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Answers to Plastic Quiz

Here are the answers to the Test Your Knowledge of Plastic newsletter quiz. Rate yourself and see where you stand.

Note: if you have not taken the quiz and would like to, check out the June 2008 issue of our newsletter, Organic Baby News.

Answers to Plastic Quiz:

1. BPA stands for Big Plastic Accessory. False

BPA stands for Bisphenol-A, a toxic chemical that has only recently been banned for use in baby bottles. In addition, BPA has been found in products made from polycarbonate plastics such as pacifiers, teethers, toys, baby seats.

BPA mimics estrogen and studies have linked it to abnormal fetal development, cancer, early onset of puberty, aggressiveness and much more.

2. Phthalates are chemicals used in plastic products to make them soft and pliable. True

Phthalates can be found in a plethora of products including toys, product packaging, food wrap and medical supplies. Phthalates can cause of asthma, endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive effects.

3. The safest plastics have a number 2, 4, or 5 on them surrounded by a triangle. True

These plastics are made from polyethylene and polypropylene which are regarded by the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) as safer forms of plastics. Avoid using plastics coded with a 1, 3, 6, or 7. These types of plastics contain chemicals that can bring about serious health concerns.

4. Plastic is biodegradable. False

Plastic ends up in landfills and does not break down. Plastic that is said to be biodegradable is mixed with wood fibers. While the wood decomposes, the plastic pieces remain in landfills. Also many types of plastic are not suitable for recycling.

5. Heating foods in plastic containers causes harmful chemicals to leech into the foods. True

Avoid heating plastic to minimize the transfer of the plastic's components to your food and water. This includes placing your baby's bottles in the dishwasher or microwave.

6. There are no concerns about storing your family's food in plastic containers, cling wrap and freezer bags. False

Plastic made of polycarbonate, Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and styrene are known to leach toxic chemicals into food. The leaching increases when plastics come in contact with fatty or oily foods and when the plastic is old and scratched.

These toxins can cause cancers and other serious health problems. While these plastics are known to be unsafe for food storage, studies have not been performed on other types of plastics.

7. Refilling plastic bottled water containers for multiple use is a good practice. False

Bottled water labeled with a #1 or #2 are for single use only. Reusing them can cause bacterial contamination and increase the chances of chemicals leaching into the water.

8. Plastic has had some positive impacts on the environment. True

Plastic is lightweight, convenient and inexpensive. In the transportation industry, the reduction of aircraft weight is said to save 10,000 gallons of fuel per plane. Likewise, cargo weight and therefore fuel usage has been reduced by plastic in automobiles, trains and ships.

9. Plastic bottle liners may leach chemicals into formula or breast milk. True

Avoid using baby bottle liners if possible and always ask the manufacturer which types of plastic are in the product. BPA, Polycarbonate and PVC should not be used in any part of a baby's bottle. Choose brands that are transparent about the types of plastics used in their baby bottles and consider using glass.

10. Many of the foods available in grocery stores are packaged in plastics that should cause us concern. True

Many of the harmful plastics mentioned above make up the containers in the aisles of grocery stores. When you are able, choose glass and paper packaging and buy fresh or dried versions of your favorite food items.

How did you do?

If you answered 7 - 10 correctly, you are a Plastic Guru, if you got 5 or 6 correct, you are a Plastic Tenderfoot . if you got 0 - 4 correct, I am really glad you read the answers to this plastic quiz.

Facts for this Plastic Quiz came from: