What Are the Dangers of Using Plastic Bowls?

Plastic kitchenware is lightweight and inexpensive, easily cleaned and stored and readily available in hundreds of sizes, shapes and styles. The larger the container, the more likely it is to be made of plastic. Yet recently, concerns have been raised about the safety of these convenient items, particularly when they are used in food preparation and storage and even more specifically, in relation to children.

BPA (BISEPHENOL- A)

• BPA is used to make hard plastics and is commonly used in toy manufacture.

  Recent laboratory tests show that rats exposed to bisephenol-A, better known as BPA, develop genetically abnormal eggs, which cause miscarriages and birth defects. These findings have caused great concern among consumers. BPA is used in the manufacture of baby bottles and can liners to protect food from the corrosive effects of tin cans. According to the National Toxology Program, everyone tests positive for BPA in their system, and no one is sure why we all have such high levels, especially children.

Phthalates

• These rubber duckies contain chemicals called phthalates to make them soft and pliable.

  Phthalates are the chemicals added to make plastic softer and more pliable. They are labeled as endocrine disruptors and may be linked to lower sperm counts, reproductive abnormalities and early puberty. Baby boys born to women who tested for high levels of blood phthalates were somewhat de-masculinized. Fertility studies done at Harvard found that men with elevated phthalate levels had lower sperm count and motility as well as damage to sperm DNA.

Heat Release of BPA and Phthalates

• Only use plastic bowls in the microwave if they are labeled microwave-safe.

  Recently, consumers have been alarmed by reports of endocrine disruptors, specifically BPA and phthalates, leaching into food from plastic containers or films when heated in microwaves. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, if appropriate containers are used in the correct manner, there is little danger. The experts urge that only items labeled microwave-safe should be used to heat or cook food, especially foods containing acids and oils. Take-out bowls or brittle plastic bottles should never be used to reheat foods in the microwave or washed in hot water or the dishwasher and re-used.

Plastic Bowls

• Plastic bowls are safe to use if a few simple precautions are taken. Do not use scraped, scratched or damaged bowls, particularly to heat food, even if they are labeled microwave-safe. Discard damaged bowls. Only use plastic bowls in the microwave if they are labeled safe; do not heat longer than necessary. If you must cover the food with film, make sure it does not touch the food. Preferably, cover with wax paper, white paper towels or parchment paper.

  Our pets are also vulnerable to chemicals in plastics, so it is a good idea to replace your plastic pet food bowls with ceramic or stainless steel bowls.