Go Ad-Free
logoThe People's Perspective on Medicine

How Hazardous Are Plastic Containers?

Q. I have heard that an ingredient in plastic called bisphenol A can get into foods and beverages from containers. I was so impressed with the evidence of harm that I thought I would see what food I could buy without plastic wrap, plastic containers or cans.

My options were few! I bought a lot of fresh veggies, but had to put them in plastic bags. We don’t drink sodas, but many ‘healthy’ drinks come in plastic. I searched for glass bottled juices and oils but found very few choices. The meats, eggs, ‘smart’ margarines–even the organic versions–all came in plastic containers, and were often wrapped in plastic.

My shopping cart was full of interesting new choices, but I wonder: How can I avoid plastic with bisphenol A?

A. There is a raging controversy about the safety of bisphenol A (BPA) found in polycarbonate plastics. This compound mimics estrogen. Water bottles, baby bottles and the lining of metal cans often contain BPA. Plastic containers may be marked with the recycling code 7.

On our radio show, we discussed the health consequences of BPA in great detail with some of the country’s leading experts.

Rate this article
star-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-empty
0- 0 ratings
About the Author
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist who has dedicated his career to making drug information understandable to consumers. His best-selling book, The People’s Pharmacy, was published in 1976 and led to a syndicated newspaper column, syndicated public radio show and web site. In 2006, Long Island University awarded him an honorary doctorate as “one of the country's leading drug experts for the consumer.”.
Tired of the ads on our website?

Now you can browse our website completely ad-free for just $5 / month. Stay up to date on breaking health news and support our work without the distraction of advertisements.

Browse our website ad-free
Join over 150,000 Subscribers at The People's Pharmacy

We're empowering you to make wise decisions about your own health, by providing you with essential health information about both medical and alternative treatment options.