Strollerderby : plastics

Breaking Bad on Plastics

JeanneSager — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 13:53:00 GMT

If only Benjamin Braddock knew then what we know now - plastics are a bummer for parents. Not to mention the environment.

But you don't have to be a graduate of anything to understand this helpful chart I picked up from the folks at Zo-Li, the baby product company that's managed to incorporate toxic-free plastics into all its goodies for kids.

Breaking down the different types of plastics, where you'll find them and what affect they'll have on your kids, the chart is a print and tack to the fridge if I've ever seen one. Because who wants to take a chance with their kids?

Their biggies to avoid:

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) - also known as Plastic #3 - Usually found in cling wrap, squeeze bottles, bigs, mattress covers, diaper changing mats, bottles for cooking oil, window cleaner, and detergents PVC poses risks to both human health and the environment. PVC needs additives and stabilizers such as lead for strength and phthalates for ﬂexibility. The manufacturing and disposal of PVC emits dioxins into the air which settles on grasslands and water impacting the meat and dairy products consumed by humans. Dioxin is a known carcinogen and hormone disruptor associated with learning and behavioral problems in children, decreased birth rate, and reduced immune functionality.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) - also known as Plastic #6 - Used in opaque plastic cutlery and Styrofoam disposable cups, carry-out containers and meat trays. Styrene can leach from Styrofoam containers and is a known carcinogen that is toxic to the brain and nervous system through prolonged exposure.

Polycarbonate - This is a catch-all of all plastics that don’t fall into any of the other six groups. Some of the new bio-plastics that are corn / rice / potato / tapioca-based plastics as well as the newer plastics labeled BPA-free are included in this group, but the type of plastic to avoid in this group is polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is commonly used in plastic baby bottles, reusable water
bottles, and some clear plastic cutlery. Bisphenol-A (BPA), found in polycarbonate is a hormone disruptor, which can leach into the foods and liquids in polycarbonate containers. BPA has been linked to several health issues including prostate and breast cancer, early onset of puberty, miscarriages, birth defects, behavioral issues such as hyperactivity, obesity, diabetes, and impaired immune function.

Want the whole chart to keep your kids safe? Click on the image below to print and save.

Images: BarSupply/Zo-Li Baby

They Say: BPA-Larded Plastic Bottles Safe and Delicious

Madeline Holler — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:03:00 GMT

The European Union's top safety officials say that the tiny amount of BPA found in plastic baby bottles -- you know, the ones you threw out a few months ago and replaced with heavy glass -- isn't enough to harm humans. Or baby humans. Only rats. And baby rats.

From MSNBC:

A scientific panel of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has looked into how people metabolize BPA and concluded that tiny amounts of the chemical to which humans are exposed leave body quick enough to cause no harm, EFSA said Wednesday.

The tests that got everyone in an uproar were done on rats and humans, turns out, are different from rats.

I don't know, though. The cats out of the bag on this one for me. I'm one of those that went through the cabinets and tossed most of our sippies and kiddie cups (not much of a sacrifice since my youngest is old enough to drink from unlidded glass cups). We also cut down on our bottled water consumption, which can only be a good thing in the broader picture. So I don't think this study will get me to go back to plastic just yet.

What about you? Did you throw out the babies bottles with the earlier BPA study? Think you'll go back? Or are you going to sit tight like me and see what else comes out about this?

Photo:

Health Agency: Um, Oops! Some Plastics Might Be Dangerous

Madeline Holler — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 20:34:00 GMT

The federal government has reversed its stance on the risks of certain plastics. The agency in charge is now saying that BPAs actually might be harmful, especially to the very young.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is used in everything from dental fillings to sports water bottles. It's also found in most baby bottles and is also used to line the inside of formula cans.

Breastfeeders, you're not off the hook either. Apparently it's not unusual to have harmful amounts in breastmilk, too.

From the WashingtonPost.com

The National Toxicology Program, part of the National Institutes of Health, released a draft report today that says exposure to the chemical may be linked to breast cancer, prostate cancer, early puberty in girls and such behavioral changes as hyperactivity. It urged further study.

Earlier, the agency said small amounts don't carry much of a health risk. But now they're saying even low doses pose a risk. If the EPA adopts the findings, they may act to impose limits on the amounts of the chemical that can be used in various products.

BPA-free products are available, but they can cost a fortune. Still, with these findings, don't you feel like less of a sucker for buying some?

