 Many of the chemicals used to make and treat the plastic we wrap and bottle our food in may be carcinogenic, hormone-altering, and, at the very least, a cause of allergic reactions ranging from skin irritation to breathing problems. We are completely surrounded by plastics - grocery bags and food containers, toys and plant pots, pens and computers, soap dishes and shower curtains. Can we escape plastics, and should we?
Many studies indicate that most of the cling wrap used by delis and grocery stores contains high levels of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a plasticizing chemical that has been linked to hormonal abnormalities in mice. Chemicals are most likely to migrate from plastic into food when exposed to high heat, harsh soaps, and fat.The Research A number of chemicals known as plasticizers are used to soften normally hard plastic known as PVC, or polyvinyl chloride. In dozens of animal studies conducted over the past several years, a spate of these plasticizers has been shown to be especially harmful to pregnant mice and their babies. Studies have linked exposure to even low doses of one of these plasticizers, bisphenol-A (BPA), to chromosomal abnormalities. Exposure to the chemical, which creates hormonal imbalances, resulted in everything from high rates of spontaneous abortions to decreased sperm counts in male mice and early onset of puberty in females. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to suggest to what extent humans are affected by chemicals that may leach into food.  To avoid potential trouble and stay on a safe side, tore your food in glass containers, ceramic bowls, waxed- and brown paper bags, and metal canisters made for hot and cold food. Clothes will be well protected in environmentally-friendly paper bags. |
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