- Prioritize fresh or frozen vegetables in meals. “Develop a list of low-cost sources for fresh fruits and vegetables” in the area.
- Avoid processed meats (particularly for mothers during pregnancy).
- Avoid microwaving food in plastic. This includes infant formula and pumped human milk.
- Avoid washing plastics in the dishwasher.
- Use plastic alternatives such as glass or stainless steel.
- Encourage both hand-washing and washing all fruits and vegetables.
- Look at recycling codes on products and avoid plastics with codes 3 (phthalates), 6 (styrene), and 7 (bisphenols) unless labeled as “biobased” or “greenware.”
The statement also encourages health care providers to advocate for updating and strengthening the Toxic Substances Control Act.
The committee also made multiple recommendations for government.
Dr. Trasande and coauthor Rachel M. Shaffer, MPH, received funding from some National Institutes of Health grants. The authors had no relevant financial disclosures.
SOURCES: Trasande L et al. Pediatrics. 2018 Jun 23. doi: 10.1542/peds.2018-1408; doi: 10.1542/ peds. 2018-1410.