The Dangers of Plastic Bottles: A Naturopathic Doctor’s Expert Opinion
In recent months the safety of plastic bottles has been seriously called into question, mainly due to the presence of Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical found in plastics. Despite manufacture claims that BPA is harmless, studies indicate it might not be as safe as once thought.
Lewis Family E-Newsletter, May 2008
Holistic Health Reasons to Avoid Plastic Bottles
In recent months the safety of plastic bottles has been seriously called into question, mainly due to the presence of Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical found in plastics.
BPA was invented over one hundred years ago and is used to create:
• Hard plastic water bottles
• Metal food can lining
• Canned infant formula
Despite manufacture claims that BPA is harmless, during the last twenty years studies have shown this chemical is a harmful pollutant to the human body and is found in a large percentage of the population.
The National Toxicology Program of the National Institutes of Health
(NIH) reported in April of 2008 that BPA is toxic and may be associated
with:
• Hormonal effects upon human development
• Early puberty
• Prostate effects
• Breast cancer
• Behavioral impacts
Potentially, pregnant women and children are most vulnerable to the risks of BPA. This has inspired retailers like Wal-Mart to remove products containing BPA from store shelves and Congress to begin investigations. In the future it is hopeful that the FDA will enforce more stringent safety standards.
Protect Your Family: Natural Health Tips for Reducing Exposure to BPA
The total elimination of BPA from the environment may not be achieved overnight, but there are ways to limit your exposure. Here are some tips:
- Tip 1 – Cans are often lined with plastic, which contains BPA. Beverages generally have less residue than canned soups and pastas.
- Tip 2 – Some plastics leach BPA into food and liquids. Plastic baby bottles and food containers have lower levels of leaching than canned food and baby formula.
- Tip 3 - Polycarbonate plastic food containers and bottles can be affected by residual amounts of BPA. These containers are often marked with the letters "PC" and recycling label #7 on the bottom. Keep an eye out for these indicators on baby bottles, water bottles, plastic cups and any plastic items used for food storage and avoid them.
- Tip 4 – Containers, bottles and cups with the recycling labels 1, 2 and 4 are safer and BPA-free.
- Tip 5 – Avoid using plastic containers to heat food in the microwave or old, scratched containers.
In addition to these tips it is also helpful to know that Saran plastic wrap has pledged to stay BPA-free and Nalgene has recently announced it will phase out water bottles that contain BPA. They have promised to manufacture BPA-free, hard, plastic water bottles only.
Healthy Lifestyle Education: A Top Priority for Naturopathic Doctors and Holistic Health Care Professionals
In the natural medicine and holistic health care field education has always been a top priority. In order to support and maintain a healthy lifestyle people need to be educated about the risks they face every day. Toxins, pollutants and harmful chemicals are found in a variety of every day products that affect adults and children. If you are worried about a potential toxin in your home consult a naturopathic physician. You can be tested for many toxins found in the home and knowing how you are affected can help you avoid exposure and even illness.
To learn more about BPA, contact the National Institutes of Health or visit the Environmental Working Group.
