1. Here Is The Scary Truth About BPA-Free Plastics...

Compounds in BPA-free water bottles and food containers have been linked to irregular heartbeat, unhealthy brain changes, and more. When we first heard about the dangers of bisphenol A (BPA), a compound used to make hard plastics for things like reusable water bottles and food containers, we were horrified: A chemical leaking into our food and drinks that can disrupt our hormone levels and possibly lead to weight gain, fertility issues, and cancer? We’ll pass. But now researchers are saying that the BPA-free products we bought to escape these outcomes may not be so safe after all. That’s because manufacturers simply replaced the BPA in their plasticware with other bisphenols—F and S, specifically—that act in much the same way as the dreaded BPA. In one recent study, zebra fish that were exposed to BPA experienced a troubling 180 percent boost in the number of neurons in a part of the brain (called the hypothalamus) that’s associated with hyperactivity; BPS triggered a 240 percent increase in the same brain cells. Earlier research showed that BPS disrupts heart rhythm in female rats (but not male rats) who were under stress. What’s more, a new French report found that BPS and BPF may block testosterone production in utero, which could impair fetus’ testicle development. So what’s a water-guzzling, leftover-storing girl to do? The safest solution for now is to avoid plasticware altogether, regardless of whether its labeled BPA-free or not. Look for water bottles and food containers made from unlined food-grade stainless steel, aluminum, bamboo, or glass—such as the ones found on sites like lifewithoutplastic.com. Also smart: watching out for sneakier sources of BPA, including canned foods (which are often lined with BPA-contained plastic) and thermal paper store receipts.

2. What are Organotins?

If we can overlook the "PBA free" plastics issue, we also need to be educated about the manufacture of organotins. For decades, mercury and lead were used to stabilize the hydrocarbons used to make plastics. As growing evidence revealed lead and mercury contamination from these plastics, a new type of metal compound, called organotin, is now predominantly used to stabilize (harden) the plastic during processing. A November 2010 study of plastic toys written by the Center for Health, Environment and Justice, found that about 20% of toys sold in a large U.S. mass market toys retailer likely contain organotins. Organitins such as tributyltin have been used for anti-fouling paints on boats and fungicides. These uses alone indicate their potential toxicity. Research has found that TBT is an endocrine disruptor: It interferes with hormone reception and availability. TBT has been found to increase masculinity among marine life, as it tends to increase testosterone and decrease estrogen availability. In vitro tests have shown that TBT can also interfere with cellular differentiation processes. The November 2010 toy study also found that 81% of toys for children 18 to 36 months old contained chlorine - indicative of being made with PVC. And it found that 6% of toys contained lead. 98% of all toys found in this mass market retailer were made in China. And none were labeled as containing lead, cadmium or organotins - which many contained.