Our bodies absorb harmful chemicals from plastic

Chemical body burden
Even though plastic is the most common material in our lives, we do not know what materials make up plastic compounds. It has become evident that chemicals added to plastic are absorbed into our bodies through inhalation, ingestion and absorption through the skin. We are learning that the chemical body burdens we carry are linked to some of our biggest health concerns today.

Solutions
Fortunately, our chemical body burden is quickly reduced once we stop absorbing the chemicals which cause the burden. With a little awareness on how we store and consume our food and “beauty” products, we can benefit our long term health by reducing our body burden.

If you choose to have plastic in your kitchen, it is important NOT to microwave food in plastic containers because heat breaks down the polymer structure to allow chemicals to leach into our food.

With a little intention, we can consume less processed food & nourish ourselves from fresh food prepared at home. It is relatively easy to form the habit of carrying a refillable stainless steel water bottle instead of drinking from plastic.

Less is more: we don’t need to over stimulate our children with so many synthetic toys, instead we can cultivate their magination by encouraging them make up their own games with materials found in our backyards.

Alternatives to using Plastic

Chemicals common in plastic which are known to disrupt hormones:

Phthalates
Often found in Polyvinyl Chloride (#3 PVC).

Because of their size, children harbor higher phthalate levels than adults. Recently manufacturers were required to make toys phthalate free. However, stores were not required to take older toys, which likely contain phthalates, off their shelves. A $1.4 billion market in phthalates is big motivation for chemical companies to lobby that they are safe.

Where we can find Phthalates:
o Food packaging & processing equipment
o Construction materials & furniture
o Clothing
o TOYS
o Cosmetics – shampoo – perfume
o Time release coating for medications & supplements.

BPA
often found in polycarbonate (#7).

BPA leaches into our food because the structure of polymer can be loosened by heat or detergents. Common actions like heating our food in plastic containers in a microwave or washing plastic in a dishwasher can increase the amount of chemicals leached into our food.

Where we can find BPA:
o Baby bottles
o Water bottles
o Coating in canned food & aluminum drink cans
o CDs

DEHP

DEHP is an antiandrogen, which interferes with testosterone and reduces fertility in men.

Where we can find DEHP
o Medical IV bags & tubing
o Shower curtains – Venetian blinds – flooring – upholstery
o Garden hoses
o Rainwear – flip flops – plastic shoes
o Sheathing on cables & wires
o Yoga mats
o Cleaning products
o Our primary exposure is through fatty foods because fat is likely to absorb the chemical.