Plastics and Children
By Dr. Gedissman

Interpretation by peggyedwards4@yahoo.com

Daily we read or hear about the controversy regarding the health effects of plastics.
When something falls from our hands and we are near children we feel calmer when it doesn’t break as does glass, therefore avoiding a painful accident, or when we see them playing with something plastic we feel it is safer than metal, glass or other materials. Of course we don’t consider that plastics can be harmful when ingested or when they contaminate the environment.

The most common plastic used is PVC (Polyvinyl chlorate) to which a number of health problems are associated. First, when it is produced it generates a substance called dioxin that cause cancer.

Other byproducts are ftalatos or esters of ftalatos which produce the odor of plastic (new car, bathroom curtains) have been linked to certain congenital problems. These products are so popular that they appear in nature, in many other objects and even in our food. Almost all humans have them in our organism and we excrete tiny amounts in our urine.
You need not be alarmed for having been in contact with plastics since the negative effect is proportional to the amount of exposure and we don’t yet know what is a safe or unsafe amount. There are very few studies in humans in order to determine its consequences. Animal studies continue to show that they cause permanent changes in the reproductive tract and some more serious problems in younger animals that have immature tissue.
This generates doubts regarding their possible effects in children since they ingest and breathe them more than adults, in proportion to their weight and height.
Many products such as baby bottles, bottles, food containers and toys are made of PVCs and they release chemical substances when they are exposed to food or liquids. This does not mean you should quit using all these items but you can diminish the amount you use.

The toys that you should buy are those made of natural sources, such as wood, cloth or others not made of PVCs like latex, used polyethylene for soft and hard toys. Since 1999 many companies in collaboration with government authorities have suspended producing these products for children having these chemical substances, in a collective effort to reduce their consequences.

Besides being used for toys they are also used to keep food. If a number 3 is displayed that means the container has PVCs. Some products such as transparent plastic used to cover food have PVCs although this may not be noted.
Food, especially greasy or oily, helps release this toxic substance. This also occurs if they are exposed to hot food or liquid. It is known that they can affect the liver, kidneys, bladder and bones. Another interesting number is the 7 recyclable, this indicates that the product was made with polycarbonates which although they don’t release PCVs they may release another chemical named bisfenol A. Food or drinks heated, washed or in contact with acid food or drink may release this substance.
In 81 of 115 studies on animals bisefenol A is reported as causing negative effects on health. Recently it was announced that they affect the liver, heart, and cardiovascular system and diabetes. In another human study, women who miscarry have three times the level of bisfenol A in their blood as compared with women who don’t miscarry.
Before disposing of something notice the numbers displayed, pacifiers are made of silicone or latex and have no toxic substance.
Milk bags with number 2 displayed are made of a high-density polyethylene.
Those covered with opaque plastic are number 6 and are made of polyethylene.
Sports water bottles, formula bottles, drinking cups and plastic cutlery are number 7 and are made of polycarbonate that increases their toxicity.

Therefore the best advice is that those designated recyclable numbers 1, 2, 4 and 5 are safer than those designated 3, 6 and 7 which should be avoided.

For greater security and to prevent these toxic chemical substances from penetrating in our food or drink we should avoid foods wrapped in plastic. We should cover food with wax paper or paper towels and not plastic wrap especially if we plan to heat them. When the product says it can be used in the microwave this does not mean it may not release toxic chemical substances from plastic. It is preferable to use glass or ceramic containers in the microwave especially if heating.
As far as baby bottles or cups are concerned it is important to avoid toxic plastics and when in doubt it is better to consult the manufacturer or authorities. By 2009 products that release PCVs will not be sold. We should nonetheless be aware of the remaining ones in our homes, where our children eat and plastics imported from other countries which may escape detection.

Dr. Alberto Gedissman is the Medical Director of the new Health Center, Nutrition and Fitness and of PowerPlayMD-OC, a program dedicated to complete intervention for the control of obesity and overweight in children, teenagers and their families. We accept and enroll in Healthy Families and we provide all kinds of support for the management of obesity and good health.
Visit our sites on the Internet: www.leankids.net and www.paratodos.com