Some plastics contain harmful chemicals that can leach into our bodies. Chemicals are used in the manufacture of plastics to make them softer or more flexible and to stabilize their components. The additives may include lead, cadmium, phthalates ("thay-lates"), bisphenol-A and fungicides. Scientific studies have shown that exposure to these chemicals may be linked to health problems, including reduced sperm counts and fertility, damage to the heart, liver, kidneys, immune and endocrine systems and increases in breast, testicular and prostate cancers.

Plastics that contain harmful chemicals are used to make children's toys, dental sealants and fillings, IV bags and tubing, food cans and even shower curtains. Nipples for baby bottles are usually made of rubber or silicone. Rubber nipples tend to break down faster than silicone (which results in cracks where bacteria can hide) and also can release carcinogenic chemical compounds. Some pacifiers and teethers are made with soft PVC plastic (vinyl); the phthalates used to soften the PVC may leach into your child's mouth. Many manufacturers no longer use PVC for pacifiers, teethers and soft toys for children under age 3. Nonetheless, take care when purchasing teethers and pacifiers as they may still contain these harmful materials.

While some plastics are free of additives, there is currently no way for the consumer to be absolutely sure of the safety of any plastic. Looking for recycling codes (which appear in a triangle on the bottom of most food containers) can help you steer clear of plastics which are known to present health risks. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), bearing the #3 recycling code, is the most toxic plastic from both an environmental and human health standpoint. Other plastics to avoid because of their known health risks are polystyrene (styrofoam), recycling code #6 and polycarbonate, recycling code #7.

Click to see a recycling code guide that indicates the least and most toxic container plastics

Additionally, keep in mind that a "microwavable" label on a plastic container only means it will not break or melt in the microwave. It does not address the fact that certain chemicals in plastic and plastic wraps can leach into food when heated. Foods with a high fat content present the greatest risk as most chemicals that leach from plastic are lipophilic (fat loving) and heat speeds up the leaching process. To avoid this risk, never use plastic containers to heat food (especially for babies). For heating or storage, use glass or lead-free ceramic containers. Unwrap foods purchased in plastic wraps and store as above or in wax paper or cellulose bags.

WEB RESOURCES

The Green Guide
www.thegreenguide.com
The Green Guide, available both online and as a 12-page newsletter in print and downloadable PDF format, is committed to providing information on a wide variety of environmental and health topics.

CHECH's HealtheHouse
www.checnet.org/HealtheHouse
Children's Health Environmental Coalition provides this resource to inform about environmental health risks affecting children throughout the home and yard and gives tips on how to keep homes healthier.

Health Care Without Harm (HCWH)
www.noharm.org
HCWH is an international coalition of hospitals and health care systems, medical professionals, community groups, environmental organizations and other affiliates with the goal of making the worldwide health care industry ecologically sustainable and no longer harmful to public health or the environment.

SUGGESTED PRODUCTS

Biobags
Biobags are made from corn and are 100% biodegradable. They are designed to be composted and returned naturally back to the earth. More information at www.Biobagsusa.com

Plastic Bags or Plastic Wrap
If you need to use plastic bags or wrap for food storage, the following products have not been shown to leach any chemicals that have been linked to cancer or hormone disruption: Ziploc regular and freezer bags, Glad sandwich and freezer bags, Hefty OneZip bags, Glad Cling, Saran Cling Plus

Klean Kanteen
www.kleankanteen.com
This product is a toxin-free, durable and lightweight stainless steel sports bottle; because the Klean Kanteen is an alternative to plastics, it is safer for the environment and maintains clean-tasting, odor-free water.