The perils of plastic: your cling wrap could be leaching chemicals - Your Health

E: The Environmental Magazine, Sept-Oct, 2003 by Melissa Knopper

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Until scientists, industry and government regulators settle their debates over the issue, and until manufacturers start including ingredients on their labels, shoppers will be left in the dark about plastic food products, Schettler says. To help consumers make safe decisions, Schettler and other environmental health experts shared these common-sense tips:

* Only buy plastic wrap labeled "microwave safe" and keep it an inch or two above food when heating. In general, wraps made of polyethylene are safer than polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film.

* Use non-plastic coverings to prevent splattering, such as a glass or ceramic lid, wax paper or a cloth napkin.

* Flexible margarine tubs or whipped topping containers will warp or melt and leach chemicals in the microwave. Only use plastic containers labeled "microwave safe." Avoid PVC containers marked with the #3. Polycarbonate containers are marked with #7. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) #1, polypropylene #5 and high density polyethylene (HPDE) #2 are less likely to have harmful additives.

* Opt for glass or ceramic bowls and plates designed for microwave use instead of plastic containers.

* Call the manufacturer to find out if your dear, hard plastic baby bottles are made of polycarbonate. If they have been repeatedly boiled or washed in the dishwasher more than 20 times, or are badly scratched, throw them out.

* Do not put polycarbonate bottles in the microwave to warm milk or formula, as this could cause bisphenol A to leak into the liquid.

* To be safe, trade polycarbonate bottles for colored or opaque bottles made of safer plastics such as polyethylene. Evenflo also makes shatter-resistant glass baby bottles.

With all of the uncertainty surrounding the safety of plastic containers, some consumers feel they are better off avoiding them. "Most people feel if a product is on the shelf it has been thoroughly tested--but that simply is not the case," Schettler says. "Given that political reality, why not try to find safer alternatives?" CONTACT: Science and Environmental Health Network, (515) 268-0600, www.sehn.org; USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, (800)535-4555, www.fsis.usda.gov.

MELISSA KNOPPER is a Colorado-based freelance writer.