http://www.care2.com/greenliving/lions-and-tigers-and-bisphenol-a-oh-my.html
Reducing Exposure to Suspicious Products Now
You might think two people addressing the same problem, looking at the same data would draw the same conclusions, but life just isn’t that easy. Special interests often have too much at stake.
Take bisphenol A (BPA) for example. A new study published in the Journal of American Medical Association links Bisphenol A exposure in adults to increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This study found adults with the highest concentration of bisphenol A in their blood were twice as likely as those with the lowest concentration to have diabetes and cardiovascular disease (keeping in mind that over 90 percent of us have bisphenol A in our blood at this very moment according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
This study is one of many that link low level bisphenol A exposure to a host of adverse health effects. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other industry groups point out that the studies are not conclusive, and surprise, surprise MORE RESEARCH IS NEEDED (which is a classic delay tactic). I’m sure there conclusions have nothing to due with the huge profitability and growth of bisphenol A use.
At some point, we all need to make our own decisions about what is safe and what isn’t. To me, there seems to be plenty of evidence against bisphenol A to warrant its removal from my life. The same can be said for several other substances as well like the materials used to make non-stick pans. PFOA, a chemical used in non-stick, has been listed as a likely human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Industry will never admit they are exposing the population to a hazardous carcinogen, but they are phasing its use out by 2015.
What can we do to minimize our exposure?
1. Get rid of #7 recyclable plastics. This type of plastic usually contains bisphenol A.
2. Check baby bottles to make sure they are bisphenol A-free.
3. If you have #7 plastics, don’t microwave them or wash them in the dishwasher. Heating them up will accelerate the release of bisphenol A.
4. Ditch the non-stick pans. Life will truly be more miserable, but you will be cutting down your exposure to PFOA.
5. Choose certified organic beauty care products including shampoos that are paraben-free (another chemical under some suspicion).
6. Choose furniture wisely. Try to find mattresses and couches that do not use brominated flame retardants (yet another chemical associated with adverse health effects).
We may not be able to totally eliminate our exposure to these chemicals, but with some minor effort and perhaps a little inconvenience, we can definitely reduce our exposure to them.
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23 comments
add your comment »A few people asked what is plastic #7. Plastic #7 is the official "other" category for plastic. A friend of mine described it as the hot dog of plastics - it contains a little bit of everything. Plastic #7 is often made of bisphenol A based polycarbonate, and bisphenol A is the chemical linked with endocrine disruption and a variety of other adverse health effects. Safer alternatives include plastics #2, #4 and #5.
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Check out the end of this article for a list of plastics to avoid:
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/a-clear-and-plastic-danger.html
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What's 7 plastic, thanks for the information
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I find it very difficult living healthily on a budget in our modern world however my greatest concern is the deadly poison I am carrying round in my mouth in the form of mercury fillings. It is virtually impossible to get rid of for less than £10,000
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WOW!! Do i have a lot to learn...and get rid of.
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Here's a good site to check out if you're curious about the different TYPES of plastics, where they're commonly used, and whether or not you should reuse them:
http://www.thegreenguide.com/products/Kitchen/Plastic_Containers
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I HATE PLASTIC. WON'T USE IT OR BUY STUFF IN IT
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I was always told to make sure if I used plastic refillable water bottles to make sure they were a #7. I did just buy all new stainless steel cookware and I am working on the personal stuff. Changed shampoo, conditioner, and toothpaste so far and some of my make-up (whici I never wear anyway). With so much information out there how do we know what is really safe and what isn't?
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In your article you mention that life is hard without non-stick pans - I use cast iron and for the most part, when used properly (and not soaking everything in oil), they are non-stick. It just takes practice.
I have almost completely phased out plastics in my household - I use glass, paper and metal to replace it. I have eliminated non-stick. Still working on the bed issue. Power to the people!!!
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I am using stainless steel for the most part. There is an overwhelming assortment of nasty chemicals out there. I wish I'd stayed on the farm. I don't think I had a lick of plastic there, at least that I can remember. My memory, sheesh, must be the aluminum pots.
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