Some people are afraid to use plastic containers for food or drinks. Other people use nothing but plastic due to the convenience. Should we be concerned or not?
Some chemicals used in the lining of food cans or to make certain types of plastic containers include Bisphenol A (BPA), Perchlorate, or Phthalates. Many of these have been absorbed by our bodies and found in our urine or blood samples. These chemicals can interfere with some of the hormones in our body. The hormones affected include estrogen, testosterone, thyroid hormone, insulin, along with others. These hormones not only affect reproductive health but also heart, brain, and bone health. They can also put you at increased risk for some hormone sensitive cancers like breast or prostate.
What precautions should you take?
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or Vinyl. This one contains phthalates.
Polystyrene Foam (One popular brand is Styrofoam.). The International Agency for Research on Cancer considers this one a possible human carcinogen.
Contains BPA as it is mostly polycarbonate.
- Try to limit your use of plastic containers for food and drink. Use stainless steel, glass, or ceramic containers for food or liquids.
- Don’t microwave in plastic containers. Use glass or ceramic containers. If you microwave in plastic, try not to use containers with the recycling number 7. High heat can cause chemicals to leach out and to be absorbed in the food. Don’t use cling wrap in the microwave, use a paper towel or a plate.
- Try to keep very hot foods or liquids out of plastic containers. Cool foods and liquids before storing them in plastic containers.
- Wash plastic containers by hand to avoid the harsh detergents and high heat in the dishwasher. If you do use the dishwasher, place them on the top rack.
- Toss scratched plastic containers. It is possible for harmful chemicals to leach from them.
- Reduce or limit canned foods. Most metal cans are lined with a coating that contains BPA. Eat fresh or frozen foods.
- Avoid touching thermal paper. Paper used in thermal printers has a slick, slightly shiny coating which contains BPA. Limit your handling of credit card and ATM receipts which are usually printed by thermal printers.
- Use BPA free infant formula bottles and look for toys labeled BPA free. The FDA has banned the use of BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups.
In some cases, plastic containers are more convenient and safer. Recommendations: If you need to keep food in plastic containers, try to use containers with the recycling symbol of
or 
.
Purchase stainless steel drinking bottles for your family and you. Have some glass or ceramic containers to use for cooking and storing food.
Author: Pat Brinkman, Ohio State University Extension, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Educator
Reviewer: Misty Harmon, Ohio State University Extension, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Educator
References:
Dow, C. (2017). BPA: Still a Big Deal. Available at https://www.nutritionaction.com/daily/food-safety/bpa-still-a-big-deal/
Ettman, L. (2017). Dodging Endocrine Disruptors: Here’s What You Need to Know About Phthalates. Available at https://www.nutritionaction.com/daily/food-safety/phthalates/
National Toxicology Program. (2010). Bisphenol A (BPA) Available at https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/materials/bisphenol_a_bpa_508.pdf
U. S. Food and Drug Administration. (February 2018). Bisphenol A (BPA): Use in Food Contact Application. Available at https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm064437.htm
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