Break Free from Plastic: Simple Tips to Reduce Toxin Exposure

Plastic is detrimental to human health, don’t let its toxins invade your body. Take action to protect yourself and your family by going plastic-free.

There are many small things you can do that can make a big difference in reducing your exposure to the toxins in plastics. Start by eliminating single-use plastic in daily living and aim to avoid plastic use altogether. Look into areas of your life where plastic use is high (eg: food packaging, kids’ toys, kitchen tools, etc) and find alternatives.

Here’s what you can do.

Avoid Plastic Food Storage Containers

When it comes to storing food, using plastic containers can pose health risks due to the potential migration of chemicals from the plastic into the food. Plastics can contain a variety of chemicals, such as phthalates and bisphenol compounds (like BPA). These chemicals can leach into food, particularly when the plastic is heated. Studies have shown that heating plastic, such as in a microwave, increases the rate of chemical migration.

The chemicals that migrate from plastics into food can have various health impacts. For example, BPA and phthalates are endocrine disruptors that can interfere with hormone function, potentially leading to reproductive issues, developmental problems, and other health concerns. To minimise these risks, it is advisable to use food storage containers made from glass or stainless steel. These materials do not contain harmful chemicals that can leach into food, even when heated.

If you must use plastic containers, do not microwave food in plastic containers as the heat can cause more chemicals to migrate into the food.  Let hot food cool down before placing it in a plastic container to reduce the risk of chemical leaching, and do not fill the container to the brim. Leave some space to prevent the food from directly contacting the lid, which can also be a source of chemical migration.

Avoid Plastic Wrap

Replace conventional plastic bags, plastic wrap, and overwrap with beeswax wraps or other reusable alternatives. Beeswax wraps are biodegradable and reusable, making them an environmentally friendly choice. They are ideal for covering food items and preserving their freshness without the harmful effects associated with plastic containers.

Beeswax wraps are biodegradable and break down naturally. Unlike plastic wraps, which can take hundreds of years to decompose, beeswax wraps offer a sustainable alternative and can be reused multiple times. Simply wash with cold water and mild soap, and they are ready for use again. They cover a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, sandwiches, and cheese, and can be moulded around bowls or food items for a secure seal.

Beeswax wraps breathable nature helps keep food fresh by reducing moisture build-up and spoilage. Free from harmful chemicals like BPA or phthalates, beeswax wraps are a safer choice for food storage, especially for children or those with sensitivities.

Steer Clear of Fast Foods

Fast foods, such as burgers, fries, and pizzas, are often found to contain high levels of phthalates and other plasticizers, which can leach into food from various sources during preparation and packaging, potentially posing health risks.

One significant source of contamination is vinyl gloves used by fast food workers for hygiene purposes. These gloves can contain high levels of phthalates, which may transfer to the food during handling. Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors and can negatively affect reproductive health.

Additionally, plastic packaging used for many fast food items may contain plasticizers that can migrate into the food, especially when exposed to heat from hot foods. Processing equipment with plastic components can also contribute to chemical contamination, with the high turnover and fast-paced environment of fast food preparation potentially exacerbating the transfer of these chemicals into the food.

Eat Fresh, Minimally Processed Food

Eating fresh, minimally processed foods is a highly effective strategy for reducing exposure to harmful plasticizers, such as phthalates and Bisphenol A (BPA), which are commonly used in plastics to enhance flexibility and durability. These chemicals can leach into food products, particularly those that are processed or packaged in plastic materials. Fresh fruits and vegetables are less likely to contain plasticizers because they typically have minimal contact with plastic during production and packaging.

The health implications of plasticizers are significant. BPA, for instance, is known to disrupt endocrine function, potentially leading to metabolic issues and other health concerns. Moreover, exposure to these chemicals has been linked to increased risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

To mitigate these risks, it is advisable to prioritise the consumption of fresh, whole foods over processed options and to minimise the use of plastic packaging by opting for alternatives such as glass or stainless steel. By making these dietary and lifestyle changes, you can significantly reduce your exposure to harmful plasticizers and their associated health risks.

Choose Wood, Stainless Steel and Other Safe Kitchen Tools

Choosing wood and stainless steel for kitchen tools is a proactive step to minimise exposure to harmful substances that can leach from plastic kitchenware. Plastic items, such as cutting boards, utensils, and containers, are known to release microplastics and other chemicals into food. Plastic kitchen tools can degrade over time, especially with frequent use and exposure to heat or acidic foods. This degradation process can release microplastics—tiny plastic particles—into food, which may pose health risks when ingested.

Wooden cutting boards and utensils are durable and can be easily sanitised with proper care. They are less likely to harbour bacteria compared to plastic boards if cleaned properly. Stainless steel is a robust and non-reactive material, meaning it does not interact with food or release harmful substances. It is resistant to staining and odours, making it an excellent choice for utensils, cookware, and cutlery.

By choosing wood and stainless steel, you can reduce the risk of microplastic contamination and ensure a safer cooking environment.

Be Selective with Toys

Choose toys made from alternative materials, such as natural rubber, wood, or other non-plastic options, to reduce the risk of exposure of children to harmful chemicals. These materials are less likely to contain toxic substances and can provide a safer play environment for young children.

It is best not to select toys made from plastics. However, if you choose plastic toys for children, it is essential to ensure they are free of toxic chemicals such as Bisphenol A (BPA). BPA is a chemical often used in the production of plastics and resins to enhance their durability and flexibility. However, BPA is known to be an endocrine disruptor, meaning it can interfere with the body’s hormone systems, potentially leading to developmental and reproductive issues.

Young children frequently put toys in their mouths, which increases their risk of ingesting BPA if it is present in the toy. This ingestion can have significant health implications, especially for infants and toddlers who are more likely to chew or suck on toys.

Avoiding plastic use goes beyond protecting health. Reducing your plastic footprint is a noble goal necessary for protecting our planet.

References

Friedman, L. F. (2024, January 4). How to Reduce Your Exposure to Plastic in Food (and Everywhere Else). Consumer Reports.
https://www.consumerreports.org/health/food-contaminants/how-to-reduce-exposure-to-plastic-in-food-everywhere-else-a9640874767/

Giuliani, A., Zuccarini, M., Cichelli, A., Khan, H., & Reale, M. (2020). Critical Review on the Presence of Phthalates in Food and Evidence of Their Biological Impact. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(16), 5655.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17165655

How to Avoid Harmful Chemicals in Plastic. (n.d.). PIRG.
https://pirg.org/edfund/resources/how-to-avoid-harmful-chemicals-in-plastic/

Jeon, G. W. (n.d.). Bisphenol A leaching from polycarbonate baby bottles into baby food causes potential health issues. NCBI.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9441614/