Plastic Toxins and Labels

From the alarm clock that wakes us up in the morning to the toothbrush and comb we may use before returning to bed in the evening, plastic is present in just about every aspect of our daily routine. If you were to stop and look around the room, I suspect that 75% (if not more) of everything you see contains some form of plastic. When most people hear the word "plastic", it doesn't invoke the same feelings of danger and toxicity as say "formaldehyde", "asbestos", and "petroleum". Unfortunately, these compounds among many others, are used in plastic production and daily exposure to these chemicals is a growing concern. Avoiding plastic altogether is the ideal situation for the health of your family and the planet. As you hopefully make this transition, it is important to know the details about the 7 current categories of plastics.

The use of plastic in cooking and food storage can carry health risks because a myriad of petroleum-based chemicals go into their manufacturing. Some of these chemicals can leach into food and drinks causing negative health impacts. Leaching increases when the plastic comes into contact with oily or fatty foods during heating, and this is greatly exaggerated if there are any scratches or damage to the plastic.

In addition to the negative health impacts of our direct contact to plastic products, we also have to consider the health impacts of secondary exposure from the plastic waste in our environment. Many types of plastic have been outlawed in a handful of countries due to their toxicity, but we still feel the impact in our food supply. Years ago, before oceanic dumping and waste disposal was heavily regulated, much of our plastic waste was dumped without a second thought about the possibility of it ending up on our plates once it photodegrades and the toxins circulate throughout our food supply.

All plastic products are labeled with the following symbols. I have listed common products made from these materials and the suggested negative health impacts of exposure to each. The most important ones to avoid are in red.

PETE: Polyethylene terephthalate ethylene, used for soft drink, juice, water, detergent, cleaner and peanut butter containers.

- PET may contain endocrine disruptors under conditions of common use. Pthalates can be leached and made worse as a result of storage temperature and duration.

HDPE: High density polyethylene, used in opaque plastic milk and water jugs, bleach, detergent and shampoo bottles, folding chairs, hula hoops, composite wood, water pipes for domestic water supply and some plastic bags.

- HDPE is made from petroleum and requires 1.75kg of petroleum to produce 1kg of HDPE. This plastic doesn't seem to leach as badly as the others and is considered a "safer" alternative.

PVC or V: Polyvinyl chloride, used for clingwrap, shower curtains, upholstery, inflatable toys, some plastic squeeze bottles, figurines, adult sex toys, cooking oil and peanut butter jars, detergent and window cleaner bottles. PVC is the least recyclable plastic. DEHA is one of several plasticizers used to soften PVC.

- DEHA can leach into oily foods on contact and when heated and exposure is linked to negative effects on the kidney, spleen, bone formation and body weight as well as being a carcinogen which affects the liver. PVC needs additives and stabilizers to make it useable. (Lead is often added for strength, while plasticizers such as DEHA are added for flexibility.) Dioxin in air emissions from PVC manufacturing settles on grasslands and accumulates in meat and dairy products. Dioxin is a known carcinogen and low level exposures are also linked to decreased birth weight, learning and behavioral problems in children, suppressed immune function and hormone disruption.

LDPE: Low density polyethylene, used in gro­cery store bags, 6-pack soda can rings, computer components, the "cardboard" of milk and juice cartons, playground slides, plastic bags, most plastic wraps and some bottles.

- This product is also made from petroleum and although it is considered another "safe" option, with regards to toxicity, it is a large source of plastic pollution and is not considered biodegradable (it takes several centuries to efficiently degrade).

PP: Polypropylene, used in most Rubbermaid, deli soup, thermal underwear, carpet, syrup and yogurt containers, straws and other clouded plastic containers, including baby bottles.

- This plastic is also considered one of the "safer" options with regards to toxicity, but environmental pollution and contamination is still a major concern.

PS: Polystyrene, used in Styrofoam food trays, egg cartons, meat trays, disposable cups and bowls, carry-out containers and plastic silverware, disposable razors, CD and DVD cases and "packing peanuts".

- This is another form of plastic manufactured from petroleum and is the most widely used. Styrene can leach from this plastic and is toxic to the brain and nervous system and can cause menstrual disorders. It has also been found to adversely affect red blood cells, liver, kidneys and stomachs in animal studies. In addition to exposure from food containers. This type of plastic also does not biodegrade and is a major source of pollution.

Other: Usually polycarbonate, used in most plastic baby bottles, 5-gallon water bottles, “sport” water bottles, metal food can liners, clear plastic “sippy” cups and some clear plastic cutlery. New bio-based plastics may also be labeled #7.

- Bisphenol-a (BPA) can leach from polycarbonate plastic and mimics the action of the hormone estrogen. Human exposure to BPA is widespread and a CDC study in 2005 found this chemical in the urine of 95% of the adults sampled. It has also been found in the blood of pregnant women, in umbilical cord blood and in the placenta, and all were at levels which altered development in animal studies.Early-life exposure to BPA can cause genetic damage. Other affects include: obesity, breast and prostate cancer, miscarriage, schizophrenia, early onset of puberty, decrease in testosterone, increased prostate size, decreased sperm production, altered immune function, hyperactivity, and many more conditions.