CALTRANS NEWS

Health and Wellness

Plastic Container Risks

Before you reuse your plastic water bottle, read this and consider using another container.

Numerous recent studies show that bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used to manufacture hard plastic bottles and food containers, may leach out of containers and pose a health risk. The chemical is used in baby pacifiers and toddler sippy cups, as well.

Test show genetic damage from BPA in lab animals. Bisphenol A, which mimics estrogen, can affect developing brains and reproductive systems.

Researchers have expressed concern that negative trends in human health may be traced to widespread exposure to BPA, and one doctor on the Today Show recently recommended using any plastic bottle only once.

Heating and cleaning plastic containers with harsh detergents, or pouring acidic or hot drinks into them, increases the chance of ingesting BPA.

Although manufacturers of these plastic containers dispute the findings and there is currently no restriction by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on their use, the EPA has been urged to reevaluate the public’s health risks.

You can reduce your family’s exposure to possible risks by switching to non-plastic containers and dishes. Thrift stores are good sources of inexpensive glassware and microwavable dishes.

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