I wrote about the dangers in plastic water bottles a long time ago, and then later reflected on the plastics in other food containers.

By now we know that they’re unsafe – especially if the plastic is allowed to heat, as in water bottles left on the car seat in summer. We also know that if we store food in plastic containers, we should remove it to a glass or ceramic bowl before heating in the microwave.

But what about that plastic storage container? And what about the plastic bags holding our kid’s sandwiches and cookies as they go off to school each morning?

What about those toys that your baby might be chewing on even as you read this? What about the remote control that sits in your hand the whole time you’re in front of the TV? What about the headphones you might wear for hours a day?

None of us know what kinds of toxic chemicals were used to create those items, nor do we know how much toxin is being transferred to us.

I’ve been on a campaign to reduce the use of plastic in my household, and I’ll have to say, it’s not an easy task. I started with leftover storage – by buying two boxes of wide mouth canning jars. I bought the pint and the half pint sizes. And… I save the big pickle jars for leftover soups, etc. But habits are hard to break and I sometimes find myself reaching for a plastic container. This change will take some time.

Today I came across an entire website devoted to plastics. Among other things, it outlines which plastics are known to be safe, which are definitely dangerous, and which are unknown quantities.

The site is called Bad Plastics, and it’s worth visiting.

As usual, the culprit is chemicals. This time its the toxic flame retardants used in upholstery fabrics, foam padding, carpets, plastics, and more.

Flame retardant toxins can cause other health hazards as well, and some of the worst culprits are being banned in future production. But they could still exist in the furniture, carpets, etc. in your home. And they can still exist in anything you buy that isn’t made in the USA.

There’s another good reason for buying American made products!

Read the whole story here, and be careful what you buy!