The FDA says plastic is safe for storing foods and liquids, yet consumer groups are warning these containers are dangerous. How does a consumer determine whom to believe?

According to the U.S. FDA, all plastics being used for foods and liquids are safe. They run careful and extensive tests on both the substance and its additives before approving products. The FDA has found that chemicals in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) can enter the contained liquids, but after extensive testing have concluded that there is no known risk to human health. Some scientists, however, are reporting that there is a potential risk.

The Dangers

Dioxins (cancer-causing agents), phthalates (plastics additives that improve flexibility), and chemicals from PET, such as acetaldehyde (an organic compound produced by plants), ethylene glycol (an alcohol commonly found in antifreeze) and bisphenol A (BPA, behaves like estrogen) have been repeatedly brought forward as dangerous chemicals leaching into our food and drinks through heated plastics. Dioxins are not used in plastics and have been reported to not be found in any amount in drinking bottles. Phthalates are not used for foodapproved plastics in the U.S., Canada or Europe; this includes beverage bottles, storage containers and plastic wraps. Acetaldehyde, ethylene glycol and BPA, however, have been found in trace amounts.

Acetaldehyde is a compound naturally produced in plants. It is found commonly in fruits and grains. Both breads and coffee contain it in varying amounts. A large amount of acetaldehyde in the blood stream is considered the primary reason for a hangover. It is also attributed to the strange taste bottled water gets when it is left in a warm place.

Ethylene glycol is a compound used in the production of PET. It is also found in automotive antifreeze and considered highly toxic if swallowed. The trace amounts found are considered too small to be harmful.

BPA is a compound that imitates estrogen. Estrogen is a hormone, or chemical messenger, necessary for healthy reproductive systems for both males and females. BPA is currently considered safe to ingest, but some scientists are warning that it is causing harm to fetuses and young children.

What to Do?

Currently it is a consumer’s decision to stop using plastics for storing and heating food. Unless governing bodies determine that plastics in use with food are a danger, or consumers reject their use on a large scale, plastics will stay in common use.

If an individual or family decides to eliminate plastics from use in the kitchen it can be overwhelming to try to do it all at once. A place to start would be plastics used with children such as lunch and snack containers or sports bottles. Next, look for storage containers that are used in the microwave. Plastic fluid containers would be another category to replace, such as juice and water pitchers. Otherwise, look for other plastics in use for food preparation, especially if these come in contact with heat.

References:

• Halden, R. Researcher Dispels Myth of Dioxins and Plastic Water Bottles. June 24, 2004. Retrieved from John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, plasticsinfo.org. © 2006-2007, Plastics Division of the American Chemistry Council®, 1300 Wilson Blvd., Arlington VA 22209.
• Zandonella, C. The Bisphenol-A Debate: A Suspect Chemical in Plastic Bottles and Cans. The Green Guide. Issue #114, May/June 2006. Retrieved from National Geographic.