The Wrap on Plastic

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The 'Wrap' on Plastic

Plastic has gotten a very bad name of late, and rightly so. Learning that harmful chemicals can leach into our food is frightening (to say the least). I decided to do some honest research into this and what I learned really amazed me - so I'm sharing the information with all of you. Basically I learned there is 'safe' and 'unsafe' plastics out there (for food storage). Keep in mind that there is still a lot of research being done. What I'm about to share with you is the 'current' knowledge and I will periodically update this page with any new findings.

First, YES, there are some plastics that 'can' leach bad chemicals. The worst chemical is called Bisphenol A (a.k.a. BPA). This is a chemical used to make the 'glass' clear, very hard products out of polycarbonate. In studies on animals it was found to cause potential changes in mammary and prostate tissue that could be a cancer risk. In female rats it also showed evidence of accelerated puberty. Note the word 'potential' - studies are still being done.

For me personally I will discontinue the use of polycarbonates until the studies are finished - however I will NOT become an alarmist jumping to conclusions and I don't think anyone else should either. If you are concerned - simply get rid of all polycarbonate (hard, clear products) in your home. Basically if the container has a number 7 in the recycle symbol AND it is a hard, clear plastic it is most likely polycarbonate made using BPA. Unfortunately the number 7 is a catch-all number and NOT all number 7 items are made of polycarbonate or contain BPA. I went through my kitchen and simply got rid of all the hard, glass clear plastic items.

There are 'good' plastics that don't leach these chemicals. The secret is to learn the 'intended' use and make some educated decisions based on your own beliefs. It is very positive to learn that companies are responding quickly. For Example: Glad posted an information sheet on their plastic items and many other companies discontinued food use products that could be a health risk.

Lets have a look, number by number, at what you're dealing with. These numbers are found in the recycle symbol (usually at the bottom of a container). First - if you don't see a recycle symbol with a number - get rid of the food container. If it isn't used for food, consider the use and see if you want it in your house. For example; I'm not throwing away my storage boxes or clothing hangers.

For each number listed I've included a link to the Wikipedia article about it. I figure, if any outside source learns of current events - it's most likely going to be Wikipedia. So, if I don't get an update fast enough, you can still stay informed.

1. PETE (or PET): This is Polyethylene Terephthalate. It is very soft, clear and is considered food safe for ONE use. Most water, soda and other beverage bottles are made of this. It is NOT meant to be frozen or used in the dishwasher or microwave. It is NOT known to leach any harmful chemicals, however - it cannot be cleaned well enough to reuse - and in reuse can harbor harmful bacteria. In thinking I was saving landfills I would reuse my water and soda bottles - this was a health mistake. The question you need to ask yourself is; do you want to fill the landfills with these containers - only using the container once?

2. HDPE: This is High-density polyethylene. It IS considered safe for food use, can go in the dishwasher and microwave. Personally I've discontinued use of plastics in the microwave until more studies have been done, however this product has NO BPA.

3. V or PVC: This is Polyvinyl chloride. This is BAD for food use. Your PVC plumbing is perfectly fine - the reason is that, for plumbing, it's in it's natural state. However, to make that micro thin food wrap, chemicals known as "plasticizers" are used and these CAN leach out into food. Now NOT all plastic wraps are made of #3 PVC (Check out the link for Glad Products above.). However that micro thin wrap over much of your meat IS #3 (ask your meat packager what they use). Take your meat out of it's container as soon as you get it home.

4. LDPE: This is Low-density polyethylene. This has also been tested as safe for food use and can go in the diswasher and microwave.

5. PP or PE: This is Polyethylene. This is now considered one of the safest plastics (also # 2 and #4 - the same material) for food use. You will start to see this number used more and more. It is not known to use any bad chemicals that can leach into food, can be used in the dishwasher and microwave oven.

6. PS: This is Polystyrene. This one surprized me! You know those styrofoam cups used for hot liquid? BAD. When used for shipping protection it's okay - when used for our hot foods (or those take home food containers) it's not. It's made with a chemical called Benzene that is a known human carcinogen. Basically, don't store your left overs in these containers and DON'T warm them up in the containers. And again, remove your grocery store items from this packaging and store them in a safe container.

7. The Catch All Number: Here you will find the worst containers made using BPA - HOWEVER because it's a catch all catagory there are other containers in this number as well. I will repeat what I said above - the bad plastic to get rid of is HARD and CLEAR as glass.

I have also found this website, Care2, to be interesting about plastics.

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All information, shared on this web site, is for enjoyment and study only and is NOT meant to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Only your health care professional is qualified to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Do not risk your health! Just because something is 'natural' does NOT make it safe. Do not, under any circumstance, ingest or use herbs in any form without consulting your Doctor. If you do, you do so at your OWN RISK.

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