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Limiting Exposure to Toxic chemicals in Plastics



Phthalates and bisphenols — can affect health, especially if the exposure occurs in the womb or during early childhood. Certain plastics contain these chemicals that are harmful to human health even at low levels of exposure.


Soft, flexible plastics are often made with chemicals called phthalates.


Hard clear plastics are often made with a chemical called bisphenol-A (BPA). These ingredients can interfere with hormones (such as estrogen and testosterone) and may disrupt a child’s normal development and growth, especially if the child is exposed to these chemicals over long periods of time.




Tips & Tricks

1. Avoid plastics with recycling code #3, #6, and


2. Purchase glass baby bottles with a silicone

sleeve whenever possible. If glass is not an

option, milky, opaque plastic bottles and sippy

cups labeled “BPA free” can be used.


3. Never heat or microwave food or drink in

any plastic containers, even if the product

says “microwavable” or “microwave safe”.


4. Leaching of toxic chemicals from plastic to food

or liquid may occur. Use a paper towel instead

of plastic wrap to cover food in the microwave.


5. Never heat plastic baby bottles. When mixing

formula, heat the water before mixing. When

warming breast milk, use a glass bottle (remove

the plastic cap).


6. Use PVC-free plastic wrap or a reusable

option like beeswax wraps.


7. Eat fresh or frozen produce. Minimize the use

of canned foods and canned drinks as many are

lined with BPA or its sister compounds BPS/BPF.


8. Choose a pacifier that is either entirely made

of silicone, or has a silicone or natural

rubber nipple and is labeled BPA-free (if hard

plastic).


9. Purchase phthalate-free and fragrance–free

beauty products.


10. Ask your dentist for BPA-free sealants and

composite fillings.


11. Discard all worn or scratched plastic food

containers, especially baby bottles, sippy cups

and infant feeding plates and cups.

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