06 Oct EcoTip #19 – Danger: Plastic Lunch Boxes and Other Products for Kids

Plastics offer convenience and pretty packages that are attractive to parents and children. Unfortunately there are no warning labels on the brightly colored plastic lunch boxes and sippy cups that children are exposed to every day. But many of these products are made of polyvinylchloride (PVC), known as vinyl, that may contain lead or phthalates. Plastic water bottles and children’s cups are likely to contain Bisphenol-A (BPA) or PVC. Childhood exposure to these toxic chemicals has been associated with neurological disorders, cancer and abnormal hormone function.

Mt. Sinai’s Environmental Center for Children’s Health warns that: “food and beverage containers containing lead should be avoided altogether. Those containing phthalates and BPA should be avoided as much as possible. When lunch boxes and bottles are exposed to heat, chemicals can leach out of the plastic and cause exposures to children through skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion.”

What are the dangers of exposure to these heavy metals and chemicals?
Lead exposure, even at low levels, have been associated in a number of studies with behavioral problems and decreased intelligence in children.
Phythlates have been shown to disrupt hormonal function in animals and are toxic to the male reproductive organs. Pediatricians are concerned that phythlates may cause similar effects in children.

Finding substitutes for soft vinyl toys for teething babies, and for plastic food and drink containers can help reduce the body burden of toxic chemicals for a healthier child.

Related Link:

Mt. Sinai Medical Center Children’s Environmental Health Center