There are a few different kinds of plastic in production, some more durable and reusable than others. Plastic products are marked by a number inside the recycling symbol, typically on the bottom of the product. This symbol indicates the recyclability of the product. Usually products are marked with the numbers 2, 4 and 5 are safer choices.
The following sections provide information on each type of plastic (1-7)
Polyethylene Terephthalate ⚠
1. PET stands for polyethylene terephthalate, a plastic resin and a form of polyester.
PET is found in: Cosmetics, Household cleaners, Water, Juice, Soft drinks, Salad dressings, Oil, Peanut butter
Health Concerns
Studies have found levels of antimony (a toxic chemical) leaching from water bottles that have been placed in heat for prolonged times. Although PETE does not contain BPA or Phthalates, it’s always best to make sure that your water bottles are not temperature abused. PETE plastic should not be reused because cleaning detergents and high temperatures can cause chemicals to leach out of the plastic. Plastic #1 is only intended for one time use.
Studies have found levels of antimony (a toxic chemical) leaching from water bottles that have been placed in heat for prolonged times. Although PETE does not contain BPA or Phthalates, it’s always best to make sure that your water bottles are not temperature abused. PETE plastic should not be reused because cleaning detergents and high temperatures can cause chemicals to leach out of the plastic. Plastic #1 is only intended for one time use.
High-Density Polyethylene ⚠
2. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a polyethylene thermoplastic made from petroleum. HDPE is hard, opaque and can withstand somewhat high temperatures.
HDPE is found in:
HDPE is used in the manufacturing of toys, and the packaging of: Laundry detergent, Milk jugs, Folding chairs and tables
HDPE is used in the manufacturing of toys, and the packaging of: Laundry detergent, Milk jugs, Folding chairs and tables
Health Concerns
No known health concerns
No known health concerns
Polyvinyl Chloride ⚠
3. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a thermoplastic polymer. Through the use of phthalates, a plasticizer, it can be made softer and more flexible (phthalates are toxic).
PVS is found in: Shower curtains, Cling wrap, Waterbeds, Pool toys, Inflatable structures, Clothing, Vinyl, IV bags used in neo-natal intensive care. PVC can also be found in car interiors and vinyl flooring, resulting in the release of toxic chemicals into the air.
Health Concerns
PVC is one of the toxic plastics that should be avoided.
PVC is one of the toxic plastics that should be avoided.
Purchase a shower curtain made from organic hemp, bamboo or PEVA. PEVA (polyethylene vinyl acetate) is a non-vinyl (PVC-free), chlorine-free, biodegradable plastic. Air out the car before getting in. Avoid using cling wrap made with PVC. Avoid inflatable structures, air mattresses, and toys made with PVC. Choose all baby toys, pool toys, and bath toys that are labeled to be PVC, Phthalate and BPA free.
Low-density polyethylene ⚠
4. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a thermoplastic made from petroleum. It can be found translucent or opaque. It is flexible and tough but breakable.
LDPE is found in: Juice and milk cartons (as the water-proof inner and outer layer). Most plastic grocery bags and some packaging material.
Health Concerns
No known health concerns.
No known health concerns.
Polypropylene ⚠
5. Polypropylene (PP)is a thermoplastic polymer. It is strong, tough, has a high resistance to heat and acts as a barrier to moisture.
Polypropylene is found in: Yogurt and margarine tubs, Plastic cups and baby bottles, Kitchenware, Microwavable plastic containers and lids
Health Concerns
Most PP are microwavable safe and dishwasher safe. NOTE: microwavable/dishwasher safe only means that the plastic will not warp when heated. It does not imply that it is a healthy practice. A better alternative is using glass containers to heat foods and to hand wash plastic instead of using the dishwasher.
Most PP are microwavable safe and dishwasher safe. NOTE: microwavable/dishwasher safe only means that the plastic will not warp when heated. It does not imply that it is a healthy practice. A better alternative is using glass containers to heat foods and to hand wash plastic instead of using the dishwasher.
Polystyrene ⚠
6. Polystyrene (PS) is a petroleum based plastic. It can either be hard or used in the form of styrofoam.
Polystyrene is found in: packaging materials and insulation. Some common items include: Disposable cutlery, CD and DVD cases, Egg cartons, Foam cups and to-go foam packaging from restaurants.
Health Concerns
Long term exposure to small quantities of styrene can cause neurotoxic (fatigue, nervousness, difficulty sleeping), hematological (low platelet and hemoglobin values), cytogenetic (chromosomal and lymphatic abnormalities), and carcinogenic effects. Styrene is classified as a possible human carcinogen by the EPA and by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Long term exposure to small quantities of styrene can cause neurotoxic (fatigue, nervousness, difficulty sleeping), hematological (low platelet and hemoglobin values), cytogenetic (chromosomal and lymphatic abnormalities), and carcinogenic effects. Styrene is classified as a possible human carcinogen by the EPA and by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Ways to avoid Polystyrene:
Package left over foods from a restaurant in your own glass or stainless steel containers.Avoid styrofoam cups or plates and instead use stainless steel, glass, or bamboo products.Bring your own silverware to fast-food restaurants instead of using their plastic ones.
OTHERS ⚠
7. Stands for “Other” which may or may not contain BPA. It is commonly used to label Polycarbonate (PC). The letters PC may be present with the recycling symbol, which would indicate that the product is made with polycarbonate.
Polycarbonate is derived from BPA (A toxic xenoestrogen)
Where is Polycarbonate found?Electrical wiring, CD/DVD cases, Baby bottles, as well as 3 and 5 gallon reusable bottles
Health Concerns
BPA has been found to be an endocrine disruptor. Choose bottles made with the #1, #2, #4, or #5 recycling codes.
BPA has been found to be an endocrine disruptor. Choose bottles made with the #1, #2, #4, or #5 recycling codes.
CONCLUSION
Plastic products marked with the numbers 2, 4, and 5 are the safer choices. Avoid exposing your plastics to high temperatures (microwave, dishwasher) and use milder detergents for cleaning. There is no guarantee that plastics will not leach out harmful chemicals, the safest bet is to just avoid plastic altogether.
