Now nearly four decades later, plastic has virtually replaced all glass containers and paper products. But it turns out that there just might be some unhealthy side effects to this revolution.

Most recently it's the chemicals in baby products that have been added to the growing list of concerns about plastics. One of these chemicals has already been identified as a health threat from prior studies done by various environmental and health agencies. The culprit is phthalates which has the potential to reek havoc on the well being of children and adults.

The chemical is used to soften PVC plastic infant toys such as chew and teething rings. The chemical is also used in soft toys like bath and squeeze toy products, which infants and toddlers often put into their mouths. The chemical has been shown to damage the development of reproductive organs and is considered a carcinogen.

The other concern is a chemical known as bisophenol-A. This is a common ingredient in hard plastic baby bottles. The chemical is known as a hormone disruptor and there is evidence to suggest that this chemical leaches out of the plastic, especially in old or cracked bottles. The chemical has been linked to reduced sperm production, increased prostate weight and conditions such as endometriosis.

The concerns raised enough red flags that one California Assemblywoman, Wilma Chan, has authored and introduced in conjunction with Environment California and the California Communities Against Toxics Assembly Bill 319, "Safer Baby Products." The bill, if passed, would prevent California children from exposure to the chemicals phthalates and bisphenol-A.

But what does a parent do in the meantime? And what if it doesn't pass? The chemical industry has strong lobbyists.

Well, one thing for sure, for new mothers breast-feeding takes care of the plastic bottle problem. And a recent study by the American Academy of Pediatrics confirms once again that Mother Nature knows best, breast milk is better than formula. Even if a mother does both the child is getting less plastic exposure. And, any old or cracked bottles should be tossed immediately. If you are lucky like I was with my first, your child might go right from breast to cup. Of course that was through lots of effort on our part because my daughter refused to take a bottle and mom needed a break. But I never imagined that a plastic bottle was a chemical factory. Just a generation ago everything was glass.

Then there is the teething experience. The first time I bought one of those teething rings for my daughter she broke through it. I figured forget it and attached a huge, fat carrot to her stroller as a teething alternative. She had just enough gum power to gnaw on it without biting through. And I always kept an eye on her progress just in case. People at the park use to chuckle, but I actually got the idea from my mom who used the same method when I was a toddler. Although in hindsight I made the right call, I never imagined at the time that any toy, which might go in a baby's mouth, was chemically suspect. I was innocent enough to believe that no manufacturer would ever consider such a thing.

But I have always had a concern about plastic. Since it is not a natural product, long ago I found myself questioning the way it became extremely malleable when microwaved. And because of that worry, awhile back I tried to reduce the amount we used at home. Plus, I've never liked the way things taste and stick to plastic.

My kids laughed at me when I started wrapping their lunches in old-fashion wax paper sandwich bags. And I try not to defrost or cook foods in plastic containers. I either let them thaw out or get them loose enough to cook in a ceramic bowl.

OK, it does sound a bit paranoid, but I keep reading study after study about the chemicals in plastics and the potential neurological, reproductive and carcinogenic problems that can occur from it's by-products leaching into food, especially after being heated.

So a little less usage has to be a lot better. With all the pollutants out there today, it will continually be an uphill battle when it comes to preserving our health, especially when the majority of the prepackaged foods we eat and drink is freeze-dried or shrink wrapped in plastic.

Moryt Milo is the editor of The Campbell Reporter. She can be contacted at 408.200.1051 or mmilo@svcn.com.