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Common products made from Polycarbonate Plastic

The raw material used to make polycarbonate plastic is bisphenol A (BPA).

BPA composed plastics are identified by the - - located on the bottom of most products. It is characterized as rigid, clear/translucent, lightweight, and hard plastic.

Concern:
BPA can leach from the polycarbonate plastics used in water bottles, food containers, and tin can linings. The foods or liquids stored come in contact with the BPA that has leached and are then digested. BPA's have hormone disrupting properties at small doses and thus the trace elements in so many of our everyday products are of concern.

 

Common items containing BPA:

Some alternatives

Reusable “sport-type” water bottles

  • Hard, clear
  • Sometimes tinted
  • e.g., Nalgene ® and other brands

Avoid degrading the plastic and increasing leaching of BPA by:

  • washing them by hand with mild dishwashing soap (harsh detergents can break down the plastics.)
  • Look for plastics water containers with #1, #2, #4 or #5. (Note: #1 and #2 should only be used once.)
  • For hot and/or acidic liquids, use thermoses with stainless steel or ceramic interiors.

Large 5-gallon water bottles

  • hard plastic
  • used for filtered or distilled water that are purchased at an outlet or delivered by a water service

 

  • Keep bottled water away from heat, which promotes leaching of chemicals.
  • Consider in-house filtering system, if concern is tap water.

Food containers

  • storage containers
  • Hard, clear plastic bowls
  • Glass, ceramic and stoneware are the safest options when it comes to food storage - they do not leach any questionable chemicals when in contact with food.

Tableware

  • Plates, cups, and eating utensils
  • Glass, ceramic and stoneware are the safest options when it comes to tableware and metal utensils are the way to go.

Baby bottles, Kids training and sippy cups

  • Hard, clear plastic
  • Use glass baby bottles or plastic bag inserts, which are made of polyethyelene, or switch to polypropylene bottles that are labeled #5 and come in colors or are milky rather than clear.
  • Silicone nipples
  • Look for plastics containers with #4 or #5
  • Keep out of extreme temperature
  • Do not use hot liquids

Tin can liners

  • epoxy resins used to line food and drink cans
  • acts as a protectant inside can
  • prevents food from picking up a metallic taste.
  • Choose soups, milk and soy milk packaged in cardboard "brick" cartons; tetra-packs type (not so good for environment).
  • Or hey make your own soup
  • Buy fresh fruit and vegetables without plastic wrap
  • Check brands – some natural brands may not use cans lined with BPA

Food packaging

  • Use butcher paper, waxed paper, and aluminum foil

Toys

  • Non-flexible plastics, wooden, or cloth

Variety of other everyday products; including:

  • Eyeglass lenses, some contact lenses
  • Consumer electronics
  • Bicycle helmets and other protective safety equipment
  • Compact discs
  • Adhesives
  • Medical devices
  • Dental sealants
  • Pacifiers and Teethers
  • Take note.

 

 

 

 

Last Updated: 2007-06-14