WHAT PLASTIC IS DOING TO OUR HEALTH
It’s not just bad for the planet – we investigate the impact on our bodies
Plastic is everywhere – not just in toys and bottles, but in cling film wrapped around food and in non-stick coating on frying pans. It can even be found on many of the UK’S till receipts (making them non-recyclable). And the really bad news? It may be affecting your health.
WHAT’S THE RISK?
The health concern comes from the chemicals contained in plastic. Some of those, including Bisphenol A (BPA) – which studies have linked to a higher risk of heart disease, breast cancer and diabetes – can migrate into our bodies. Dr Margaret Wexler, head of science at the charity Breast Cancer UK, says that according to one study, BPA is estimated to be present in more than 93% of the US adult population. ‘The main route into our bodies is through our diet. It can leach into food and drink from plastic packaging, as well as being absorbed through our skin,’ she says.
But is the amount that migrates enough to pose a risk? In 2015, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) said that, at current exposure levels, there was insufficient evidence of adverse health effects of BPA. In the UK, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) agrees.
Yet, the debate about the dangers of plastic doesn’t end there. In fact, Breast Cancer UK is calling for a total ban on the use of BPA in all food and drink packaging. It says there enough evidence. ‘Laboratory experiments show that BPA has the ability to transform normal breast cells into cells of a more cancerous or overall malignant nature,’ says Dr Wexler. ‘Animal studies also show that exposure to BPA in the womb or during early life can increase susceptibility to tumours.’
The evidence is suggestive of harm, but is not conclusive. Therefore, as it’s difficult to determine whether plastics used to store food or drink contain potentially harmful chemicals, Breast Cancer UK’S advice is to try and use less. Caroline Sherlock, a nutritionist and co-founder of Eat Drink Live Well, believes the uncertainty is enough to warrant reducing our exposure to plastic, too, especially for those at higher risk of cancer, hormonal conditions, or with a gut dysfunction, such as constipation, which can mean toxins are not so readily eliminated from the body.
So, while the debate rages on, what do we do? Although it’s pretty much impossible to eliminate all contact with plastic, we can limit our exposure, particularly through what we eat and drink.
AVOID NON-STICK PANS
Non-stick coatings, such as Teflon, are often a type of plastic. The FSA advises being vigilant about damage to nonstick cookware and utensils, which may accelerate chemical migration. They recommend replacing any item showing clear signs of deterioration. To avoid non-stick coatings, use ceramic, stainless steel or cast iron pans.
MICROWAVE WITH CAUTION
‘Since heat may increase the leaching of chemicals from certain types of
plastics, microwaving in plastic is best avoided,’ says Dr Wexler. A spokesperson for the FSA, however, says only that ‘consumers should ensure they follow instructions on packaging when heating, reusing or recycling food packaging.’
CHUCK DAMAGED PLASTIC STORAGE BOXES
When it comes to food storage, instructions for use should be followed and plastic storage boxes showing clear signs of deterioration should be replaced, because damage may quicken the migration of chemicals. Try to use glass, ceramic or stainless steel where you can, says Caroline. ‘Glass in a freezer isn’t really practical, and since the chemicals are less likely to leach in cold conditions than hot, I use plastic bags there. Also, since chemicals are more likely to leach into fatty or acidic foods, there’s a greater risk of storing cheese, for example, than salad in plastic.’
UNDERSTAND ‘BPA-FREE’
‘The problem with plastics labelled Bpa-free is that they may contain other bisphenols that may also be harmful,’ says Dr Wexler. ‘Avoid plastic containers labelled with “code seven”, which may contain BPA or other bisphenols, or “code three”, which may release potentially harmful plasticisers or vinyl chloride into food or drink.’ It should be clearly marked on the label or item itself.
KEEP CLING FILM OFF HOT FOOD
It should not touch hot food, advises the FSA. ‘Given that chemicals in cling film have the potential to migrate to a greater extent into hot foods than cold, we recommend direct contact with hot foods is avoided,’ says a spokesperson. Use beeswax paper, glass, ceramic or stainless steel containers instead.