Crash course for numbers on plastic

If you look on the bottom of most plastic containers you will see a number. This number will tell what is in the product and if it is safe. Here is a great resource that will tell you all the info you need to know about these numbers. Plastic Handout from healthobservatory.org

Numbers that are on the safer side: 1, 2, 4, and 5

STAY AWAY FROM THESE NUMBERS: 3, 6, and 7

Another thing to remember is that Polycarbons are worst and Polypropylenes are best. Or use LDPE-low density plastic.


Other Points to pay attention to when using plastic products: (taken from Dr. Benzinger, whom I recently heard speak. He is an amazing doctor in the Indy area with great info in many areas. His website is secondopinion.org

-If you continue to use plastic please note that when heated (sunlight, microwaves, hot substances), plastic makes compounds break down and leach chemicals into your food or drink.
-Do not re-use plastic for over too long of a time
-Bleach and cleaning will break down the plastic
-Plastic purposes: never heat or store hot substances
-adopt the one and done philosophy

Other plastics to stay away from besides BPA:
Dioxin: severely toxic
DEHA=PET
Reuse grows all kinds of bacteria, viruses, molds, fungus, fecal material, etc....

Next post will have a list of safe sippy cups and bottles....

What is BPA and should we be protecting our Families from it?

What is Bisphenol A??

"Bisphenol A-is a harmful chemical found in polycarbonate plastic which is used to make many popular baby bottles and sippy cups, among other things. Bishenol A (BPA) is a chemical that mimics the action of the human hormone estrogen, which alters our body’s natural pattern. BPA can leach from polycarbonate plastic, usually a hard, clear plastic that is common of many products we use everyday. Effects at even low BPA exposure include prostate cancer, breast cancer, early puberty onset, alterations in gender-specific behavior, decreased sperm count, affects on fertility, behavioral effects including hyperactivity, increased aggressiveness, impaired learning and other changes in behavior, and other problems." excerpt from Family and Health Safety

accoring to wikipedia Bisphenol A is commonly abbreviated as BPA, is an organic compound with two phenol functional groups. It is a difunctional building block of several important polymers and polymer additives. With an annual production of 2–3 million tonnes, it is an important monomer in the production of polycarbonate. Suspected of being hazardous to humans since the 1930s, concerns about the use of Bisphenol A in consumer products grabbed headlines in 2008 when several governments issued reports questioning its safety, and some retailers pulled products made from it off their shelves.

What are the health effects of BPA? In wikipedia Here is a quote from the site that answered my questions on the dangers of the BPA.

"In 2007, a consensus statement by 38 experts on bisphenol A concluded that average levels in people are above those that cause harm to animals in laboratory experiments,[30] and a panel convened by the U.S. National Institutes of Health determined that there was "some concern" about BPA's effects on fetal and infant brain development and behavior.[5] A 2008 report by the U.S. National Toxicology Program (NTP) agreed with the panel, expressing "some concern for effects on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland in fetuses, infants, and children at current human exposures to bisphenol A," and "minimal concern for effects on the mammary gland and an earlier age for puberty for females in fetuses, infants, and children at current human exposures to bisphenol A." The NTP had "negligible concern that exposure of pregnant women to bisphenol A will result in fetal or neonatal mortality, birth defects, or reduced birth weight and growth in their offspring."

Is it being banned in other places?--yes! Just in April Canada banned BPA from baby bottles. see link from the washington post. I also recently read an article that California is trying to ban BPA products. WalMart, the world's largest retailer, has said its baby bottles would be BPA-free early next year because of the concern. Babies R Us was recently taking back Dr. Browns Baby Bottles in exchange for non BPA ones(call to see if they are doing this in your area before heading out). I think there are some others,and will pass along when I find them.
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I also looked up the CDC--(Center for Disease control and prevention) Was unable to find much pertinent info--scarey....

FDA-Basically they say that even though concerns have been raised and they are continually doing research find the levels in the body to be safe. I found this statment very interesting...

"According to FDA, there is no reason to recommend that consumers stop using products that contain BPA while the agency carries out its assessment process. But concerned consumers should know that several alternatives to polycarbonate baby bottles exist, including glass baby bottles. If FDA's review of data leads to a determination that uses of BPA are not safe, FDA will take action to protect the public health."

What I got from this statement is that while they are assesing the dangers they are going to keep it on the market. If we are using the products we are at risk of being a part of the research and side effects. They are basically not sure yet, but will continue researching and let us know later if there is a concern they find. They also mention alternatives, so my thought is why not protect our family instead of placing them at a possible risk. They also had a public safety meeting this month about it and are reviewing with a task force. So, maybe they will change there thoughts.

Other sites I found very helpful in doing my research that have great info on this topic.

thesoftlanding.com
safemama.com



My conculsion and thoughts-- From this research it has convinced my family and I to steer clear from BPA products. I think if there is cause for concern any many that see this are banning it, I do not want ANY levels in me or my families bodies. Also, later they may come out with the horrible effects and ban it and I do not want my family being a part of the test to find out. I urge everyone to consider staying clear of BPA, especially with children. There are many safe products from all price ranges to use instead. I am on a budget and have not found it to be any more expensive unless you choose too.

So, which products are safe? See next post....

I'm back!!

I just wanted to aplogize for being MIA from this blog for a few months. I am officially back now and will be making weekly posts about various health, spriritial, and parenting topics. I am excited that you are visiting my blog! My prayer is that it will be a blessing to your family.

I will always have polls going on regarding the current topics I will be writing about in the right column. I would love to hear your anonymous input in these. I also welcome any comments or questions about the posts. And please let me know if there is a topic you would be interested in learing more about.

Enjoy and visit often! :)