Plastic Soup

Not for the fainthearted

The topic of the toxicity of plastic has been discussed on various radio broadcasts. And this did not go by unnoticed. I received a lot of questions about which types of plastic are OK to use and which are not.

Charles Moore, the discoverer of the plastic soup, gave me the following tip … Nowadays, on most plastic packaging and products you can find a number in a triangle made up of little arrows—this indicates the type of plastic used. Only numbers 2 and 5 can be used safely. And in particular, avoid numbers 3, 6, and 7.

During a meeting of ACT Global, it was agreed to include on their website, a list containing all the different types of plastic and their consequences on human health.

I found a table on the Internet, and I forwarded it to ACT. Soon afterwards, I received a response … In the opinion of ACT, the table looked “very terrifying” and they preferred the “less hard line approach.”

Still I believe we should not avoid the hard reality. Furthermore, after studying the various reports I encountered, there were even far more serious consequences than those listed in the table. For those wanting to be aware of this information, click on the link below to see the uncensored table. I have added the related number (as mentioned above) to the plastic in concern. Those not wanting to know should stop reading here.

Table – Plastic and health

The website where this table can be found also presents the following tips:

Wherever possible, find alternatives for plastic products. A few suggestions:

•    Buy food in glass or cans: avoid polycarbonate (containing Bisphenol A) drinking bottles.

•    Avoid heating food that is in plastic containers; and avoid storing greasy food in plastic trays or foil.

•    Don’t give plastic pacifiers, teething rings, and toys to young children.

•    Use clothing, bed linen, and furniture made out of natural materials.

•    Avoid all products made from PVC and polystyrene.

I am in full agreement with these suggestions …

PS: After all, I have been invited to come to Radio Kassa on Thursday. And they will call on other toxicologists. I am curious as to what will happen, and will keep you posted!

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