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Toss plastic bottles for health's sake

September 21, 2008 12:16 am

SOME PLASTIC food containers and metal food cans have been linked to heart disease, diabetes, breast cancer and prostate cancer.

Last Wednesday, the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that 90 percent of Americans have the chemical bisphenol A, or BPA, in their bodies. BPA is found in many plastic bottles, as well as in the linings of metal food cans and soda cans.

People with the highest levels of BPA had 40 percent higher rates of diabetes, heart disease and liver abnormalities. They were also more likely to be poor, overweight and people of color.

The research, based on a survey of nearly 1,500 Americans, doesn't prove BPA causes heart disease and diabetes, just that it seems to come along with them.

More studies are needed to show whether BPA is the culprit or a coincidence. A rooster crowing at dawn doesn't cause the sun to rise. Likewise, the link between between BPA and health problems might be a coincidence--maybe it's the soda inside the cans that's causing obesity, heart disease and diabetes.

However, both heart diseases and diabetes run in my family, and I'm not taking chances.

Likewise, in the Journal, a physician and scientist asked the government to to reduce people's exposure to BPA now. Canada has already declared BPA an environmental contaminant.

The Journal study isn't the first on BPA. This spring, I wrote about studies that linked BPA to breast and prostate cancer. There's conflicting evidence, however, because health problems can be caused by diet, exercise, genetics and many other things besides plastic. Also, it's hard to find anyone who hasn't been exposed to BPA to compare with the rest of us.

BPA is found everywhere: the chemical is used to make polycarbonate water bottles and baby bottles more flexible, in the lining of food cans and soda cans, and in dental sealants. Tests have even found BPA in household dust.

MAKING SOME CHANGES

I'm not willing to get crazy and eliminate all plastics from my life. But I have made easy changes to reduce BPA.

First, I switched our family's water bottles to a BPA-free version, which I found at a local outdoor store.

Many metal cans have BPA plastic liners, ironically to keep a metallic flavor from leaching into the food. Instead, flavorless BPA leaches into the food.

To avoid BPA, I seldom buy canned sodas and canned fruits and vegetables. Instead of soda, I drink water most of the time. In place of canned fruits and vegetables, I prefer the fresh or frozen versions--they taste better anyway. I also like dried fruits such as raisins, prunes, figs and apricots.

Sun-dried tomatoes work well in many dishes, and you can buy spaghetti sauce in glass jars rather than metal cans. I will still buy canned tomato paste, though, until I find a good substitute.

In place of canned soups, consider buying soups that come in cartons--the Center for Science in the Public Interest states that these are free of BPA.

When it comes to leftover foods, I store them in glass or ceramic containers, not plastic. Many of these glass containers have tight-fitting plastic lids, but since the lid doesn't touch the food, I feel I have reduced the risk.

Research shows that hot foods and drinks leach chemicals out of plastic more quickly, so I avoid microwaving plastic containers. You can find frozen meals that come in paper trays, not plastic.

And consider replacing your plastic coffee mug with one lined with stainless steel. I think the steel is nicer than plastic because it doesn't break, stain or absorb funny smells like the plastic does.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

The last time I wrote about BPA, I was besieged with letters from readers wondering if the plastic water bottles and glasses in their kitchen cupboards had BPA. Here are a few things you can do to find out for yourself:

First, turn the plastic item over and look for a recycling symbol on the bottom. This is usually a small triangle made of arrows with a number inside of it. Plastics Nos. 1 to 6 are specific types of plastic that are usually free of BPA. Plastic No. 7 is the "other" category, and may contain BPA.

Call the manufacturer and ask. It's the only fool-proof method of knowing--they will have up-to-date information. Plus, you'll be sending a powerful message that you, the customer, prefer safe products.

If you're concerned about heart disease and diabetes, it's important to focus on the big picture, not just plastics and BPA. Plastic is controversial. But scientists agree that regular physical activity can help protect your heart and reduce blood sugar. A balanced diet helps too.

So after you ditch your old plastic water bottle, take a walk. Eat an apple. Enjoy a beautiful September day outside.

Jennifer Motl welcomes reader questions via her Web site, brighteating.com, or mailed to Nutrition, The Free Lance-Star, 616 Amelia St., Fredericksburg, Va. 22401.