From baby bottles to water bottles, our world is filled with food and drink encased in potentially harmful plastics. Not all plastic bottles are created equal--the worst offenders are polycarbonate, PVC and styrene. Avoid these plastics by inspecting any bottles you buy for their recycling symbol, a triangle with a number inside. Polycarbonates are usually a "7," PVC is "3," and styrene is a "6."
Danger
Plastic is a petroleum product with chemicals added to achieve the desired function, whether it's strength, flexibility or longevity. But as the plastic is heated, those chemicals can escape the plastic and be absorbed by food and drink. When we ingest these chemicals, they can cause harm to the brain, the reproductive system and more. Certain types of conditions can accelerate the leaching process, such as microwave heating and placing the plastic in contact with oily or fatty foods.
Bisphenol A
Bisphenol A, also called BPA, comes from polycarbonate plastic bottles. National Toxicology Panel studies found that rats and mice exposed to BPA suffered a range of harmful effects ranging from fetal death to lesions on the prostate or breasts, stunted urinary tract development and early-onset female puberty. In a 2003-2004 study, the CDC tested the urine of 2,517 subjects and found BPA in 93 percent of the samples. As of 2010, the National Toxicology Panel has only "some concern" for BPA exposure in fetuses, infants and children, citing the possibility of adverse effects on the brain, prostate and behavioral development.
PVC
Polyvinyl chloride is used in plastic squeeze bottles as well as plastic wrap. If you buy cooking oil, peanut butter, detergent or window cleaner in plastic bottles, chances are you're bringing PVC into your home. The problem with PVC is that its chemical formula is unstable with additives like lead and plasticizers. This makes the plastic durable and flexible, but it also makes it potentially toxic and a harmful pollutant. Although most PVC exposure happens in or near factories where PVC goods are made, PVC plastic wrap can release a dangerous chemical called DEHA when heated.
Styrene
Polystyrene plastic or resin has the potential to leach the harmful chemical styrene. Long-term exposure to styrene can affect the central nervous system, causing headaches, depression, hearing loss and more. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, it's unclear whether styrene affects the human reproductive system or a child's development. Most styrene exposure occurs through the air, thanks to emissions and tobacco smoke; however, any Styrofoam product also contains styrene.
Avoiding Chemical Leaching
There are ways to avoid having potentially dangerous chemicals leach into your food and drink. Avoid heating any plastic bottles. If you need to warm up baby formula, heat it in a pan on the stove instead of microwaving the formula inside a plastic bottle. Avoid plastics in take-out containers and water bottles; instead, ask for cardboard to-go containers and drink filtered tap water instead of bottled water. If any plastic bottle becomes cloudy or scratched, recycle it immediately.
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