DOES FOOD CONTAINERS AND BOTTLE TUMBLER ARE SAFE AND USER FRIENDLY?

This article originally published in GOING PLASTIC FREE IN YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE. Posted here by Farah Hazwani for educational purposes only.

Source :Freepik

by Nur Farah Hazwani

There are many companies produce containers and tumbler nowadays plus it comes with a lot of designs and shapes. Due to covid-19, I believed there a few groups of people already bought their own containers to pack up foods and beverages because they are very particular about the hygiene. But the question now is, do you think your containers and tumbler is safe for daily used? Because in the market they many brands that you can choose from. But how far do you know what is made up for your container and tumblers? We can see majority of the brands producing containers and tumbler made out from PLASTIC. We know how far plastic can harm maritime life but how about the safety of people for using it? 

DID YOU KNOW ABOUT BPA?

 

BPA stands for bisphenol A is a carbon-based. BPA is found in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Usually it’s used in everything from shatter-resistant plastic water bottles and food storage containers to canned food and even in coffee cans. According to Buiced liquid some research has shown that BPA can seep into food or beverages from containers that are made with BPA [1]. Exposure to BPA chemical can caused widespread damage throughout our bodies for instance is give effects to our brain, behaviour, prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children.  

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However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said that BPA is safe at the very low levels that occur in some foods [2]. If you concern about BPA, you can take this few action to reduce the using of BPA:

• Use BPA-free products. Manufacturers are creating more and more BPA-free products. Look for products labelled as BPA-free. If a product isn't labelled, keep in mind that some, but not all, plastics marked with recycle codes 3 or 7 may be made with BPA.
• Cut back on cans. Reduce your use of canned foods.
• Avoid heat. Don't put polycarbonate plastics in the microwave or dishwasher, because the heat may break them down over time and allow BPA to leach into foods.
• Use alternatives. Use glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers for hot foods and liquids instead of plastic containers.

Moreover, according to Harvard Medical School they found BPA issue is controversial because toxicological research team has added to the uncertainty about how dangerous this chemical really is. At the same time, Professor at Dept. of Environmental Health Harvard School of Public Health mentioned to limit the using of BPA. As individuals, we can lower our exposure by eating less canned food and more fresh fruits and vegetables, which is always a good thing. Parents can buy products that aren't made of polycarbonate. You can also switch from polycarbonate water bottles to stainless steel ones [3]. 

WHAT ABOUT BPA-FREE? 

Source: Freepik

When the answer for BPA found controversial, majority of companies right now produce a BPA-FREE plastics. A product that is BPA- free is one which does not use the organic compound Bisphenol A in its construction [1]. The "BPA-free" labels on plastic bottles serve as a reassurance that the product is safe to drink out of [4]. According to research add onto growing evidence that BPA-free alternatives may not be as safe as consumers think. Researchers found that in mice, BPA replacements caused decreased sperm counts and less-viable eggs. Though this research was done on mice, the researchers think the results could hold true for humans [5]. However, more research would be needed to confirm. BPA-FREE product including baby bottles, plastic plates and cutlery, storage containers and drink bottles.

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1.      Buiced liquid. Buiced liquid is BPA-Free. Retrieved from https://www.buiced.com/pages/bpa-free

2.      Brent A. Bauer, M.D. What is BPA, and what are the concerns about BPA? Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/bpa/faq-20058331

3.      December 2011. Harvard Health Letter. Ask the doctor: Should I worry about health effects from BPA? Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/should-i-worry-about-health-effects-from-bpa

4.      September 18, 2018. Yasemin Saplakoglu. Scientists Warn BPA-Free Plastic May Not Be Safe. Retrieved from https://www.livescience.com/63592-bpa-free-plastic-dangers.html

5.       September 24, 2018.Tegan S.Horan. Replacement Bisphenols Adversely Affect Mouse Gametogenesis with Consequences for Subsequent Generations. Retrieved from https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(18)30861-3