Plastic Poison Fear

by whizurl - September 02, 2010

A chemical used in packaging could leach into food and drinks

Concerns are growing about a synthetic chemical known as bisphenol A (BPA). Although it's nearly everywhere - in many hard plastic drinking cups, bottles and containers, as well as the lining of food cans - the US Food and Drug Administration recently advised consumers to reduce their exposure.

Food standards Australia New Zealand considers the very small BPA level we're exposed to be safe. Still, in January, a major US study found evidence linking the chemical to diabetes and heart disease in adults. There are safer alternatives, says David Oakenfull of consumer advocacy group CHOICE in Australia. "We'd like to see the industry phase out the chemical. There is no need to use it."

Do You Know?

BPA is used mainly in polycarbonates - a hard plastic - and the epoxy resins that line tin cans. Softer the plastics, such as PET (used for bottled water, soft drinks, peanut butter jars) and HDPE (milk bottles, yoghurt cups, bags lining cereal packets) are BPA-free and safer.

So, What You Can Do?

[1] Toss old bottles Polycarbonate plastic, made from BPA, is used in baby bottles and reusable drinking bottles. It is strong and durable, but the chemical may leach with repeated use. Demand for BPA-free bottles is growing and they are now stocked in most supermarkets.

[2] Switch to cartons BPA in the lining of metal cans can leach into foods and beverages. Look for soup, tomatoes, sauce and juice in cartons or bottles; choose fresh or frozen fruit and vegetables instead of canned.

[3] Know your numbers Plastic containers marked with recycle codes 3 or 7 may contain BPA; those marked with 1, 2, 4, 5 or 6 rarely do.