Avoiding exposures to harmful chemicals found in plastics
Bisphenol A
Where is it found?
- Most "Hard, clear plastic" products are made from plastics containing BPA.
- BPA is in the lining of tin cans
- BPA is in most dental sealants.
- 90 % of the plastic baby bottles sold contain BPA
- Many "Sippy Cups" contain BPA
- Tin can linings of soda and baby formula
- Nalgene water bottles
- Some food storage containers
- Large water-cooler bottles
- most plastic containers that are identified on their bottoms with number 7 contain BPA
Reducing exposures to Bisphenol A (BPA)
- Use glass baby bottles when feeding infants, as most plastic baby bottles contain BPA.
- Ask your dentist if BPA is in the dental sealants. If so, ask for BPA-free sealants.
- Reduce your use of canned goods, as BPA resin lines most cans.
- Substitute stainless steel water bottles for nalgene water bottles, as most nalgene water bottles contain BPA.
- Do not store plastic water bottles under conditions of extreme heat.
- Heat may cause some plastic ingredients to leach out of the plastic at a faster rate.
- Reduce your use of the plastic containers that are labelled with the number 7 on the bottom, as most of them contain BPA
The phthalate DEHP
Where is it found?
DEHP is one of 6 phthalates. DEHP is used to soften plastics and to enhance fragrances. It can be found in:
- Scented candles
- Air fresheners
- fragranced detergents and dryer sheets
- Many Children's soft plastic toys
- Some pacifiers and teethers
- Many flexible plastic products such as shower curtains
- Medical devices such as tubing and intravenous bags.
- Vinyl products
Reducing exposures to the phthalate DEHP
DEHP is added to plastic to make it softer and to fragrances to make the smell last longer.
- Avoid using plastic containers and plastic wraps in microwave ovens.
- Avoid using scented candles, air fresheners, dryer sheets, and other heavily scented products, as many contain phthalates and DEHP.
- Many vinyl products contain DEHP, try to avoid them, especially if they have a heavy plastic smell. DEHP is added to plastic to make it soft and pliable.
- Avoid plastic shower curtains.
- Avoid soft plastic toys for young children, as many contain DEHP.
- Teach children not to drink water directly from garden hoses, since many hoses are plastic and contain DEHP.
- Reduce your consumption of plastics. Average consumers purchase more than 200 pounds per year. Purchase materials that are recyclable or biodegradable.
- Avoid exposure to BPA and DEHP during pregnancy.
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