Plastic Utensils: Hidden Toxins & Health Risks - The Facts

Particular ingredients in plastics, including plastic utensils, harbor chemicals that are absorbed into the human body and cause a myriad of different ailments, according to an article by Bryan Walsh published on "Time" magazine's website. Being aware of these key ingredients is important for staying healthy.

The Facts

• Phthalates and BPA, or bisphenol A, are common ingredients in plastic utensils to harden the final product, states the Environmental Working Group. "Time" reports that these chemicals may interrupt the endocrine system, possibly inhibiting the development of the human body, triggering possible disorders.

Considerations

• A slew of different disorders have been linked to plastic chemicals, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, and cancer to name a few. Because children's bodies are developing, they are at the highest risk for cellular abnormalities due to plastic chemical exposure, claims the Environmental Working Group.

Helpful Tip

• Markings on plastic utensils and other items of #1, 2, 4 and 5 signify that they do not house BPA, and are a better choice if plastic utensils are necessary.