What women, choices & breast cancer have in common - BPA

Sadly there is little media attention and up roar about this chemical here in Australia. Given we have a smaller population than the USA we also generally speaking have less funding available for chemical studies. So here in Australia we often follow, watch, sit and wait for alarm bells to ring in other countries ....and then maybe we will begin to seriously look at an issue.  If I can impart any message along with these videos it is that even if you live in a country other than the USA, it is very likely the same type of foods are packaged using BPA. This certainly is the case here in Australia !


It was great to see a recent report stating the following by CHOICE (Australia) which stated :
"Choice spokesman Christopher Zinn said laboratory samples on 38 tinned products - including baby food, baked beans, coconut milk, corn kernels, soups and fish - revealed 29 contained "potentially harmful" levels. Choice found the highest levels of BPA (300-420 parts per billion) in samples of Edgell corn kernels, John West tuna olive oil blend, and Heinz smooth custard with banana." To read the complete story refer to :
http://www.news.com.au/business/strip-danger-drug-from-food-tins-says-choice/story-e6frfm1i-1225913100587

What can we do to avoid BPA   - 

- Choose fresh food whenever possible
- Consider alternatives to canned food, beverages and juices
- Use glass or ceramic containers when heating food.
- Avoid handling receipts as the paper is coated in BPA
- Avoid buying product in plastic bottles/packaging marked plastic code #7


As the number of people diagnosed with cancer rises I keep asking myself  "How are our lives different to that of our grandparents ?"  We have so many new chemicals being approved for use each year without the precautionary principle to protect human health, I am not a scientist but surely this reality should be raising some red flags as to a possible causes for some of the rising serious illnesses !   


Take care ....

Do you know your plastics ?

  

I read labels and now I turn it upside down before I make a decision as to the products I place in my trolley !

You will have noticed a number stamped into the bottom of products that you have purchased off the supermarket shelf and accompanying consumable packaging. These numbers represent a plastics identification code. A healthy home helper …

“The Plastics Identification Code continues to be one of the most successful and enduring Product Stewardship programs run by industry. The simple, effective "1 to 7" numbering system identifies the resin composition of plastic containers (and other items intended for recycling). This voluntary coding system has been a key element in the successful collection, recovery and management of used plastics in Australia.” (PACIA)

The plastics coding scheme used and administered by PACIA is a voluntary initiative and although it assists consumers to effectively recycle plastic consumables it also allows us to identify the type of plastic materials that our products are made from or packaged in. These identification codes can assist us to avoid plastics that may contain ingredients that have been linked with health concerns.

AVOID :

Code 3 – PPVC or UPVC (polyvinyl chloride – plasticised and un-plasticised)

Commonly used for food storage bottles such as cooking oil, cordials, shampoo and detergents, including some food wrappings.

TIP : Considered the most damaging to the environment of all plastics and can leach phthalate chemicals that have been linked to many health concerns. Avoid PVC items.

Code 6 – PS or UPS (polystyrene and expanded polystyrene)

Commonly a ridged plastic used for take away containers, white ridged coffee cups, meat trays, plastic utensils.

TIP : Polystyrene can leach styrene a possible human carcinogen

Code 7 – PLA or polylactic acid -  Used for “Other” incorporating new plastics. Items may include baby bottles..

TIP :  Code 7 represents items that are not recyclable and given the unknown better to avoid.

ALTERNATIVE:

Code 1 – PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate)

Commonly used for soft drink & fruit juice bottles & medicine containers.

TIP : repeated use of the same plastic could cause leaching of DEHP a chemical that has been linked to endocrine (hormonal) disruption.

Code 2 – HDPE (high density polyethylene)

Commonly used for detergent bottles, juice, milk , sports bottles.

TIP : This plastic is a better alternative to number 7 that may also be used for the same products.

Code 4 – LDPE (low density polypropylene)

Commonly soft flexible plastic such as used for garbage bags, wrapping films, thin plastic carry bags.

TIP : Considered reasonably safe but avoid heating

Code 5 – PP (polypropylene)

Commonly a hard but flexible plastic that is used for food packaging such as ice cream and dairy/dessert containers, drinking straws.

TIP : Considered reasonable safe but avoid heating

Plastics contain phthalate chemicals (softeners) and other ingredients that have been linked to health concerns. Bisphenol A (BPA) is one ingredient that has been linked to disruptive hormonal concerns, early puberty in girls, developmental toxicity for fetuses and children. There are many reports that raise concerns over the cumulative effects of chemicals that can leach or off gass from plastic products.

Many argue that our lives have been enhanced and made much easier with the use of plastics. There is much to be said for the lack of testing on chemical migration from plastic to humans and the perpetual impact these products have on our environment and human health.

BEST OPTION :

Opt for natural products and fibres where possible, choose glass, ceramic and stainless steel as alternatives for food storage. Support manufacturers and suppliers who consciously support plastic alternatives as they are looking after you and the planet for your children. Your purchasing decisions, daily practices and habits in the home with plastics may be impacting on your health. Creating a healthy home supports good health and the health of the environment.

A store that helps you create a healthy home

healthyinteriors.com.au is finally launched !

We have been busy researching product, asking lots of questions and sourcing items for the store that supports good health and a healthy home environment. The store currently sells a range of premium Australian Certified organic cotton bed linen, towels, pajamas and body basics. Many more exciting, quality chemical free products to arrive in the coming weeks…..

Look for the words “Certified Organic” when purchasing products as anyone can make organic claims, it is only those products with the word “Certified” that have proved their claims to an independent auditor. When buying organic make sure you are paying for REAL Organic product.

Room by room you can be informed with healthyinteriors.com.au to eliminate chemicals in your home and create a safer, healthier space for your family to live. The healthyinteriors.com.au store is a resource site with educational information about the toxins that may lurk in your home such as formaldehyde, flame retardants (PBDEs), bisphenol A, phthalates, pvc and many more.

There is so much information to wade through when tyring to source a healthy home and socially responsible product, such as ;

Where was the product made ?
Who made it ? Were workers treated fairly ?
What is it made from ?
Are all the materials used in making the product safe ?
Are materials and manufacturing practices sustainable ?
Does the product label inform me of all I need to know ?
Can the product compromise my health ?

As consumers we are not protected from chemicals sold on retail shelves disguised in bedding, clothing, furniture, cleaning products and personal care products. The Relish Designs healthy interior store only sells product from reputable suppliers who value consumer health and provide product that is free from harsh chemicals and audited where possible as quality Certified Organic.

We look forward to seeing you in the store and would value any comments you have !

May you have a Merry Christmas and safe holiday a fantastic 2010 awaits ...

BPA & Teeth, the human interior

A quick tip next time you need the services of an orthodontist or dentist. Bisphenol A can be found in bonding products used to adhere braces to teeth, it can also be found in some retainer products and may be used in tooth fillings. Remember to ask your dentist about what is in the products they use, as there are many product choices on the market. Bisphenol A has been associated with health concerns in studies linking it to hormone disruption, early puberty for girls, thyroid complaints, pre birth male genital deformations and hindered sperm production. Bisphenol A is an accumulative toxin and has been found in human breast tissue and in breast milk.

Bisphenol A can be found in many products, some of which are plastic toys, plastic kitchen products, and in some food packaging such as BPA lined tinned food. BPA has been found to migrate / leach from its source eg into food.

Just like the products we bring into our homes, we need to ask questions of our dentists to protect our personal interior.