According to Dr. Marisa Weiss, a leading breast cancer oncologist and founder of BreastCancer.org, two recent scientific studies revealed some eye opening information about the harmful effects BPA has on breast cells:
- The presence of BPA and the effect it has on natural estrogen in the body prevents or interferes with cancer fighting genes doing their job.
- There are several manmade chemicals, in addition to BPA, when at levels typically found in human blood, encourages the growth and spread of a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer called inflammatory breast cancer.
- BPA also makes inflammatory breast cancer cells resistant to standard treatment.
Because of the chemical composition of some plastics, Dr. Weiss suggest we look at the recycling symbols usually found on the bottom of plastic bottles or the sides of containers. There are seven plastic recycling symbols, and there are three we should avoid. Following are the three recycling symbols we should avoid:
Recycling Symbol 3 plastics should be avoided. This symbol represents a thermoplastic resins called polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. Symbol 3 plastics are thermally hardened to create plastics we use in our kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms everyday. If reheated, it can re-softened and effect our health negatively, when it is around food or drinking water. It is not wise to cook, warm food, nor leave a Symbol 3 food or drinking container in a hot car on a sunny day. Even if a plastic container is “microwave safe”, it is better to use a ceramic or glass container when microwaving. Thermoplastic resin can also be found in plastic wraps, bottles of cooking oil, window cleaner, detergent, and all types of squeeze bottles. It is also used in packaging, mattress covers, and vinyl shower curtains.
Recycling Symbol 6 should be avoided. The plastics in this category are made of a liquid petrochemical called polystyrene (PS). It can be rigid or foam, and even though it is one of the most widely used plastics today, we should try to minimize its use around food or drinking water. It is usually found in bottles, lids, foam plates, cups, disposable cutlery, trays, bowls, egg cartons, and Styrofoam packing materials. It is also found in DVD and CD cases.
- Recycling Symbol 7 (without the letters PLA or a leaf symbol)
Recycling symbol 7 should also be avoided, if it does not have a PLA or Leaf symbol with it. Without the PLA or Leaf symbol, Recycling Symbol 7 is a catchall category that includes mixes of plastics 1 through 6 and all other plastics not in the other categories. This includes water cooler jugs, clear plastic utensils, compact discs, computer cases, and plastics that contain BPA, the hormone disruptor that increases the risk of abnormal breast cancer cells.
On the other hand, if symbol 7 has a PLA or Leaf symbol, it is safe to use because it is a plastic made from plants. The PLA or Leaf symbol 7 plastics do not contain BPA, and they are safe to use with food or drinking water, but please, do not cook food in Symbol 7 plastics that do not have PLA or the Leaf symbol.
In conclusion, when buying plastic products for children, look for BPA-free. The affect of BPA upon a child could be even greater than that of an adult. Please, share this information with everyone you know.
At Laser Action Plus, “We give you more for less”. We provide IT, print management services, recycle and sell remanufactured toner cartridges to protect you and the environment. Laser Action Plus is a premier Hewlett Packard and Toshiba copier dealer.