Why I tossed my plastic storage
containers
My family is beginning to think I'm completely nuts. I ransacked the pantry to rid it of plastic storage containers we typically store leftovers and pack lunches in. Why? I was on a mission to replace these with BPA free and glass containers to improve and protect our health.
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| The Old Stuff |
So What is BPA?
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial
chemical that has been in commercial use since
1957 used to make two common synthetics:
•
Polycarbonate, a clear, rigid, shatter-resistant plastic found in a wide
variety of consumer products, including food and drink containers
•
Epoxy resins, used in industrial adhesives and high-performance coatings.
Epoxy coating lines most food and beverage cans made in the US
Why Should You Know About BPA?
BPA molecules can get into foods and
beverages from plastic food containers and the linings of metal cans. The federal Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention have found BPA in the bodies of nearly every person over
the age of 6. Also, in 2009, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) detected BPA
in 9 of 10 cord blood samples. So basically we all have BPA in our bodies…
BPA is a synthetic estrogen that can
disrupt the endocrine system even in low doses. BPA has been linked to a wide
variety health issues including infertility, breast and reproductive system
cancer, obesity, diabetes, early puberty, behavioral changes in children as
well as resistance to chemotherapy treatments.
In a 2011 study from Harvard School
of Public Health, after 5 days of eating a single serving of canned soup a day,
volunteers in a study showed 10 times the amount of BPA in their bodies than
those who ate fresh soup!
The federal Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) barred BPA in baby bottles and children's cups in June
2012, however, is it still allowed in food cans. The EWG advises consumers to
limit their consumption of canned products that are not BPA free.
The EWG stated after the ban that
"If the agency truly wants to prevent people from being exposed to this
toxic chemical associated with a variety of serious and chronic conditions it
should ban its use in cans of infant formula, food and beverages."
Overall, empirical evidence
supporting the negative health effects of BPA varies significantly across
studies. Though the
research I have done is enough for me to want to limit my exposure by getting
these cute glass and BPA free containers!
Completely eliminating contact with
BPA is pretty much impossible, but you can reduce your family's exposure to this
chemical. How you might ask?
- Limit your consumption of canned food, especially if you are pregnant
- Look for canned food and plastic containers labeled as BPA-free
- Avoid heating plastic containers in the microwave
- Avoid leaving water bottles in the sun or hot car
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| The New! :) |
“The problem is, BPA is also a
synthetic estrogen, and plastics with BPA can break down, especially when
they're washed, heated or stressed, allowing the chemical to leach into food
and water and then enter the human body. That happens to nearly all of us;
the CDC has found BPA in the urine of 93% of surveyed Americans over the age
of 6. If you don't have BPA in your body, you're not living in the modern
world.”
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I've heard a lot about this recently, so it's interesting to see a blog post about it. I read that you should try to avoid using cling film too, particularly to cover food in the microwave, as it can melt onto the food without you realising, and release chemicals.
ReplyDeleteI thought I replied to you earlier...new blogger! Anyways, you're right. Also the cling wrap can be harmful even when the food you are covering is hot. Thanks for your input!
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