ENVIRONMENT | the dynamics of life ||
microwave to heat food in plastic, even if the container is
marked as “microwave safe.”* Avoid drinking water or other
drinks in a one-time plastic container, even if the bottle is
marked “No BPA.” Don’t put hot food into plastic containers,
and in general don’t keep food in them. Try to use glass, ce-
ramic, or non-rusting vessels.
Don’t use candles, air fresheners, washing agents, and
personal hygiene products with aromatizers (“scented sub-
stance” as an ingredient is a sure sign that phthalates are
present)! Avoid articles made of polyvinyl chloride (overcoats,
raincoats, footwear, purses).
How are Perfluorinated compounds dangerous?
According to studies, PFCs are tied to increased risk of
diabetes, cardiovascular maladies, cancer, obesity, thyroid
77
gland dysfunctions, weakened immune system, and infertility
among both women and men.
Where do the enemies hide?
PFCs can be found in the packaging of food products, in
anti-stick coating—in Teflon, plastic dishware, in waterproof
raincoats and jackets, in synthetic furniture fabrics, in rugs,
and also in coverings that are resistant to spotting, and in pen-
etrants and treatments that are widely used in the automobile,
electronic, and other kinds of industry.
How to counter them?
To minimize harmful effects, don’t use Teflon or other anti-
stick cookware (in any case, do everything you can to avoid
scrapes or spalling that release PFCs). Give preference to
cookware made of stainless steel or thermoglass, and sauté
food in that kind of cookware—better than frying.
Don’t buy everyday chemicals and hygiene products in
which ingredients are contained that begin with “perfluoro.”
Avoid popcorn and pizza packages that are prepared in a mi-
crowave oven or are intended for heating in one, because the
covering of the inner packaging may contain PFCs. When
using frozen food intended for preparation or heating in a mi-
crowave, be sure to remove the food from its packaging before
heating it in a microwave oven.
Don’t use clothing and furniture marked, “not harmed by
spots” or clothing marked as water resistant: most of them
contain PFCs.
If you think your health is your most important asset, take
note of the following recommendations: because harmful
chemical compounds can get into your body through water
and air, get a high-quality filter for drinking water and use a
vacuum cleaner equipped with a high efficiency particulate air
filter (HEPA filter) to clean your home every week.
This survey was prepared relying on materials by David O. Carpenter,
MD, professor of environmental health in the School of Public Health, and
director of the Institute for Health and the Environment at the University at
Albany, State University of New York.
*www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/is-it-safe-to-
microwave-plastic-food-containers.html
See also:
www.psr.org/environment-and-health/environmental-health-policy-in-
stitute/david-o-carpenter-md.html
www.albany.edu/sph/18918.php
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16700427
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