Monday, November 10, 2008

Another reason to go plastic-free

It looks like plastic #5, polypropylene, is not as safe as originally thought, it leaches oleamide. Oleamide is a chemical naturally found in the blood and the brain, and is used to improve the fluidity of molten plastics. It has been suggested that a bit extra could alter brain function.

Link: Researchers raise alarm after chemical leak found in common plastic

5 comments:

Gordon said...

It sounds like they are using it as what we in the trade call a "plasticizer". The polypropylene itself is harmless. That is not always the case with the plasticizer additive that makes it soft and pliable.

Hallie Jo said...

maybe we should all use tin cups like laura ingalls wilder had. or, wait, are there bad chemicals in tin?

Piri said...

I don't know about tin, but stainless steel (or at least food grade stainless steel - 18/22 or something like that) is safer then plastic. We have some stainless steel dishes and some enameled metal dishes. Glass, ceramics and wood items are thought to be safe as well. See my old Anti-plastic post for more details.

Greeleo said...

they always knew.

Gordon said...

Leo, it would not be accurate to say they always knew. Such things are thought about and tested before use.

It is just that unexpected things happen after things are in use for a long time. Historically it has been the plasticizers where problems turn up eventually (sometimes). That doesn't mean it was expected or known from the beginning. It doesn't even mean that the oleoamide is proven to be bad. After all, it is natural in the body. Neither does it mean all plasticizers are bad.