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Comprehensive Cancer Centers explores how to reduce risks from food packaging in the light of a study which shows many health risks from toxins during food prep.

An important part of Comprehensive Cancer Centers outreach efforts during Breast Cancer Awareness Month includes sharing news about the disease, and its many risk factors. A recent study noted by CNN, detailed nearly 200 chemicals used in the making of food packaging and plastic tableware were connected to breast cancers.

While plastics have been widely cited are major risk factors, the report noted that paper, cardboard and glue used in packaging also can be toxic. For papers, the risks come from emulsifiers and adhesives in many glues. It’s challenging to reduce all risks associated with food packaging, preparation and consumption. There are steps that can be taken, however, to reduce breast cancer risks associated with toxins in foods.

Food packaging plays an important role in preserving freshness, protecting against contamination, and extending shelf lives of many products. Growing research, as noted in the report, suggests that certain materials in food packaging pose health risks due to chemical migration into the food they are supposed to protect. Bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, heavy metals, and other harmful chemicals can seep into food, especially when exposed to heat, common in Las Vegas, or from extended periods of storage.

Here are a few ways to reduces these risks:

Choose Packaging-Free Options – You can reduce health risks from food packaging by minimizing reliance on packaged foods. Grocery stores and farmers’ markets offer packaging-free options for important items including fruits, vegetables and grains. Shopping in bulk, bringing your own containers, or opting for fresh, unpackaged fruits and vegetables, are easy ways to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals in packaging materials. To summarize:

  • Go Bulk: Shop at bulk food stores and fill your own containers with dry goods like grains, nuts, and legumes.
  • Go Local: Visit farmers’ markets and buy produce directly from local farmers, many of whom offer packaging-free products. The following provides a list of farmer’s markets available in the Las Vegas Valley.
  • Go Local(er): Grow your own vegetables or fruits at home to avoid packaging entirely.
    Reuse: Reusable cloth bags, jars, and containers keep food safer, reduce waste and help the environment.

Avoid Plastic Packaging – Plastic is the most common materials used in food packaging, but often contains harmful BPA, phthalates, and other harmful chemical additives, which can find their way into your food. These substances are known endocrine disruptors and have been linked to various health issues such as cancer, as well as obesity, infertility, and developmental disorders. Reducing use of plastic packaging can significantly lower exposure to the effects of these chemicals.

If you are using products that come in cardboard packaging, avoid ones treated with water-resistant coatings or contains plastic linings. When you can’t avoid using plastics, look for ones that are labeled BPA-free. They may still contain other harmful chemicals like BPS (bisphenol-S).

Pay Attention to Recycling Codes – Some types of plastics are more harmful than others. Understanding recycling codes on plastic packaging can help avoid them. The recycling code number, typically between 1 and 7, is found on the bottom of plastic containers. Each number represents a different type of plastic. Some are more prone to releasing harmful chemicals. Try to avoid materials using the following recycling codes:

  • #3 (PVC): PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, often contains harmful additives like phthalates, which can get into food.
  • #6 (Polystyrene): Commonly found in foam take-out containers and disposable cups, polystyrene may release styrene, a chemical linked to cancer.
  • #7 (Other): This category includes polycarbonate plastics, which often contain BPA. Be cautious of packaging labeled with this number.

Limit Exposure to Canned Foods – Canned foods are convenient, but they often come with health risks due to lining of their cans. Cans can be coated with a resin that contains BPA. BPA can get into the food, acidic products like tomatoes, has been linked to hormone disruption, reproductive issues, and an increased risk of cancer.

Store Food Safely – Storing food properly at home can help reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals. If food packaging is unavoidable at the store, take steps to store food more safely once it’s in your home. Heat, in particular, can accelerate the chemicals from packaging getting into food. It’s important to take the time to use safe storage practices by doing the following:

  • Transfer Food to Glass or Stainless-Steel Containers: After purchasing food, transfer out of plastic packaging and into glass or stainless-steel containers for storage. This reduces the risk of chemical leaching over time.
  • Avoid Heating Food in Plastic: Never microwave food in plastic containers or plastic wrap. The heat can cause chemicals to leach into the food. Always use microwave-safe glass or ceramic containers for reheating food
  • Freeze Food in Safe Materials: If freezing food, don’t use plastic wrap or bags. Instead, use freezer-safe glass containers or stainless steel.

Be Cautious with Takeout and Disposable Packaging – Most takeout containers are made from polystyrene foam, plastics, and other materials that may release harmful chemicals. Frequent consumption of food from these sources increases exposure to potentially toxic substances.

You can be better informed and make smarter choices by looking out for certain brands who offer options with fewer toxins. This includes brands that use sustainable, compostable, or biodegradable packaging materials. A good place to start learning about options for safer packaging can be found in this article. From there, do your own research to buy as smart as possible.

Reducing health risks associated with food packaging is possible through informed decision-making and lifestyle changes. By choosing packaging-free or safer alternatives, avoiding harmful plastics, limiting exposure to canned foods, and adopting better storage practices, consumers can significantly reduce their risk of exposure to toxic chemicals. Moreover, supporting companies that prioritize safer packaging can drive industry-wide change, ultimately leading to healthier food systems for everyone.

Comprehensive Cancer Centers Can Help
Physicians at Comprehensive Cancer Centers provide a variety of treatment options for patients with cancer. To schedule an appointment with the team at Comprehensive, please call 702-952-3350.

The content is this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

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