Good afternoon!  It’s Jeff from the Self Help Tips Blog.

Today we will discuss how using plastics for food preparation and consumption can be bad for your health. 

The modern day kitchen is full of plastic. What would we do without plastic containers, plastic cling wrap, plastic spatulas and more? Can we go without plastic at our parties such as plastic dishes, plastic cups and plastic utensils? The problem with all of this plastic is that it is made up of chemicals. These chemicals leech into our beverages and into our food, whereby they end up in our bodies. Over time, these chemicals accumulate and can cause significant health problems.

Some of the reported health hazards include: Reproductive defects, premature delivery (23% increase since 1980), lowered sperm count (40% decrease since 1945), and early onset puberty. The most harmful chemicals used to manufacture plastic are PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride - a hard plastic) and Phthalates, a group of substances that is added to PVC to make it softer and more pliable. In fact, Phthalates are among the most common contaminants found in the human body. Another common chemical found in the kitchen is Bisphenol-A. This is the main ingredient used to make hard plastic. Hard plastic is used to mould baby bottles, drinking water bottles, and plastic storage containers.

However, there are some steps that you can take to decrease your family’s exposure to these chemicals. Avoid heating foods and beverages in plastic containers in the microwave. Even if the container is marked ‘microwave’, it is not the safest option. Avoid using cling wrap, because most of these materials have Phthalates in them. Most containers that contain PVC will have a ‘3’ inside the recycling triangle that is imprinted on the plastic. If you come across this symbol, it is best to not use that container for food and beverage storage or consumption. Start using glass or stainless steel containers instead. Use ceramic or enamel plates in the kitchen and use metal kitchen utensils rather than plastic. Avoid storing food and beverage in plastic containers, especially if the food is acidic. If you must use plastic, please avoid washing it in an automatic dishwasher and don’t use harsh detergents on it.

In 2005 the European Union banned some commonly used chemicals of the Phthalate family from use in toys. One commissioner was quoted as saying "Toxic chemicals have no place in children’s toys, yet we continue to allow them in our food and beverage containers." San Francisco instituted a ban in December 2006, although implementation of the ban has been delayed by a law suit. The ban covers Bisphenol-A and certain Phthalates. This is commendable progress, however, society needs more than city wide bans.