WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW WILL HURT YOU

SOMETHING SMELLS

By: Lourdes Ledesma

  In my first article I focused on the plastic bag, as an endless source of non-biodegradable garbage that is causing floods, clogging drains, littering roads, rivers, beaches, and threatening our lives, as well as killing sea creatures. It is a polymer, made from petroleum-based compounds and developed in the laboratory. Its discovery and subsequent development into various forms and uses have given rise into a giant industry, in the fields of construction, medicine, household supplies, food and beverage, etc. It is most familiar to us in the many forms of packaging, storage containers of food and beverage products, medical and household supplies, housing of appliances, and even parts of vehicles and construction materials. Mostly, they have replaced glass and metal and natural materials such as wood.

No one can deny the multiple uses and indispensable convenience brought about by the use of plastic products. While my ultimate concern is the eventual proper disposal of these plastic products when their use is over, I would like to give some basic information on the kinds of plastics in use today for specific products, as well as the danger in their misuse, and the toxicity in certain types. The discerning consumer or shopper must become aware of the environmental and health risks arising from the widespread use of plastics.

Not all plastic containers are labeled and a recycling symbol on a product doesn’t always mean it is recyclable. These are the kinds of plastics used:

#1 -PETE – Polyethylene terephthalate ethylene – used for soft drink, juice, water, detergent cleaner and peanut butter containers.

#2 -HDPE – High density polyethylene – used in opaque plastic milk and water jugs, bleach, detergent and shampoo bottles and some plastic bags.

#3 -PVC – Polyvinyl chloride- used for cling wrap, some plastic squeeze bottles, cooking oil and peanut butter jars, detergent and window cleaner bottles. PVC poses risks both to human health and the environment, and is also the least recyclable plastic.

#4 -LDPE – Low density polyethylene – used in grocery store bags, most plastic wraps and some bottles.

#5 -PP – Polyprophylene – used in most Rubbermaid products, yogurt and syrup containers, straws and other clouded plastic containers.

#6 -PS – Polystyrene – used in Styrofoam food trays, egg cartons, disposable cups, bowls, carryout containers and opaque plastic cutlery.

#7 -Polycarbonate – used in most clear plastic baby bottles, water bottles, sport water bottles, metal food can liners, “sippy” cups and clear plastic cutlery.

Health Risks:

         Leaching occurs when plastic comes in contact with oily or fatty foods during heating, and from scratched or old plastic. It means, some molecules come free from the plastic and bond to the food or beverage it touches. PVC, polystyrene and polycarbonate have been shown to leach toxic chemicals…Do not heat foods with cling wrap, or on polystyrene foam containers in the microwave.  Avoid heating food and drinks in plastic cups or plates, unless labeled “microwave safe”. Use glass or ceramic containers with no metal paint on them. Bring your own “take home” containers to food stores.

Polystyrene is toxic to the brain and nervous system and has been found to adversely affect red blood cells. PVC cling wrap contains DEHA, a softener, which is linked to negative effects on the kidney, liver and bone formation. Dioxin, a known carcinogen, is a by-product of PVC manufacturing, and has been found in the air near factories and from burning of PVC products in garbage dumps. It settles on grasslands and accumulates in meat and dairy products, and ultimately in human tissue. Bisphenol A (BPA) can leach from polycarbonate plastic and has been shown to stimulate prostate cancer cells.

Most clear water bottles and baby bottles and training cups are made from polycarbonate. Examples of these baby bottles are those made by Avent, Evenflo, Playtex, Vent Aire, to name a few. If they start showing signs of wear – scratches, cloudy crackled appearance – discard them. Safer alternatives made by the same companies are of polyethylene and polypropylene (pastel and opaque). Water bottles from PETE and HDPE plastics are recommended for single use only. For all types of plastic, you can reduce bacterial contamination by thoroughly washing daily, but do not use strong detergents, which may break down the plastic and start chemical leaching. For food and beverage containers, avoid PVC, polystyrene and polycarbonate  plastics. (Source: Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, Minneapolis, Minn.,U.S.A.)

Environmental risks are water pollution from chemical leaching in garbage dumps and air pollution from incineration of discarded plastics. Both translate into human health risks when they contaminate the food we eat and the water we drink. Animals and ocean creatures are likewise affected.

      In terms of waste disposal, because plastic containers and products do not readily biodegrade, they take up a large volume of landfill space. So I urge you, in light of the above facts, to avoid using plastic products, especially those that are disposable, in view of health and environmental risks. There is a trend now to develop bio-based plastic products. This is an infant industry, so read the fine print when you go shopping, and make wise and caring choices!