Photo: green-mommy.com

Greenhouse: BPA-Free Baby Feeding

Amy Kuras — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 17:03:00 GMT

By now, the concerns about bisphenol-A in baby bottles have been well-documented. Studies have shown it disrupts the endocrine system, can cause damage to egg cells and even cause hyperactivity. Attempts to ban it in some US states have mostly failed, but worried parents are starting to seek out options.

Most clear, rigid baby bottles contain it –it's BPA that makes them that way, and yes, that's just about every widely available bottle out there. There are BPA-free options, although they are generally quite expensive, around $10 for just one bottle. Of course, there's always good old-fashioned glass (which is less expensive but gives a klutz like me anxiety attacks, but it's apparently tempered safety glass and thus sturdier).

Once you have decided to use a BPA-free bottle, though, there is more to worry about. Like, what sort of nipple should you be attaching to that bottle? According to Green Daily, silicone, which is nonreactive, is a healthier and greener choice than latex.

The same goes for pacifiers, of course.

Even if you exclusively breasfeed, you're likely going to need to give your baby a bottle of pumped milk at some point. So educating yourself on the options is a good idea.

They also have a Green Baby guide on the site, which lists earth-friendly products that are good for bottlefeeding and good for nursing.

GreenHouse: What You Need to Know About "Bad Plastic"

Alisyn — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 15:31:00 GMT

Mounting evidence indicates that the chemical bisphenol A is adversely affecting women's and children's reproductive health, and may be linked to obesity, breast and prostate cancer, and neurological disorders.. Unfortunately, the chemical is everywhere - in baby bottles, laptop computers, CDs, dental sealants, food can liners, water bottles, car parts... the list goes on and on. In other words, if you are a living, breathing consumer, you are exposed to bisphenol A multiple times, every single day.

Bisphenol A is a "bad plastic" - so much so that legislators in several states have introduced bills that would restrict sales of children's products containing the chemical. A class action lawsuit was filed in L.A. County against manufacturers and retailers of affected baby bottles and cups, and the ever-progressive city of San Francisco recently put into action a law that would ban the sale of baby products with bisphenol A.

The public is slowly being educated about the dangers of "bad plastics," no thanks, natch, to the official bisphenol A industry group, which maintains that the chemical "pose[es] no known risks to human health." But those in the know are getting back to basics, and avoiding all plastic when they can. Better to be safe than sorry.

Starting small is the key to phasing any "bad" out of, right? Baby steps. Avoiding bisphenol A is as easy as not eating canned goods, not having dental sealants put in teeth, and using glass instead of plastic cups and bottles. After that? Well, here's one mom's outline of the the steps she took to rid herself and her family of the unknown dangers lurking in their kitchen cupboards. From stainless steel sippy cups and snack containers, to glass food storage bowls, to portable plastic bag alternatives... cutting harmful chemicals out of our lives is a daunting task, but every baby step counts.

Nothing is Safe: Baby Bottles Found to be Toxic

Karen Murphy — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 11:37:00 GMT

So you've just thrown out your baby's plastic toys, but those bottles are safe, right? Wrong! It turns out they contain and leach out a chemical called bisphenol A which is used to make clear plastic. Five popular bottle brands were tested: Avent, Dr. Brown's, Evenflo, Gerber and Playtex, and ALL FIVE were found to leach bisphenol A at levels considered high enough to cause harm in numerous laboratory animal studies (sorry, mice, so sorry, but then again, thank you). Bisphenol A has been linked by scientists to cancers, impaired immune function, early onset of puberty, obesity (WTF? Does everything cause that?), diabetes and hyperactivity.

Is nothing safe or sacred? Apparently not. I think I'll go hide in a hole somewhere now. So what's a parent to do? The bottles are all poison? Even many breast-fed babies use bottles sometimes. Well, there's glass. That's still pretty safe, aside from the obvious breakage-and-stepping-in-shards factor. And there IS "safer" plastic. There's more information here at the site of Environment California, a group working to require product manufacturer labeling and reforms in chemical manufacturers' policies (but I still couldn't find which plastics were considered "safer").

Strollerderby : plastics

Breaking Bad on Plastics

Uh Oh - Elmo's Gone Green - Literally

Worksheets Die a Green Death, Kids Celebrate

Ready for Easter? Peter Rabbit's Gone Green

Ban BPA? Manufacturers Cry Poverty

They Say: BPA-Larded Plastic Bottles Safe and Delicious

Health Agency: Um, Oops! Some Plastics Might Be Dangerous

Greenhouse: BPA-Free Baby Feeding

GreenHouse: What You Need to Know About "Bad Plastic"

Nothing is Safe: Baby Bottles Found to be Toxic