Plastic (cont.)
What should I do when using plastics?
Plastic is a part of our lives and will not be leaving anytime soon.
Professor Fredrick S. vom Saal, a professor of biology at the University of
Missouri, recommends using plastic items made with number 2 (high-density
polyethylene) or 5 (polypropylene). When using the other plastics, follow these
guidelines:
- Recycle, do not reuse: Use the product only for what it was intended for.
Do not reuse bottles or microwave trays if they were not made to be reused.
- Keep the heat away from BPA: Do not warm bottles made with BPA in the stove or
microwave, don't put boiling water in them, and do not place them in the
dishwasher.
The key to using plastic safely is to use it as it is recommended.
Where can I find more information on plastics?
Polyvinyl Chloride Link:
http://www.besafenet.com/PVCDisposalReport_2-Column_R6.pdf
Bisphenol A Links:
House Energy and Commerce Committee
http://energycommerce.house.gov/Investigations/Bisphenol.shtml
National Toxicology Program
http://cerhr.niehs.nih.gov/chemicals/bisphenol/BPADraftBriefVF_04_14_08.pdf
Environmental Protection Agency
http://www.epa.gov/NCEA/iris/subst/0356.htm
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/news/releases/2007/bisphenol.cfm
American Chemistry Council
http://www.americanchemistry.com/s_plastics/index.asp
Plastic Alternative Links:
http://www.reusablebags.com/
BPA free bottles and sippy cups
http://www.newbornfree.com/
Last Editorial Review: 4/28/2008
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