all food contact materials, there must be sufficient scientific information to demonstrate that the use of the substances is safe.”

The FDA concludes with this: Is BPA safe? Yes, it is. Based on FDA’s ongoing safety review of scientific evidence, the available information continues to support the safety of BPA for the currently approved uses in food containers and packaging. People are exposed to low levels of BPA because, like many packaging components, very small amounts of BPA may migrate from the food packaging into foods or beverages.

That doesn’t tell the consumer a whole lot on the safety of plastic containers in use today, except that we now have the “resin code.” Following is a breakdown of the code. According to one source, the safest containers to use have the little triangle-shaped figure on the bottom of the container with the numbers 1, 2, 4, or 5 inside the triangle. This writer inspected her Zip-Loc and Glad containers and the number “5” was in the triangle.

The names  structures  and general applications for the different polymer resin codes. Avoid numbers...

The names, structures, and general applications for the different polymer resin codes. Avoid numbers 3, 6, and 7 because they do contain BPA and phthalates and sometimes, dioxins.
American Chemistry council


While it is actually very difficult to determine whether there are chemicals that disrupt estrogen activity in the containers we use, it is recommended that the consumer never heat food in a plastic container, and don’t leave them sitting in the sun. Don’t put warm foods, such as leftovers in a plastic container, and don’t create any added stress to the container. I guess that means freezing something in a plastic container and then popping it in the microwave to defrost.

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Written By

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our dear friend Karen Graham, who served as Editor-at-Large at Digital Journal. She was 78 years old. Karen's view of what is happening in our world was colored by her love of history and how the past influences events taking place today. Her belief in humankind's part in the care of the planet and our environment has led her to focus on the need for action in dealing with climate change. It was said by Geoffrey C. Ward, "Journalism is merely history's first draft." Everyone who writes about what is happening today is indeed, writing a small part of our history.

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