κίνδυνος από την ουσία BPA που βρίσκεται σε πλαστικές συσκευασίες, κλπ ...

...ως γνωστό, έχει βρεθεί ότι η ουσία BPA (Δισφαινόλη Α) - 
που μεταξύ άλλων συνήθως βρίσκεται ως εσωτερική επικάλυψη 
στις συσκευασίες μεταλλικών κουτιών για τρόφιμα, ποτά, αναψυκτικά, 
και στα πολυκαρβονικά πλαστικά, κτλ. και από την επικάλυψη και επαφή 
περνάει, όπως δείχνουν οι μελέτες, στο περιεχόμενο - έχει συνδεθεί 
με πλήθος ασθενειών όπως:
καρκίνο του μαστού, προστάτη, ασθένειες 
της καρδιάς, προβλήματα αναπαραγωγής, θηλυκοποίηση του αρσενικού κτλ.

ΓΙΟΥΛΑ Υαλουργία (Ελλάδα) - To Γυαλί δεν έχει ΤΙΠΟΤΑ να Κρύψει

Don't be so clingy: Amid mounting evidence that plastic food 

wrap harbours a host of toxins, even doctors are urging people 

to stop using it

Could cling film really make us sterile, or cause cancer? For decades, 
holistic health gurus have warned of the toxic impact of plastic. 
They have been dismissed as quacks – but now it seems their paranoia 
might have been justified.

New evidence suggests that heat makes chemicals in plastic storage 
boxes and bottles leach into food and drink: two major reports last year 
linked 175 compounds to health problems connected to cancers, fertility 
and foetal development.

Even Cancer Research UK, which has so far been sceptical, is now warning 
that cling film should not be allowed to touch the food it is covering during 
microwaving.

Laboratory studies have also linked BPA with breast and prostate cancer 
and early sexual development in women.

Andrea Gore, professor of pharmacology at the University of Austin in the US, 
who has studied the effects of chemicals on reproductive function, says: 
‘I heat food only in glass or ceramic, and although I use cling film in my fridge 
to cover cooked food, I remove it before reheating that food in the microwave.’

So when is plastic OK to use – and when do the experts think we should avoid it? 
Here’s their advice…

DON’T REUSE PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES

You may feel it’s thrifty to refill and old Evian or Volvic bottle from the tap. 

But research shows that this should be avoided, says Prof Gore. 
‘They are likely to be made using BPA, or bisphenol-A, which is a known 
endocrine disruptor. 

When brand new, this is least likely to cause problems, but as the plastic 
decays, particles of the BPA can be released into drink or food that touches it.

‘Many baby bottles now make a selling point of being BPA-free, but we 
don’t know what chemicals are replacing BPA and the manufacturers 
don’t have to tell us.’

Consumer tests have found BPA is still found in many plastic bottles 
and other plastic food utensils sold in the UK. 

Breast Cancer UK is calling for a British ban, bringing us in line 
with other European countries.

Many scientists say bottles known to be free of BPA are safe to drink 
from and then throw away.

‘If you drink bottled water and then refill the bottle, it’s best to use 
for a short period rather than weeks, and then discard,’ says Ashley 
Grossman, professor of endocrinology at the Oxford Centre for Diabetes, 
Endocrinology and Metabolism. Switching to glass or lightweight metal 
sports bottles is an alternative.

DITCH THE LUNCH BOX

Many reusable plastic food containers – including Tupperware – are also 
made with BPA. Old containers that are showing signs of wear are 
particularly suspect. 

Dr Thomas Zoeller, professor of biology at University of Massachusetts, 
advises: ‘Replace all those which have been used and washed harshly, 
as these are most likely to be unstable and prone to releasing BPA into the food.’

KEEP PLASTIC OUT OF THE DISHWASHER

Whether it’s cutlery, storage containers or bottles, heating, even in a dishwasher, 
causes the compounds to become less stable making particles more likely 
to leech into food, says Prof Gore. 

A study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives showed 
that 95 per cent of plastic products put through a dishwasher proved positive 
for leaching chemicals that had an oestrogen-like effect on the body.

BEWARE THE CLING FILM

‘Do not allow cling wrap to come into direct contact with food when heating it,
’ advises Cancer Research UK. 

Experts at Johns Hopkins University in the US concur, warning that heating 
food covered with plastic can melt the plastic on to the food.

Of particular concern is cling film made from PVC, which contains 
hormone-disrupting phthalates, a chemical that keeps plastic soft. 
PVC cling film has been banned in America, but it is still in use in Europe.

‘If you’re heating a plate in the microwave, just cover it with another 
plate or a chemical-free paper towel,’ adds Prof Gore.

CHOOSE NATURAL

Styrene, a component of polystrene cups and some egg cartons, 
has been classified as a possible carcinogen by the US’s International 
Agency for Research on Cancer, and benzene, also used in production, 
is another suspected carcinogen. Avoid, say the experts.

Many takeaway chains now offer wooden disposable cutlery, and if your 
children use straws, switch from plastic to paper ones.

GO FOR POP IN CANS

Fizzy drinks may be packaged in bottles that contain formaldehyde, 
a known toxicant, so some experts recommend choosing cans.

Concerns over its legal use in packaging were raised in last year’s 
report in the Journal Of Epidemiology And Community Health, 
as it is potentially a carcinogen. 

However, some scientists point out that formaldehyde is also found 
in some foods, including apples.

DON’T WORRY ABOUT THOSE ANCIENT ICE-CUBE TRAYS

Reusable ice-cube trays can get heavy use in a kitchen – and over 
the years will show signs of decay.

It is a myth, though, that freezing water in plastic ice-cube trays 
releases dioxins, another dangerous chemical. 

The scare arose out of an internet hoax – and scientific studies have 
shown that the freezing process actually prevents chemicals 
leaching out of plastic.

Read more:dailymail.co.uk