Plastic plates, cups and cutlery harmful to health – even without BPA?

The usage of plastic plates, cups and cutlery is not as safe as consumers might think, even if the packaging says the product is BPA-free, Current Biology writes.

New research has produced evidence indicating that the usage of plastic as containers for food and drinks is not as safe as generally assumed. Although it was performed on mice, scientists believe it might apply to people as well.

They’ve found out that BPA substitutes can leak out and affect the sperm and eggs of both male and female mice, which is then passed on to the next generation.

Bisphenol A, or BPA, has been used in food and drink packaging since the 1960s. It is used to create polycarbonate plastics.

The compound can enter food, especially if the plastic is old or damaged, and microwaving can also cause damage.

The chemical is so widespread that, in 2003 and 2004, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention determined that it was present in 93% of the urine samples collected.

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Current Biology