It's been known for a long time- since around 1936- that BPA mimics estrogens. Studies have shown it can cause health risks such as promoting human breast cancer cell growth. As these risks become clear bpa-free plastics have been showing up everywhere. But is that enough to make the plastic safe? Turns out it may not be.

A new study of more than 450 plastic products, including items labeled as BPA-free. The study found more than 90 percent released estrogen mimicking chemicals. These chemicals leached even before they were exposed to heat, which has been known to cause plastics to leach more. 

It's still somewhat unclear what the risk to humans is with these chemicals. Sonya Lunder, a senior analyst at the Environmental Working Group said "Regulatory agencies need to study the effect of chemicals leaching out of plastic." 

There is some good news. Some of the plastic did test free of these estrogen producing chemicals. At this time they aren't clear how to make these plastics but they believe it has to do with the raw materials and how they're processed. More studies are being done to find out how to produce these safer plastics. Even if these safer plastics are made plastic is still made from chemicals and one has to wonder how many of those chemicals are leaching into our food.

Until the risk is known it's best to be careful with plastics, even bpa-free ones. Avoid extreme heat and cooling and discard any damaged or scratched plastic. If you would like to avoid plastic all together until the real risks are known glass and stainless steel are good options. 

So does your family avoid plastic? Do you think the risks are overblown? 

Photo credits: Rubbermaid Products

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