November/December 2008 Living Now
Make it a Toxic-Free Holiday

by Vicky Thompson

"Rubber Duckie, you're the one. You make bath time lots of fun. Rubber Duckie, I'm awfully fond of you," Ernie sings happily to his little yellow buddy on Sesame Street. But is Rubber Duckie really a safe toy or just a toxic friend?

Nearly 100 billion pounds of plastic are produced in the U.S. each year. Certain plastics and plastic toys are known to contain toxins that have a negative impact on human health.

Use this handy plastics guide from the Oregon Environmental Council when shopping this holiday season for children. Even better, make a resolution to eliminate harmful plastics from your household this coming year.

Children are particularly vulnerable to toxins since their immune systems and organs are still developing. Young children are also at greater risk since they often put plastic objects into their mouths. Baby bottles, sippy cups, teething rings and toys are often made with phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA). These two toxic ingredients in plastics are of particular concern, as research increasingly shows that these chemicals mimic hormones and disrupt normal development and growth.

Phthalates are a class of chemicals that are used to soften PVC-containing vinyl plastics, bind fragrances in products, and act as solvents and fixatives. Adverse health effects include hormone disruption, developmental and reproductive problems, asthma, preterm birth, low sperm count, undescended testes, premature puberty, and development of some cancers.

BPA is a hormone disrupter that is used to make polycarbonate plastic (hard clear plastic). BPA can be found in baby bottles, water bottles, canned food liners and sippy cups. A study by the Centers for Disease Control detected BPA in the urine of 95 percent of adults sampled. Adverse health effects include prostate cancer, breast cancer, miscarriages, birth defects, early puberty, low sperm count, hyperactivity and aggressiveness.

Plastics to Avoid: #3, #6 and #7

#3 - Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

PVC often contains lead and phthalates, and the production of PVC releases cancer-causing dioxins into the environment.

Products: Flexible plastic toys (rubber duckies, dolls, beach balls), inflatable swimming pools, garden hoses, cosmetics, shower curtains, crib bumpers, imitation leather and food packaging.

Health concerns: Cancer, birth defects, reproductive and developmental disorders, low sperm count, undescended testes, premature puberty and liver dysfunction.

#6 - Polystyrene (PS, commonly known as styrofoam)

Toxic styrene can leach from polystyrene plastic.

Products: Coffee cups, carry-out containers, packaging peanuts, food trays, disposable cutlery, toys, and packaging for meats, cheeses, fish and yogurt.

Health concerns: Suspected carcinogen and neurotoxin.

#7 - Other (usually polycarbonate)

BPA can leach from polycarbonate plastic and act as a hormone disrupter.

Products: Hard clear baby bottles, water bottles and sippy cups, and canned food liners.

Health concerns: Prostate cancer, breast cancer, miscarriages, birth defects, premature puberty, low sperm count, hyperactivity and aggressiveness.

7 Tips for Safer Use of Plastics

  1. Avoid plastics with recycling codes #3, #6 and #7 (#1, #2, #4 and #5 are safer choices).
  2. Do not heat or microwave food in plastic containers, as leaching of toxic chemicals from plastic to food or liquid may occur.
  3. Use PVC-free plastic wrap (buy plastic wrap and bags made with polyethylene).
  4. Minimize the use of canned foods and canned drinks.
  5. Choose phthalate-free toys. Look for toys labeled "phthalate free" or "PVC free." Choose toys made from polypropylene or polyethylene, or avoid plastic toys altogether.
  6. Purchase phthalate-free beauty products.
  7. Ask your dentist for BPA-free sealants and composite fillings.

Plastic Resources Online

Green Guide to Plastic Containers: www.thegreenguide.com/products/kitchen/plastic_containers

Smart Plastics Guide for Parents and Children: www.healthobservatory.org/library.cfm?refid=77083

Plastics that May be Harmful to Children and Reproductive Health: www.ehhi.org/reports/plastics/ehhi_plastics_report_2008.pdf

Source: Oregon Environmental Council at www.oeconline.org.