BPA

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• QAre plastic lunch boxes and water bottles safe?

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  A Dr. Phillip J. Landrigan, MD , Pediatrics, answered on behalf of The Mount Sinai Health System

  Reusable lunch boxes and water bottles are great environmentally friendly alternatives to single-use paper or plastic bags and individual beverage containers. However, studies have shown that some lunch boxes made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or vinyl may contain lead or phthalates. Rigid plastic water bottles and sippy cups may contain bisphenol A (BPA) or PVC.
  
  At first glance, it may seem overly cautious to worry about an apple rolling around in a lunch box, or water in a plastic container, but all three chemicals found in certain plastics -- lead, phthalates, and BPA -- are cause for concern. Food and beverage containers containing lead should be avoided altogether. Those containing phthalates and BPA should be avoided as much as possible. When lunch boxes and bottles are exposed to heat, chemicals can leach out of the plastic and cause exposures to children through skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion.
• QHow do I lower BPA levels in my food?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  The following recommendations can help you lower BPA levels in your food:

  • Steer clear of any containers with the number 7 and the initials “PC” on the bottom, as well as any clear, hard, plastic containers with no labeling.
  • Buy BPA-free baby bottles and training cups.
  • Switch to stainless steel or aluminum sports water bottles.
  • Heat food in glass containers in the microwave.
  • Look for alternatives to canned food, beverages, and infant formula.
  • Choose fresh or frozen whenever possible.

  
  This content originally appeared on doctoroz.com
• QWhich obesogens are found in nonstick pans?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  Nonstick pans and microwave popcorn are sources of obesogens. Animal studies have shown that early exposure to a chemical used to make items nonstick -- perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) -- leads to obesity in later life. It also is known to affect thyroid glands, which are important regulators of hormones that control weight. Found mainly in products like nonstick pans, it's also hidden in microwave popcorn bags and pizza boxes.

  
  This content originally appeared on doctoroz.com
• QWhat are the risks of bisphenol A (BPA)?

  4 Answers

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  The long-term health risks of BPA exposure have been documented by hundreds of studies. The research shows a wide range of health effects. BPA disrupts hormones, has been shown to interfere with reproductive development in animals, and has been linked with cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, diabetes, and obesity in humans.
  This content originally appeared on doctoroz.com

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• QHow can I prevent exposure to phthalate and BPA from plastics?

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  A Dr. Michael Roizen, MD , Internal Medicine, answered

  BPA is likely to be in older clear, hard, refillable plastic water bottles, pitchers, and baby bottles -- most new models are BPA-free. But it's also in the lining of up to 80% of food cans, so choose fresh or frozen foods, or look for can labels that shout, "No BPA!" And turn down thermal register receipts, or wash your hands after touching them.
  
  About phthalates: Six have been banned from cosmetics and kids’ toys since 2008, but others still lurk in toys, food packages, shower curtains, rain coats, hoses and shampoo. Tip from a toxicologist: Avoid stuff with a plastic-y odor, or air it out in a backyard or on a porch for a few days before using.

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• QWhat are obesogen chemicals?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  We blame weight gain on eating too many burgers and burning too little fat, and it's true that those are the #1 and #2 major causes, by far. However, scientists are discovering that some part may be played by chemicals to which we are exposed every day. Called obesogens, or endocrine disruptors, these natural and man-made chemicals work by altering the regulatory system that controls your weight -- increasing the fat cells you have, decreasing the calories you burn, and even altering the way your body manages hunger.
  
  It's time to fight back. The White House's task force on childhood obesity is tackling obesogens, and the Environmental Protection Agency has pumped $20 million into studying them.
  
  This content originally appeared on doctoroz.com.

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• QWhat are the health concerns about plastic food containers?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  In addition to being convenient and inexpensive, plasticware is a great way to take food on the go. The problem is that some plastics contain BPA, a dangerous chemical that’s been linked to neurological damage, thyroid issues and even cancer. Manufacturers include the chemical to make plastics that are light, durable and resilient. Most plastic items that are labeled with the number 7 for recycling purposes contain BPA. When these containers are heated, either in the microwave or dishwasher, they slowly melt and decompose, causing BPA to leach into your food.
  
  Follow these guidelines when using these containers:
  

  • Never put a plastic container in the microwave or dishwasher. While some containers are listed as “microwave-safe,” that only means they’re resistant to melting – not that chemicals won’t leach into your dinner.
  • Wait for leftovers to cool before putting them into these containers.
  • Throw away misshapen or cracked containers.

  Purchase versatile plastic containers designed to go in the microwave and store hot food—they will say “BPA-free” and are worth the investment! Glass storage containers are also widely available. They’re lightweight, feature BPA-free plastic lids and are safe in both the microwave and oven.
  
  
  This content originally appeared on doctoroz.com

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• QHow can I avoid exposure to BPA?

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  A Dr. Jennifer Landa, MD , OBGYN (Obstetrics & Gynecology), answered

  

  You can avoid risk of exposure to BPA by only buying "BPA free" cans and products, or buying foods in glass jars or boxes. Watch as hormone specialist Jen Landa, MD, discusses a few ways you can avoid exposing your family to BPA and its effects. 

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• QAre plastics leaching toxic chemicals into my children’s food?

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  A RealAge answered

  

  They could be. But the real question is how dangerous the typical daily exposure to these chemicals really is to babies and children -- and to us adults, for that matter.
  
  One of the main controversies concerns a chemical called bisphenol A, or BPA, which is used in many plastic bottles, aluminum can linings, and plastic food containers. We’ve known for years that trace amounts of BPA leach into food and that most people have tiny amounts of BPA in their blood and urine.
  
  We know that BPA can be harmful to living creatures. In animal studies, BPA has been linked to premature puberty, breast and prostate cancer, immune deficiencies, and brain abnormalities. But for years, the evidence in humans has been slim and inconclusive.
  
  Consequently, since the 1980s the Food and Drug Administration has maintained that the typical daily exposure to BPA is probably too low to be dangerous to humans. Many doctors have been skeptical about this, but with all the other clear-cut environmental dangers we deal with daily second-hand smoke, lead paint, smog, trans fats, mercury, drivers talking on cell phones -- BPA didn’t seem like the most pressing concern. So it stayed in plastic, and in us.
  In 2008, however, BPA started getting more scrutiny and more media attention. Canada banned the use of BPA in all baby bottles, saying that babies, because of their small size, could be at greater risk from even low levels of the chemical. A study in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that adults with high levels of BPA in their urine had a high risk of diabetes, heart disease, and liver disease. Then the FDA admitted that the two main studies it had long relied on weren’t really solid enough to alleviate fears about the chemical.
  
  We’ll be hearing more about BPA. Personally, I try to minimize my family’s exposure to plastic food containers in general, and I recommend the same to the parents of my patients. When it comes to a developing fetus, infant, baby, or toddler, reducing exposure to plastics may be especially important, as even minuscule amounts of BPA theoretically could affect their health since their body mass is so low.
  
  From The Smart Parent's Guide: Getting Your Kids Through Checkups, Illnesses, and Accidents by Jennifer Trachtenberg.
   

  

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• QWhy do plastic water bottles pose health dangers?

  1 Answer

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  

  Besides adding to pollution, using plastic bottles may be toxic to your health. The chemical called bisphenol A may be responsible for birth defects, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and even ADD. Bisphenol is present in hard plastic bottles and lined tin cans and is present in plastic food containers and some plastic wraps. Instead, use reusable glass thermoses for water storage or you can even reuse an old glass pop bottle for carrying water. And drink real tap water.

  

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