Safe Plastic

Does safe plastic exist?  Thanks to the good work of concerned moms and environmental groups, bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalate have finally been taken out of children’s products for their endocrine disruptor effects on the human body (a.k.a. they cause reproductive challenges and cancers).

Although, the same standard has yet to be found in non-children products such as your lunch box, soup can, or dental fillings;  we readily see bottles and freezer containers labeled “BPA free” plastic or soft plastic toys made of “phthalate free” plastic.

If we take a moment and think about it.  These new and improved products look the same, feel the same, serve the same practical purpose…would they also have similar, if not the same effect on the human body?

The answer is yes.  Products that were once made with BPA now contain BPS, a compound shown to have similar endocrine disruptor effects.  DEHP, DBP, DINP, DINCH are the replacement of phthalates.  Some of these are endocrine disruptors, while others may lead to liver cancer at high dosage.

We may have won 1 battle, but the war against environmental pollutants is far from over.  Use glass, wood, and metal products from good manufacturers whenever possible.