Tony's Tips - Are Your Plastic Containers Poisoning Your Food? |
Dear Appreciated Friend,
Did you know that the plastic containers and cling wrap that you store and cook your food in may be leaching toxins into your food? Or has this news already reached you and you are even more confused by the various “experts” conflicting opinions and data on this topic? For example:
- Plastic manufacturers claim that there are no risks in using plastics with food, and, for the most part, the Federal Drug Administration agrees (see below #1).
- On the other hand, scientists and researchers with health and environmental organizations strongly disagree, and their findings continue to change industry practices.
Some of the Claims
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, admits that chemicals can “migrate” from plastics into food while microwaving. However, the FDA also maintains that there is little evidence so far that this poses a health hazard.
- A scientist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health says, “In general, whenever you heat something you increase the likelihood of pulling chemicals out. In fact, that is exactly how we extract chemicals from substances for analyzing them: by heating them. Chemicals can be released from plastic packaging materials like the kinds used in some microwave meals.
- Researchers have provided much scientific evidence that some of these chemicals can affect reproductive and growth hormones; can cause harmful effects on everything from an increased risk for diabetes to deformed genitals in males; and/or can be carcinogenic.
- Environmental health advocates from Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth and the National Environmental Trust are calling on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to keep certain chemicals out of food containers, particularly baby bottles.
As the debate continues, so does the research. In the meanwhile, we at Tony’s Body Shop want to share some common-sense tips that we’ve gleaned from the news, organizations and agency websites mentioned below under “Additional Information.”
Safety Tips for Using Plastic with Foods
- As a precaution, remove food from packaging before defrosting. You can unwrap these foods and store them in nontoxic glass, ceramic or steel bowls, or Ziploc bags (made of LDPE).
- Don't use foam trays and plastic wraps in the microwave because they may melt or warp at high temperatures, which may release harmful chemicals into food.
- Only use cookware made for use in the microwave oven. Glass, ceramic containers and all plastics should be labeled for microwave oven use.
- Only buy plastic wrap and containers labeled "microwave safe" and keep it an inch or two above food when heating. In general, wraps made of polyethylene are safer than polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film.
- Use non-plastic coverings to prevent splattering, such as a glass or ceramic lid, wax paper or a cloth napkin.
- If you are cooking with plastics or using plastic utensils, the best thing to do is to follow the directions and only use plastics that are specifically meant for cooking. Inert containers are best, for example heat-resistant glass, ceramics and good old stainless steel.
- When you do use plastic water bottles, store them away from heat. Hand wash them with mild detergent and rinse well. Never expose bottles to harsh chemicals, such as bleach, in cleaning.
- Use scratched or old plastic containers for paint, not food. The scratches increase the likelihood of leaching.
- Call the manufacturer to find out if your clear, hard plastic baby bottles are made of polycarbonate. If they have been repeatedly boiled or washed in the dishwasher more than 20 times, or are badly scratched, throw them out. Do not put polycarbonate bottles in the microwave to warm milk or formula, as this could cause bisphenol A to leak into the liquid.
- To be safe, trade polycarbonate bottles for colored or opaque bottles made of safer plastics such as polyethylene (#2 and #4). Evenflo also makes shatter-resistant glass baby bottles. With all of the uncertainty surrounding the safety of plastic containers, some consumers feel they are better off avoiding them. "Most people feel if a product is on the shelf it has been thoroughly tested-but that simply is not the case," one researcher says. "Given that political reality, why not try to find safer alternatives?"
The Safest Plastics to Use for Health and the Environment
Look for these numbers:
#1 - Containers of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE) are recyclable and generally considered the safest single-use plastic-bottle choice. But they are best not reused because studies indicate that after repeated use, PET containers may leach DEHP.
#2 - Containers of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) are both durable and accepted by most curbside recycling programs.
#4 - Containers of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), like its cousin HDPE, is a food-safe plastic, mostly used to make food wraps and plastic bags
#5 - Containers of Polyproppylene (PP), though less recyclable, has not been shown to leach any carcinogens or endocrine disruptors and are readily available in reusable containers.
Avoid:
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) containers marked with the # 3.
Polycarbonate containers are marked with # 7 and there is insufficient research to determine their toxicity. Although manufacturers say polycarbonate containers (such as Nalgene) are dishwasher safe, to be sure, we recommend hand washing in warm water (see #7 in Some Safety Tips above). (Nalgen has also recently come out with #2 containers and bottles.)
The California Department of Health Services does not recommend testing as a first step to determine if you have a mold problem. Reliable air sampling for mold can be expensive and requires expertise and equipment that is not available to the general public. In addition, there are few available standards for judging what is an acceptable quantity of mold.
For Additional Information
Something to think about:
“Follow your bliss and what looks like walls with turn into doors.” Joseph Cambell
"The best way to know God is to love many things." Vincent van Gogh
“The earth is like my mother. You get punished if you make a mess. Why do you think this planet is called Mother Earth?” Jessica Lee, Age 10, Hong Kong. (From wall at Epcot Center.)
Why should you refer your family and friends to Tony's Body Shop?
What we offer with every repair job:
- Guaranteed color match
- Accurate panel to panel alignment
- Repairing the vehicle to a safe condition
Your 100% satisfaction is our goal.
At Tony's Body Shop you can still find service, a smile, and a sincere thank you if you allow us to service your auto body needs.
Please feel free to call us if we can be of help or guide you in any way.
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