Dear Co-op America, I’ve heard that plastics leach chemicals into our food and water when we use them. Is this true? — Jane G., E-mail
It is true, Jane. Plastic can leach chemicals all throughout its lifecycle. Toxins such as benzene and dioxin are released into surrounding communities during the manufacture of certain types of plastic, and some plastics leach chemicals as we use them. Plus, several studies have uncovered health risks associated with exposure to fumes produced from incinerating plastic.
Of most concern to your health and the environment are the types of plastic coded for recycling as #3, #6, and #7.
#3: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) production requires highly polluting and carcinogenic chemicals that can contaminate the surrounding environment. PVC is often made with softeners such as phthalates, which can leach out of or evaporate from the finished products.
Phthalates have been shown to cause developmental and reproductive damage. PVC incineration leads to the emission of dioxins, which are known to cause cancer, as well as reproductive, developmental, and immune problems. When PVCs are dumped in landfills, they can cause toxic additives to leach into groundwater.
#6: Polystyrene is a concern because the chemical styrene can leach into food and beverages. According to the EPA, short-term styrene exposure at levels above the Maximum Contaminant Level (used to set drinking-water standards) can cause nervous-system effects such as loss of concentration, weakness, and nausea. Long-term exposure can cause liver and nerve damage and cancer.
#7: This designation is a catchall for plastics that don’t fit into the other categories. Products marked with this number are often polycarbonates, which are used in plastic baby bottles, the liners of metal food cans, sport water bottles, and other items. Bisphenol-A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor that can leach from polycarbonates when they’re used. More than 80 percent of published studies assessing the effects of low-dose BPA exposure on laboratory animals found significant effects, including alterations to brain chemistry, behavior, the immune system, and male and female reproductive systems.
When you do use plastic, it’s best to avoid those labeled with #3, #6, and #7. However, there are still chemical leaching concerns associated with any plastic.
Here are some tips to avoid chemical leaching: Don’t use plastic containers or cling-wrap to heat food in the microwave, and avoid bottled water, if possible. If you do drink bottled water, try not to buy bottles that have been stored for a long time or those that have been scratched. Do not reuse single-use water bottles. Don’t use polycarbonate water bottles with warm or hot liquids. Avoid plastic toys if your children are still putting toys in their mouths. And avoid polycarbonate baby bottles.
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