Chemicals in Plastic
By Ina Woolcott
You may have about the controversy regarding the chemicals to be found in
some kitchen storage containers -such as Tupperware - plastic baby bottles
and baby toys. Of course, government regulators reassure us that these
products are safe to use, even for pregnant women, infants, children and
anyone in general. However, troubled scientists and environmental groups
disagree, quoting years worth of disturbing results - EVIDENCE - from
research carried on lab animals.
"We can't tell from animal studies exactly how exposure at different times
during pregnancy affects a developing human foetus, but these chemicals may
impact health at much lower exposure levels than previously believed, if the
effects seen in animal studies also occur in humans," the research director
for the National Environmental Trust, Tom Natan, Ph.D. says. "We certainly
don't want to imply that there's danger lurking in every plastic container,
but it makes sense to protect yourself," he also adds. Until the experts
tell us the real potential problems, Natan suggests making a few simple
changes to your usage of plastics:
* Ensure the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) identification code is
stamped on products (a number inside a triangle with chasing arrows). Only
use baby bottles made with polyethylene (#2 or #4) or polypropylene (#5).
* Safer choices of plastic bottles include Avent Via Nurser Kit, Playtex
Original Nurser bottles and Evenflo Classic Glass Nurser bottles.
* Some experts have suggested discontinuing the use of clear, rigid plastic
bottles that are worn or have scratches.
* Choose toys and furniture that don't contain polyvinylchloride (PVC) #3.
These can contain plasticizers called diisononyl phthalates (DINP), which
have been shown to cause birth defects, cancer and organ damage in mice. New
PVC products often have that strong plasticy smell, which im sure most of
you are familiar with - if it smells like a new shower curtain, it's
probably PVC.
Please read related links:
You Are What You Eat
Dare 2B Aware
