The news about plastic just keeps getting worse. Now experts are advising you to stay away from all plastics with the numbers 3, 6, and 7 unless they are specifically marked 'BPA-free.' It's the endrocrine disrupters that are the problem here, because they are linked to a variety of diseases and health disorders including breast cancer and leukemia.
No matter what number graces the bottom of your plastic containers, you should avoid not only putting them in the microwave, but in the dishwasher as well!
I guess it's time to go back to Pyrex and other glass containers that have been safe all along. A little broken glass from time-to-time is far better than exposing your family to the cancer risks associated with BPA.
If only our government would step in here and eliminate BPA completely. But that won't help all of us who already have cupboards full of plastic containers, sippy cups and children's dinnerware.
On the plus-side of things: there is some hope on the horizon. Korean researchers have been working on a less expensive way to make polylactic acid (PLA), which is a non-oil based plastic that is not only safe for food packaging, but is also biodegradable and made from renewable materials! This is good news for both the environment and consumers. Keep your eyes and ears open for developments in this arena.
Keeping it healthy and green,
Hana
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