Problems with Plastic
Written by Emma McNamara, an undergraduate student at UNCW and a Public Health Intern at Going Beyond the Pink.
*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.
Plastic has become an integral part of our daily lives. We have been raised around it for decades now so it is no shock that many continue to use it despite the research coming out about how microplastics and plastic chemical leaching can be detrimental to our health. It is crucial to recognize the adverse effects plastic can have on our health and the environment. In particular, the carcinogenic potential of certain plastics has raised significant concerns among scientists and health professionals. This article aims to delve into the reasons why plastic is harmful and provide insights on safeguarding ourselves against its toxicity.
What Is BPA?
You have likely seen labeling calling out “BPA-Free!” by now, but what exactly is it? BPA stands for Bisphenol A. Bisphenols are a group of chemical compounds that are commonly used in the creation of polycarbonate plastics, BPA is just the most infamous of the group. This is likely due to the multiple negative health effects that have been linked to its usage. Plastics that commonly include BPA are:
Food storage containers
Baby bottles
Coating on food cans
Eye Wear
Plastic wrap
Why Is BPA Bad?
The problem with BPA is that, when used in food or beverage containers, it has a tendency to leach out into the items you consume. The amount it leaches depends on the acidity and temperature of the item it holds. Food and beverage containers account for most of human exposure and ingestion of BPA. Once certain quantities of BPA get into your system, they can begin to cause health problems. BPA has been identified as an endocrine disruptor, meaning it can interfere with hormone function in the body. This disruption puts you at risk for various health issues, including the growth of cancer cells. It has been linked to an increased risk of breast and prostate cancers.
Am I Safe With BPA Free Plastics?
BPA is not the only harmful compound used to make plastics. Among others, phthalates are a group of compounds used to make plastics more flexible. They can commonly be found in plastic toys, personal care products, and plastic packaging. They can disrupt hormone function, particularly estrogen production. Some studies have suggested a correlation between phthalate exposure and an increased risk of certain cancers, such as liver and breast cancers.
How Can I Find Safe Plastics?
Have you ever noticed the tiny recycling symbol on your plastic products that has a number or letters inside? These are called recycling labels and they can be very useful when trying to choose plastic products that do minimal damage to our health. Here are the most common recycling labels and what they signify:
PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate)/Code 01
This label indicates plastic commonly used for water bottles, soda bottles, and food containers. PETE is considered safe for one-time use but should not be reused, heated in the microwave, or heated in the sun as it may release chemicals.
HDPE (High Density Polyethylene)/Code 2
HDPE is often used for milk jugs, detergent bottles, and some food containers. It is generally considered safe for repeated use.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)/Code 3
PVC is found in plastic pipes, some food packaging, and household items. It is best to avoid PVC as it can contain harmful additives like phthalates, lead, and other toxic substances.
LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)/Code 4
LDPE is used in grocery bags, plastic wraps, and some food containers. It is generally considered safe for its intended use but may not be suitable for hot food or beverages.
PP (Polypropylene)/Code 5
PP is used in yogurt containers, medicine bottles, and microwave-safe plasticware. It is considered safe for use, including hot food and beverages.
PS (Polystyrene)/Code 6
Polystyrene is commonly found in foam packaging, disposable plates, and cups. It is best to avoid using and purchasing products made from polystyrene as it can leach potentially harmful chemicals.
OTHER/Code 7
This category includes miscellaneous plastics that do not fit into the previous classifications. It can contain a wide range of plastics, including polycarbonate (which may contain BPA) and other potentially harmful materials. It is advisable to exercise caution with plastics labeled as number 7.
Below is a chart to make all this information easily accessible.
Green - Generally considered safe.
Yellow - Typically considered safe for its intended use and only one time use.
Red - To avoid entirely and has been known to leach harmful chemicals.
Protecting Yourself
To minimize your exposure to BPA and other harmful chemicals, consider the following steps:
Seek alternative materials
Avoid the risk by replacing plastic food storage containers with glass, ceramic, or stainless steel alternatives.
We recommend these glass food storage containers with BPA free lids: KOMUEE 24-Piece Glass Food Storage Containers Set
Check labels carefully
When purchasing plastic materials, look for items labeled as “BPA free” or recycling labels 1, 2, 4, or 5.
Use safe food storage practices
When using plastic food storage containers make sure not to expose them to high levels of heat, this will increase the rate at which the chemicals leach.
In Conclusion…
The increasing use of plastic products has raised concerns about its potential link to increased breast cancer risk. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in plastics, such as BPA and phthalates, pose a threat to hormonal balance and may contribute to breast cancer development. Avoid plastic where you can throughout your daily life and swap out plastic food containers for glass ones. When plastic use is unavoidable, be sure to check the recycling codes and try to stick with codes “02” and “05”, as they are considered the least toxic forms of plastic. By minimizing plastic exposure, choosing alternative materials, and supporting plastic reduction policies, we can protect our health and reduce breast cancer risk.
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