Plastics are widely used to store and package food and
beverages. They are convenient,
lightweight, unbreakable and relatively inexpensive. However, there are both
environmental and health risks from the widespread use of plastics.
Environmental problems:
Most plastics are made from petroleum, a non-renewable
resource. Plastic package ing also creates unnecessary waste. Plastic is bulky taking
up a large volume of landfill space.
Health risks:
The use of plastics in cooking and food storage can carry
health risks, especially when hormone disrupting chemicals from some plastics
leach into foods and beverages. Plastic manufacturing and incineration creates
air and water pollution, and exposes workers to toxic chemicals.
A variety of petroleum-based chemicals go into the
manufacture of plastics. Some can leach into food and drinks, and possibly impact
human health. Leaching increases when plastic comes in contact with oily or
fatty foods, during heating and from old or scratched plastic. Use of some
detergents can degrade plastic, also allowing the chemicals to leach out. Types
of plastics shown to leach toxic chemicals are polycarbonate, PVC and styrene.
This does not imply that other plastics are entirely safe; these plastics have
just been studied more.
By choosing safer plastics and limiting plastic waste,
you can support a healthier, cleaner environment and protect yourself and your family
from unnecessary chemical exposures. You
can also support companies and public policies that promote safer plastics.
-Naim KHALID
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