Safe Plastic Containers? Ask Chicky!

Dear Chicky,

Spastic about Plastic

Dear Spastic,

Though the debate is still raging about the safety of chemicals like Bisphenol A and phthalates, you’re definitely better off safe than sorry. Both chemicals have been linked with health issues like endocrine disruption and breast cancer, and those are just the chemicals in plastic we know about – who knows what others lurk in our plastic food containers, baby bottles and other items.

Since you’re not microwaving plastic containers or using them for hot foods, you’re definitely on the right track. BPA leaches out of plastics 55 times faster when exposed to hot liquids than it does under normal conditions. But, even when they’re not heated, they’re risky. Personally, I switched my plastic containers out for glass, porcelain and stainless steel just for peace of mind. (I’m in the process of getting rid of ALL the plastic in my life slowly but surely- ed.)

You may want to avoid polycarbonate and PVC plastic containers altogether – they’re generally marked with a number 3 (may contain phthalates) or 7 (may contain BPA) in a triangle on the bottom. Plastics marked with a 1,2 or 5 are considered safe. Check the lowdown on plastics safety and numbers here.

As for washing the lids of your glass containers, the best thing to do is use lukewarm water, whether hand washing or sticking them in the dishwasher. If you’re using your dishwasher’s energy-efficient settings anyway – turning off the hot air drying phase and setting the water to ‘warm’ – putting the lids in the dishwasher is just fine. Chances are the lids on your glass containers aren’t worrisome, since they’re most likely made of polypropylene, but caution isn’t a bad thing when it comes to your health.

Safely Yours,

Chicky

Have a question for Chicky? Email starre (at) eco (dash) chick (dot) com or leave your question in the comments section below. Cheers to curiosity!!