Plastics, Endocrine Disruptors & Food Contact Materials

Plastics have transformed modern life—and contaminated modern bodies. The chemicals used to make plastics flexible, durable, or non-stick migrate into food, water, and air. Many of these chemicals interfere with hormones critical for brain development.

BPA (Bisphenol A)

BPA is used to make hard polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins that line food cans. It mimics estrogen and has been the subject of thousands of research studies.

What the Research Shows

A 2009 study by Braun and colleagues found that prenatal BPA exposure was associated with increased externalizing behaviors (aggression, hyperactivity) in 2-year-old children, with effects more pronounced in girls.

BPA has been linked to:

• Altered brain development in animal studies
• Behavioral changes in exposed children
• Disruption of thyroid hormone signaling
• Changes in timing of puberty

The FDA banned BPA from baby bottles and sippy cups in 2012, but it remains in many other products.

"BPA-Free" Is Not Always Better

Manufacturers replaced BPA with structurally similar chemicals like BPS and BPF. Early research suggests these "regrettable substitutions" may have similar endocrine-disrupting properties. "BPA-free" does not mean "safe."

Sources of BPA Exposure

• Canned foods: Epoxy linings migrate into food, especially acidic foods like tomatoes
• Thermal receipt paper: BPA absorbs through skin; hand sanitizer increases absorption
• Plastic food containers: Especially when heated or containing fatty/acidic foods
• Water bottles: Polycarbonate (recycling code #7) may contain BPA

Phthalates

Phthalates are plasticizers that make plastic flexible. They are also used as solvents in fragrances and personal care products.

What the Research Shows

A 2014 study by Factor-Litvak and colleagues found that children whose mothers had the highest prenatal phthalate exposure had IQ scores approximately 6.7 points lower than those with the lowest exposure. Effects were seen on processing speed, perceptual reasoning, and working memory.

Prenatal phthalate exposure has been associated with:

• Lower IQ scores at age 7
• Reduced brain volume in adolescents
• Altered motor development
• Behavioral problems

Sources of Phthalate Exposure

• Fragranced products: "Fragrance" on labels often contains phthalates
• Flexible plastics: Vinyl (PVC, recycling code #3)
• Personal care products: Nail polish, hair spray, lotions
• Food packaging: Migration from plastic wrap and containers
• Household dust: Phthalates from products accumulate in dust

PFAS ("Forever Chemicals")

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down in the environment or the body. They repel water and grease, making them useful for non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and food packaging.

What the Research Shows

Research on PFAS and neurodevelopment is still emerging, with mixed findings:

• Some studies show associations with reduced IQ, particularly in boys
• The CHARGE study found associations between PFOA and increased autism risk
• Other studies show null or even slightly positive associations

The evidence is not as consistent as for lead or phthalates, but PFAS have documented effects on:

• Thyroid function (critical for brain development)
• Immune function
• Cholesterol levels
• Cancer risk

Sources of PFAS Exposure

• Non-stick cookware: Teflon and similar coatings
• Stain-resistant treatments: Furniture, carpets, clothing
• Food packaging: Microwave popcorn bags, fast food wrappers, pizza boxes
• Contaminated water: Near military bases, airports, and manufacturing sites
• Dental floss: Some brands contain PFAS coatings

Food Contact Materials: Where Chemicals Transfer

Chemicals migrate most readily when:

Heat

Microwaving in plastic containers dramatically increases chemical migration. Even "microwave-safe" means the container will not melt—not that chemicals will not leach.

Fat

Fatty foods absorb lipophilic (fat-loving) chemicals more readily. Cheese, meat, and oily foods in plastic are higher risk.

Acidity

Acidic foods like tomato sauce increase chemical migration from can linings and plastic.

Time

Longer storage means more migration. Leftovers stored for days in plastic accumulate more chemicals.

Practical Reduction Strategies

Food Storage

• Glass containers for storing and reheating food
• Stainless steel for water bottles and food storage
• Silicone as a better alternative to plastic (though not perfect)
• Never microwave in plastic, even if labeled microwave-safe

Cooking

• Cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic cookware instead of non-stick
• Wooden or stainless steel utensils instead of plastic
• If using non-stick, never overheat and discard when coating deteriorates

Canned Foods

• Choose fresh or frozen when possible
• Seek brands with BPA-free linings (though substitutes may have issues)
• Eden Organics and some other brands use enamel-lined cans

Water

• Filter tap water with activated carbon (removes some chemicals) or reverse osmosis (removes more)
• Glass or stainless steel water bottles
• Avoid bottled water in plastic sitting in heat

Personal Care

• Choose fragrance-free products
• Avoid vinyl (recycling code #3)
• Check EWG's Skin Deep database for product ratings

Receipts

• Decline paper receipts when possible
• Do not use hand sanitizer before handling receipts
• Wash hands after handling receipts

The 80/20 Principle

You cannot eliminate these exposures entirely. Focus on the highest-impact changes:

1. Glass for food storage and reheating
2. Filter drinking water
3. Fragrance-free personal care products
4. Avoid non-stick cookware
5. Reduce canned food consumption

These five changes address the majority of dietary endocrine disruptor exposure.

References

1. Braun JM, et al. Prenatal bisphenol A exposure and early childhood behavior. Environ Health Perspect. 2009;117(12):1945-1952. PMID: 20049216

2. Factor-Litvak P, et al. Persistent associations between maternal prenatal exposure to phthalates on child IQ at age 7 years. PLoS One. 2014;9(12):e114003. PMID: 25493564

3. Vuong AM, et al. Prenatal and childhood exposure to poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and cognitive development in children at age 8 years. Environ Res. 2019;172:242-248. PMID: 30818233

4. Hormann AM, et al. Holding thermal receipt paper and eating food after using hand sanitizer results in high serum bioactive and urine total levels of bisphenol A (BPA). PLoS One. 2014;9(10):e110509. PMID: 25337790