You have probably heard about the negative health effects of using plastic bottles made with the chemical Bisphenol A. This chemical has been all over the news and has caused a nationwide panic and recalls from retailers. But what exactly is Bisphenol A and is it the only chemical used in plastics that is harmful and unhealthy to use? Are all plastics bad or are there good ones which are safe? Look at the bottom of the plastic bottle and you'll be able to see the indicator of the type of plastic being used.
Plastics by Type
Plastics are broken down into 7 categories based on their polymers and recycle ability. Plastic products are marked with the universal recycle sign, a triangle with a number in the middle. This number lists the type of plastic the product was made of. The plastic types are as follows...
1. PET/PETE: Polyethylene Terephthalate
(water & soda bottles, cooking oil bottles)
2. HDPE: High-Density Polyethylene
(detergent bottles, milk jugs, vitamin bottles)
3. PVC: Polyvinyl Chloride
(shower curtains, shrink wrap, building materials, toys)
4. LDPE: Low-Density Polyethylene
(shopping bags, six-pack rings, cd/dvd cases)
5. PP: Polypropylene
(bottle caps, dishes, candy containers, yogurt containers)
6. PS: Polystyrene
(Styrofoam cups, take-out food containers, peanuts, egg cartons)
7. Other: Polycarbonates + many others
(Reusable water bottles, baby bottles, Tupperware)
Dangerous Plastics to Avoid - 3, 6, 7
Of the plastics types above, the primary materials to watch out for are #3 Polyvinyl Chloride, #6 Polystyrene & #7 Other. These polymers all contain hazardous chemicals.
Plastic #3
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC, V) contains the toxins Chloride and Phthalates which may interrupt hormonal activities. Some plastic wraps may contain DEHA which is considered a carcinogen. The making and disposal of PVC releases dioxin, a poisonous cancer-linked chemical. Avoid prolonged skin contact with PVC.
Plastic #6
Polystyrene (PS) contains the toxic Styrene which is labeled a possible human carcinogen by the EPA. This material also poses environmental problems in it's creation and disposal. Be wary of structural breakdown of Styrofoam cups and trays in the presence of heat and oil.
Plastics #7
Other - contains all types of plastics not listed under 1-6. Many of these plastics may be safe but Polycarbonates (Trade name LEXAN) which contains Bisphenol A is also listed under category 7 so be careful. Bisphenol A (aka BPA) are endocrine disrupters, which mimic hormones. They may cause havoc on human hormones through plastics leaching into hot beverages and may also be a potential carcinogen. Do not use these products with infants and small children and never use them to heat liquids or formula.
*NOTE: Not all category #7 plastics include the BPA toxin. Group #7 also includes compostable plastics made of organic material such as corn, which may actually be more environmentally friendly than most general plastics. Most of these biodegradable cups are typically labeled to inform you of their eco-product nature.
Safer Plastics to Use - 1, 2, 4, 5
Of the remaining plastics in our list the safest plastics to use for food or water storage is #5 Polypropylene followed by #1 Polyethylene & #2 HD Polyethylene.
Plastics #5
Polypropylene (PP) is a robust plastic that is heat resistant considered highly safe for human use. Due to its high heat tolerance, Polypropylene is unlikely to leach even when exposed to warm or hot water. This plastic is approved by the FDA for use with food and beverage storage. Polypropylene plastics can be re-used safely and with hot beverages.
Plastics #1-#2
Polyethylene & HD Polyethylene (PET, HDPE) are considered safe to use in normal conditions where the plastic will not leak too much into water. HD Polyethylene #2 is the more durable of the two. However these plastics may leach when exposed to UV, heat and over time from natural breakdown. The FDA deems this plastic to be safe but you should error on the side of safety. Never put hot liquids into these plastics, leave them out in the sun, or reuse these bottles. Also check for shelf-life as leaching will intensify over time. Think one-time, single-use only!
Plastics #4
Low-density Polyethylene (LDPE) is rarely used in products that would affect human health. This plastic is considered safe but not very environmentally eco-friendly.
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