Plastic Safety - PLEASE READ

Friday, April 18, 2008

About 2 weeks ago, the Today Show's Dr. Nancy Synderman tackled the plastic safety issue with a report that encouraged viewers to avoid using certain plastics. Click here to see the 4/8 interview and follow-up 4/10 interview. This interview got my attention because of the ever present role of plastic in baby bottles and sippy cups in my life and the lives of my friends and family. She makes the point that you can't go back on what is done but now is the time to change our habits! There are safer alternatives but they take a little research - see chart above and this blog has cool info.

The point of her interviews is that consumers should avoid Bisphenol A, Ployvinyl chloride (PVC), Polystyrene (PS) and polycarbonate containers (i.e. Nalgene bottles!). In the 4/10 interview, Dr. Snyderman did clarify that PVC and PS do not contain Bisphenol A. But, she added that PVC and PS contain "other chemicals like polyvinyl chloride that we know in rat studies can be linked to cancers and other problems." She suggested that consumers with questions about plastic safety check http://www.iatp.org/ which she described as an "independent organization."

So please, be smart! Take the time to go through your pantry, cupboards and refridgerator to check your plastics.

All you need to remember =

AVOID 3, 6, 7 and do not microwave or dishwash plastic!
Click on the image above for the Safe Plastics Guide.