Which plastics are safe?
Confused by which plastics are safe? You are not alone. You’ve probably heard about certain baby bottles and hard plastic water bottles being recalled in the past because of the chemical BPA. BPA= Bisphenol-A. This is a hormone-disrupting chemical recently linked to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. So which plastics are currently thought to be safe? Here is the low-down…
Numbers on the bottom in the arrowed recycle symbol shed some light on what type of plastic you have. At this moment plastics with the numbers 1, 2, 4, and 5 are considered safe. 3, 6, 7 are to be avoided as they can leach chemicals into food and water.
#1 is polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE). Soft drink and water bottles are many #1 plastics. Most places recycle these and they are considered safe for single use. Refilling these types of water bottles is not recommended. Most plastics are not considered safe once heated up so leaving a water bottle in the car is another no no.
#2 is high density polyethylene (HDPE) These are your milk jugs, shampoo bottles, etc. They can also be recycled in most places.
#3 is polyvinyl chloride (V or PVC) Examples of this type of plastic include plumbing pipes, cooking oil bottles, and meat cling wrap. PVC contains softeners called phthalates. Phthalates are chemicals used to make rigid plastics soft. These chemicals interfere with hormonal development.
#4 is low density polyethylene (LDPE) Cling wrap, grocery bags, and sandwich bags are your main sources. Although considered safe, mostly unnecessary. Reusable shopping bags and containers can be used. Something to think about!
#5 is polypropylene (PP) You’ll see #5 a lot…yogurt cups, colored plastics. Considered safe, but not all areas recycle unfortunately.
#6 is polystyrene (PS) This is some of your disposable coffee cups and take-out containers. Polystyrene-foam cups and clear plastic take-out containers can leach styrene, which is a possible human carcinogen, into food. Carcinogen = a substance capable of causing cancer. Think about a reusable coffee cup and bring along your own take-out containers. Some coffee places are now using corn based compostable coffee cups. Support your considerate establishments whenever possible.
#7 is labeled with the confusing “other” category. Plastic with BPA as well as newer BPA free plastics are in the same category. Confusing, yes. Unless a #7 plastic is labeled BPA free it is best to avoid it. Stainless steel water bottles are a good alternative. You can now even get sippy cups made out of stainless steel from Klean Kantean.
Plastic have changed the world as we know it and have many important uses, but when plastic comes in contact with food it is best to be informed.