Do you remember the advice Dustin Hoffman's character in ‘The Graduate' received? "The Future is in Plastics!"
Well it turns out that plastic has changed the world but it also is linked to cancers in the breast, brain and testicals. The FDA is reviewing (again) new studies on Bisphenol A (BPA), on whether the chemical is safe for use in food and beverage containers.
BPA is the same chemical banned in Canada for its use in baby bottles. Canada has declared BPA a toxin. Many states and cities in the USA have banned the sale of baby bottles and sippy cups made from BPA.
The appeal of BPA is that it makes clear plastic hard. The problem besides the cancer links is that the chemical is found in urine samples of 90% of all Americans according to the National Resources Defense Council. A study from the University of Cincinnati showed that BPA leeches from bottles when heated. A University of Missouri researcher, Fred Von Saal, states "There is no such thing as safe microwavable plastic".
So what is a person to do? A good start is to stop heating up food in plastic in the microwave. Invest in glass containers for storage and freezing. Also rethink that bottled water left in your car that you refill. Invest in the stainless steel thermos.
When a family member asks what you want for your Birthday, your anniversary or Chanukah, or Christmas, say, "The Future is in Glass!"
Haralee, thanks for reminding us about the potential danger of this kind of plastic, especially when heated. Even if all the evidence isn't in yet, why take a chance? As you say, glass has been proved perfectly safe over scores of years. And ss water bottles are easy to clean, and practically indestructible. So why microwave, or carry your water, in hard plastic? Good alternaives exist.
Hope you're doing well - thanks again. PJH