플라스틱 용기의 위험 (08-10-2 내용추가)

 

 

New Concerns about Plastic Bottles and Containers

A study from Peninsula Medical School in Exeter, U.K.
shows that high levels of urinary Bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical compound
commonly used in plastic packaging for food and beverages, is associated
with heart attacks, strokes, diabetes and abnormal liver tests (JAMA. Sept
17, 2008). BPA can break down to form female hormones called estrogens that
are linked to breast and uterine cancer in women, decreased testosterone
levels in men, and may also cause birth defects.

You are exposed to BPA, primarily through food, drinking water,
tooth sealants that you may receive in a dentist's office,
and exposure through your skin and lungs from household dusts.
Ninety percent of Americans have detectable levels of BPA in their urines.

Although the safety of BPA is still uncertain, you would be prudent
to limit your exposure. The primary concerns are plastic
water bottles and baby bottles. Each bottle is supposed to have
a number in a circle stamped on the bottom. Try to avoid the following
numbers:

#1 Most single-use water bottles are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE).
#7 This is used for many colorful hard plastic lexan bottles made with polycarbonate plastics.
At a minimum, do not re-use bottles or containers with these numbers. Do
not freeze or reheat foods or beverages in them.

Plastic products that bear the following numbers appear to be safe:
#2 HDPE, high-density polyethylene, the most widely recyced plastic,
#4 LDPE, low-density polyethylene) and
#5 PP, polypropylene

source: Dr. Gabe Mirkin's Fitness and Health e-Zine September 28, 2008

 

Nutrition & Weight Loss:Hydration

Bottle Drama Due to recent warnings, many runners are wondering if our plastic water bottles belong in the recycling bin. By Christie Aschwanden

They're in our cars and gym bags. But due to recent warnings, many runners are wondering if our plastic water bottles belong in the recycling bin. Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical in polycarbonate bottles, has been linked to cancer, reproductive issues, and endocrine damage in animals. And while research is needed to determine whether BPA is dangerous to humans, animals given low doses of BPA—an amount equivalent to what people are presumed to ingest—have experienced health problems, says Scott Belcher, Ph.D., a runner and cell biologist at the University of Cincinnati. The FDA says polycarbonate bottles are safe, and a panel from the National Institutes of Health concluded that there is only "negligible concern" regarding BPA's effects on adults. Still, many people (including Belcher) prefer to avoid BPA. And the industry has responded: Nalgene has stopped making their bottles with BPA; Patagonia has pulled polycarbonate bottles from store shelves. Because runners can't stop drinking on the go, we asked some experts to weigh in on the plastic bottles available. Bottled water The polyethylene terephthalate ethylene (PETE) in these bottles doesn't contain BPA, but when scratched or heated, other chemicals could be released into your water, says Kathleen Schuler, author of the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy's Smart Plastics Guide. Expert's take:Use just once. Soft plastic bottles Low-density and high-density polyethylene (LDPE, HDPE) bottles are BPA-free, but the plastic degrades with heat and harsh soaps. Expert's take:A good choice, but hand wash and rinse regularly. Water that sits too long develops a plasticlike taste. Old Nalgene bottles These were made of polycarbonate, which contains BPA. BPA can get into water, especially when the plastic is heated. Expert's take:Federal regulators consider these bottles safe, but Belcher recommends BPA-free versions. BPA-free plastic bottles Nalgene and CamelBak are making BPA-free bottles with Tritan copolyester, a polymer with the same look and feel as polycarbonate. Expert's take:Safer than the older version, but these are too new for experts to recommend without reservations. Stainless-Steel bottles Stainless-steel bottles, such as Klean Kanteens, are dishwasher safe, scrubable, and free of plastic. Expert's take:This is your best choice, says Theo Colborn, Ph.D., president of the nonprofit organization The Endocrine Disruption Exchange. Lined aluminum bottles The most popular brand, Sigg, offers bottles that are stylish and light. But while Sigg has said its bottles don't leach BPA, the company has yet to confirm or deny that its liner contains BPA. Expert's take:Probably safe, but Colborn prefers stainless steel.

Copyright © 2008 Rodale Inc. All rights reserved.

source:http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-242-302--12843-1-1-2,00.html