How Safe Is Your Child’s Lunchbox and Water Bottle – Is It BPA Free?

All of us are conscious of our health and the environment these days and so are our children. We buy and prepare as much organic and healthy food as possible for our loved ones and pack it into a lunchbox. But, is this healthy food encased in a safe box (BPA Free) or potentially toxic box?

Lunchbox and water bottles are the life partners of everyone. It comes into our life since we join the school and continue even after the job.

We need to become more educated about low-grade hazardous plastic, lead, BPA (bisphenol A) and phthalates.

[Read 5 Common Child Health Myths]

How Lunchboxes and Water Bottles are made?

Many water bottles and lunchboxes that our children carry to their school are made up of PVC. To reduce the production cost and get the exact strength and flexibility, manufacturers often add different chemicals to plastic.

It might contain harmful chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, TBBPA (tetrabromo bisphenol A) and PBDE (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) – all of which are hormone-disrupting and cancer-causing chemicals.

[Read Healthy Corn Recipes]

Adverse Effects on Child’s Health

Unfortunately, instead of protecting the food and water, they contribute to its contamination by leaching the chemicals into it and has adverse health effects.

Phthalates, a toxic chemical has been proven to disrupt the children’s endocrine system. It is present in many plastic wraps and sandwich bags which seep into the wrapped food.

So it is advised to use BPA free and lead-free plastic for your child’s health and safety.

Know Your Plastic – Is it BPA free?

• Plastic #1: Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) …

• Plastic #2: High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) …
• Plastic #3: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) …
• Plastic #4: Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) …
• Plastic #5: Polypropylene (PP) …
• Plastic #6: Polystyrene (PS)
• Plastic #7: Other

Following is the checklist that can be followed while shopping for the food and drink containers for your children:

1. Plastic bottles and lunchboxes should have a label “PVC-free” or vinyl-free”, “lead-free” or “lead-safe” or “BPA free”.
2. Heat increases the release of phthalates from plastic so it is advised not to heat or reheat the food or drink in a plastic container unless it is “microwave-safe”.
3. Avoid putting plastic containers and bottles in the dishwasher unless it is labeled “dishwasher-safe”.
4. Products made with BPA have recycle-codes on their bottoms with the number 3 or the number 7. Make sure to check the recycling number on the bottom:

• Safe plastics are 1,2,4,5
• Plastic to be avoided are 3,6,7

5. Reduce the use of canned food as most of the cans are lined with BPA containing resin.
6. Chemicals also leach from plastics with the repeated use of it and scratches that accumulate over time.
7. Using glass or stainless steel is also the safest option if BPA free is not available easily.
8. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) examines, tests, and approves the item as safe to be used. FDA has concluded that the average intake of BPA in consumers is very low. No such risks are known to exist at such small levels and the chemical does not accumulate in the body.

[Read Easy Fitness Tips]

Reduce your family exposure to BPA and EA chemicals by buying plastic products from a trusted brand.

Rich Craft provides the unique blend of glassware and safe plastic-ware, crafted with love. Its products are safe, durable and of great utility. The manufacturer assures it is 100% food-grade, non-toxic plastic and BPA free.

Keeping in mind the various pros and cons of plastic, glass, and steel, Rich Craft brings for you a unique blend of glass jars with a plastic outer and plastic insulated casseroles with stainless steel inner bowl.

Their lunch boxes, water bottles, and all other products are safe for your children and loved ones. It has a wide range of products that can be personally used and also be gifted as love and health wrapped in it.

Wish you a very Happy and Safe Parenting with 100% Pyarwala Gift – BPA Free!

 [Read Breakfast Recipe for Kids]

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to provide any sort of medical advice or its substitute. Neither the author nor WonderParenting.com assumes any liability or responsibility with respect to the use of any information contained herein.