Adverse effect of plastic containers. Are our food "Plasticized"

The fact that plastic is unbreakable and easily moldable into every conceivable shape, size, color, and use makes it incredibly useful and tempting to use, especially if you have children who drop dishes often.

Our food, it seems, is always touching plastic. Plastics play a part in every phase of food production and preparation. Food gets processed on plastic equipment, and packaged and shipped in plastic-lined boxes and cans. At home, we store and reheat the leftovers in plastic containers.

Plastic in Food: Inevitable Transfer

Infinitesimal bits of plastic get into our food from containers. The process is called "leaching" or "migration." Heating food in plastic seems to increase the amount that's transferred to food. Migration also increases when plastic touches fatty, salty, or acidic foods.

Some of the most hazardous material used in plastics are:

BPA (Bisphenol A)

Bisphenol A is a material used in hard, lightweight plastics called polycarbonates. Enormous amounts of BPA are produced each year -- about 6 billion pounds. Bisphenol A is a potential poison, our main exposure comes from the linings of canned foods, plastic storage food serving containers water bottles and even baby bottles. BPA leaches from cans and reaches the food stored inside.

The BPA we ingest gets into our bloodstream. Regular monitoring by the CDC shows that more than 90% of us have detectable levels of bisphenol A in our bodies. BPA has ability to disrupt the functions of hormones -- especially estrogen. High doses of BPA disrupt reproductive development (there are concern for neural and behavioral effects in fetuses, infants, and children at current human exposure). People who had high levels of BPA in the urine had a higher rate of diabetes, heart disease, liver toxicity and cancer.

Phthalates

Phthalate diesters are widely used as plasticizers to increase the flexibility of plastics that are used in the manufacturing of kitchen utensils and food containers. These phthalates are not chemically bonded to the polymeric matrix, which may allow the migration of these chemicals into food substances. Another source of food contamination is through contact with packaging printing inks that contain phthalates. These compounds are endocrine disruptors (EDC) and can affect the endocrine system, which consequently affects vital functions in living organisms. Chronic exposure to phthalates have been associated with toxicity to the neural, reproductive, and developmental systems. Phthalates disrupt the hormone testosterone. Phthalates can cause alterations to the kidneys, liver, fetal malformation(pregnant women with higher levels of phthalates were more likely to bear baby boys with subtle genital changes -- namely, a slightly shorter distance between the anus and scrotum) and fertility impairments(phthalates in the body have been linked to low sperm count, sperm motility and quality in adult men.). Phthalates are contaminants found in many foods, such as olive oil, wine, and milk.

Avoid bottles and plastic containers that are made from polycarbonate (usually marked with the number 7 or the letters PC) and if you want to reduce exposure to phthalates, avoid polyvinyl chloride (marked with a number 3 or PVC).

MELAMINE

Melamine resin is a versatile material with a highly stable structure that can be molded into floor tiles, dry-erase whiteboard, fire-retardant fabrics and dishware (kitchen utensils and containers). Several toxic chemicals are used in the production of melamine resin, namely formaldehyde and urea. The thermoset plastic in melamine resin, while normally stable, can be at risk of breaking down into its toxic elements (including formaldehyde and urea) when exposed to high temperatures, such as the oven or the microwave. Melamine tableware may release large amounts of melamine when used to serve high-temperature foods.

The food contaminated with melamine increases the risk of humans experiencing kidney stones or kidney failure, which of course can lead to death. The FDA has issued some warnings about the use of melamine dishes. These include:

(1) Avoiding the use of heated highly acidic foods because the combination of acidic foods and heat can increase the amount of the chemicals that migrates from the dishes to the food.

(2) Do not use melamine in the microwave. Melamine dishes are NOT microwave safe dinnerware.

 Some ways to reduce plastic exposure:

• Start using a glass or stainless steel water bottle in place of disposable plastic water bottles that will help to reduce chemical exposure from water.
• Replace plastic bags and plastic food storage containers with safer reusable options like glass or stainless steel for storage, or use an unbreakable option like silicon.
• Buy wooden or metal toys for children instead of plastic.
• Bring your own glass/metal bottle or thermos when buying drinks away from home. Don’t get takeout food in Styrofoam containers which are a major source of plastic chemicals and waste.
• Stop buying processed foods that are packaged in plastic.
• Consider using cloth diapers instead of disposable.
• Use glass and metal dishes, silverware, and bakeware in place of plastic.