Are BPA-Free Plastics Safe?

Do you feel “safe” when the plastic you use is labeled BPA free? A recent study published in the Environmental Health Perspectives journal found that many products advertised as “BPA-free” still leach endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which have been linked to birth defects, reproductive cancers, and behavioral and learning disorders.  Interestingly, the study found that almost all commercially available plastic the researchers sampled, independent of the type of resin, product or retail source, leached toxic chemicals having reliably detectable estrogenic activity (EA), including those advertised as BPA free. Exposing plastic products to sunlight, microwaving and dishwashers can increase leaching.

The bottom line is that it’s important to avoid consuming foods and drinks from plastic containers.