Plastic protection

It’s not yet clear if the small amounts of Bisphenol A and other plastics we’re exposed to from food containers pose a significant health risk, but there is ongoing concern - especially when it comes to exposures in babies and small kids, who are more vulnerable to the effects of toxins.

Until we know more it’s a sensible precaution to cut back on using plastics with food where possible and practical. Less plastic production and waste is better for the environment too.

General tips:

* Don’t heat food or drinks in plastic containers - this accelerates the leaching of chemicals out of the plastic. 

* Avoid re-using plastic cold drink bottles. As plastic gets older, it starts to break down, especially if it undergoes a lot of rough wear, and is taken in and out of the fridge or freezer repeatedly. There’s also a risk of bacterial contamination with re-using bottles.

* Discard plastic food containers that are scratched – these can harbour germs and are more likely to leach chemicals.

* Limit canned food in the diet: cans are lined with a thin layer of plastic.

* Make more use of glass, ceramic and stainless steel food and drink containers.

* Avoid plastic food containers stamped with the number 3, 6 or 7, or 'PC' (polycarbonate), as these contain BPA or other chemicals of concern.

 - Olivia Rose-Innes, EnviroHealth Editor.
@ORoseInn

Got a good green tip to share? Email me at oroseinn@sa.24.com or post on the EnviroHealth Forum – if it's a planet-saver, we'll publish it.