By now most people would be familiar with the safety concerns in regards to a chemical called BPA (bisphenol A). This chemical was used extensively in the manufacture of plastics until recently, when research showed that it can readily leech into the liquids and foods the BPA plastic container holds. Once absorbed into the bloodstream, BPA causes a powerful disruption of cellular processes which can have far reaching effects on health, including:
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Obesity
- Neurological disorders
- Cancers of the breast, brain and prostate
- Heart disease
- Reproductive disorders
- Asthma
Of most concern is that BPA has shown the ability to reprogram cellular DNA, removing gene expressions such as tumor growth suppression. These genetic changes can then be passed down to subsequent generations, meaning that the plastic bottle of water you drink today may predispose your future child to cancer.
BPA out, BPS in
The use of BPA containing plastics is gradually being phased out (most Western countries have mandated it be removed from baby bottles), and the solution of the multi-billion dollar plastics industry has been to use a BPA alternative called bisphenol S (BPS). It was thought that BPS would be a safer option due to some early research indicating it leeches less readily than BPA, and also is unlikely to have the oestrogenic and cell disrupting activity of BPA. However some recent studies have shown this not to be the case. BPS is readily detectable in the bloodstream of the majority of any western population group tested, thus proving that it does indeed readily leech from the plastic. An early study showing clear oestrogenic activity on human cell lines from BPS was aggressively shut down by the legal representatives of the Eastman Chemical Company (a major plastics manufacturer) on the basis that the testing was performed ‘in vitro’ (meaning outside the body). Further studies performed ‘in vivo’ (inside the body) in a variety of animals also have shown clearly adverse activity on cellular function, and are also being legally pursued by chemical manufacturers to have them silenced.
The regulation of chemicals used in food storage is practically non-existant
The truth of the matter is that when it comes to the containers that carry our food and drinks, there is very little government regulation around the materials that are used. Despite the clear evidence against BPA (and now BPS), the chemical manufacturing industry is fighting tooth and nail to keep these plastics in circulation. We will likely see the eventual removal of BPS from many plastics in the future (from public pressure once this information is disseminated, rather than from any industry regulation), only to be replaced with the next toxic plastic derivative (BPG? BPR? I’m sure they will come up with another name that doesn’t contain the ‘BP’ prefix by then!). Please do not assume that these chemical manufacturers have your best interests at heart – they are driven exclusively by profitability.
The solution
Really the solution to this issue is simple – stop buying foods and beverages stored in plastic. Follow these tips to minimise your exposure to chemicals leeched from plastic containers:
- Eat whole, real food rather than packaged and processed food.
- If you are purchasing processed foods, buy them in glass containers, paper, cardboard or tin (but be aware that most tinned liquid goods are lined with BPA plastic).
- Never heat food in a plastic container – this greatly accelerates the leeching of chemicals.
- Do not wash plastic containers in the dishwasher, as this accelerates the degradation of the plastic and its ability to leech toxins.
- Use glass containers for food storage. If you must store food in plastic tupperware, wait until it has cooled until you place it in the container.
- Water bottles should be either stainless steel or glass (and they should be reused – the environmental impact of discarded plastic water bottles is horrific).
Please share this post with your friends and loved ones so the truth of the health impacts of all plastics are made known.
For your health, the health of your family, and the health of the environment, say no to plastic.
In wellness,
James
