Plastic wrap and plastic sandwich bags are petroleum products that create a lot of waste, and many people who prefer natural living try to use less of them. Even though they are convenient for storing or heating food, you should know that small amounts of chemicals from plastic can pass into the food that we later eat. Some plastics contain the chemical Bisphenol A, better known as BPA, which researchers have been studying for its possible effects on health. All plastics contain certain chemicals, but for many of them it is still unclear how they compare with BPA.
According to studies, when plastic bottles and storage boxes are heated, more of these chemicals can pass into the food and beverages we later consume. Major reports have reviewed a long list of chemicals found in plastic and their possible links with health issues related to fertility, fetal development, and other serious illness.
The following list presents the types of plastics by recycling code number, and explains what is currently known about each of them.
Types of Plastic by Recycling Code
1. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE)
It is used to pack a lot of different foods and beverages. Although it is regarded as a safe, non-leaching plastic, certain studies have found that PET might occasionally release small amounts of the metallic element antimony, particularly when exposed to heat.
2. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
This plastic is commonly used for water and milk jugs, plastic bags, and dairy product tubs. So far, this plastic is considered non-leaching.
3. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC or V)
This one is found in some plastic wrap, especially the varieties used in commercial packaging of deli and similar items. To stay flexible, PVC uses plasticizers such as phthalates, which can leach out of the products. What’s more, when in contact with fatty foods, it can also release di-(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA). Therefore, many experts suggest limiting this type of plastic around food.
4. Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
It is used for types of packaging like squeezable bottles and bread and frozen food bags, as well as for reusable containers. LDPE is considered a non-leaching plastic.
5. Polypropylene (PP)
This plastic is used for reusable containers, bottles, and food tubs. It is also considered a safe, non-leaching plastic.
6. Polystyrene (PS)
It is usually found in foamed food containers. PS is not the best choice in the kitchen, especially for hot food, as it can leach chemicals into foods.
7. Other
This category includes all other plastics, like the shatter-resistant polycarbonate which has been used in reusable water bottles and similar things. Polycarbonates can release BPA into food and beverages. However, the corn-based PLA (polylactic acid), which is presumed to be safe, is also part of this group of plastics. Since recognizing whether a #7 container is kitchen-safe is difficult, it’s best to look for BPA-free bottles.
What Researchers Say
According to researchers, phthalates, BPA, and other chemicals known as endocrine disruptors have been linked in studies with problems in the reproductive organs and other serious health problems. This is the reason why several phthalates are restricted in the production of children’s products, and why the Food and Drug Administration has reviewed BPA and no longer allows it in baby bottles and sippy cups.
Even though plastic wrap doesn’t usually contain phthalates or BPA, a 2008 analysis done by Good Housekeeping magazine reported that Glad brand “Press n’Seal” wrap contained low levels of BPA and phthalates. In the U.S., some plastic wrap has been produced from PVC that contains di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, or DEHA – a “plasticizer” that is very similar to the phthalate DEHP.
In the 1990s, a few studies conducted on mice suggested that high doses of DEHA can affect the liver. Other studies showed DEHA can leach from plastic wrap into food, especially foods with high fat content like cheese.
In 1998, Consumers Union conducted a study which analyzed plastic-wrapped foods for the presence of DEHA. The results showed some of these foods contained DEHA in amounts higher than those recommended and allowed by European regulatory agencies and advisory committees. On the other hand, the FDA hasn’t set a specific safe level of DEHA in food, due to insufficient data on its impact on our health, and DEHA is not classified as a cause of serious illness in humans by any government body.
Environmental Health Perspectives has published a study conducted at the University of Texas which suggests that almost all plastics can leach hormone-like chemicals, even those which are free from BPA. This usually applies to old plastic that has been used for a long time or subjected to repeated washing, and to plastic that has been heated.
A few simple habits can help reduce exposure: avoid heating food in plastic, replace old and scratched containers, and use glass or stainless steel when you can.
Via Huffpost | President’s Panel Report 2008–2009 | Saran Brands | Handyman
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk to your doctor about any health concern.