...the difference between safe and toxic plastics?
FYI this post is for my own information which you might also find useful.
Last week I read an article on the dangers of PBA in plastics and started a scare in the office. Now every plastic bottle is suspect and shall be dumped if the recycling numbers fall under those considered dangerous.
Styrofoam is #6 and my pretty Bros bottles are labeled #7! : ( So I have to start collecting wine bottles since it is best to store water in glass, ceramic or brass and out of sunlight.
The recycling numbers can be pretty confusing but I found a site that helps to clear up the confusion. If you don't want information overload just remember that only 2, 4 and 5 are safe for food storage. Dump the rest!
PET, Labeled 1, Polyethylene Terephthalate
Common in drink containers (soda, water, etc.) food jars and cosmetic holders. This material is not designed for repeated use due to leaching and bacteria growth.
HDPE, Labeled 2, High density Polyethylene
This is common in milk and juice containers as well as grocery and shopping bags. From what we know, it appears to be safe.
PVC, Labeled 3, Polyvinyl ChlorideThis is found in vinyl shower curtains, baby mattresses, window frames, meat wrap just to name a few. PVC is known as the Poison Plastic because of the dangerous toxins it contains.
LDPE, Labeled 4, Low density polyethyleneFound in sturdy trash bags, bread bags, squeezable bottles and food wrap.
This one also appears to be safe.
PP, Labeled 5, PolypropyleneCommon in medicine bottle, cereal bags, straws, chip and snack bags, and food storage containers. Also in children's sippy cups and bottles. This one also appears to be safe.
PS, Labeled 6, PolystyreneUsed in CD/tape cassettes, plastic cutlery, egg cartons, and take out containers. Avoid this one as it is a possible carcinogen and hormone disrupter. It may leach styrene.
Labeled 7, Other or O
The most confusing is the one labeled 7, which is "other" OR "PC" which is toxic Polycarbonate. This is sadly found in baby bottles, baby food containers, formula containers, pacifiers, and car parts. It is better to be safe than sorry and avoid this one. The concern is from leaching of Bisphenol A which appears to cause chromosomal damage.
Step 2
HDPE, Labeled 2, High density Polyethylene
This is common in milk and juice containers as well as grocery and shopping bags. From what we know, it appears to be safe.
Step 3
PVC, Labeled 3, Polyvinyl Chloride
This is found in vinyl shower curtains, baby mattresses, window frames, meat wrap just to name a few. PVC is known as the Poison Plastic because of the dangerous toxins it contains.
Step 4
LDPE, Labeled 4, Low density polyethylene
Found in sturdy trash bags, bread bags, squeezable bottles and food wrap.
This one also appears to be safe.
Step 5
PP, Labeled 5, Polypropylene
Common in medicine bottle, cereal bags, straws, chip and snack bags, and food storage containers. Also in children's sippy cups and bottles. This one also appears to be safe.
Step 6
PS, Labeled 6, Polystyrene
Used in CD/tape cassettes, plastic cutlery, egg cartons, and take out containers. Avoid this one as it is a possible carcinogen and hormone disrupter. It may leach styrene.
Step 7
The most confusing is the one labeled 7, which is "other" OR "PC" which is toxic Polycarbonate. This is sadly found in baby bottles, baby food containers, formula containers, pacifiers, and car parts. It is better to be safe than sorry and avoid this one. The concern is from leaching of Bisphenol A which appears to cause chromosomal damage.
Step 2
HDPE, Labeled 2, High density Polyethylene
This is common in milk and juice containers as well as grocery and shopping bags. From what we know, it appears to be safe.
Step 3
PVC, Labeled 3, Polyvinyl Chloride
This is found in vinyl shower curtains, baby mattresses, window frames, meat wrap just to name a few. PVC is known as the Poison Plastic because of the dangerous toxins it contains.
Step 4
LDPE, Labeled 4, Low density polyethylene
Found in sturdy trash bags, bread bags, squeezable bottles and food wrap.
This one also appears to be safe.
Step 5
PP, Labeled 5, Polypropylene
Common in medicine bottle, cereal bags, straws, chip and snack bags, and food storage containers. Also in children's sippy cups and bottles. This one also appears to be safe.
Step 6
PS, Labeled 6, Polystyrene
Used in CD/tape cassettes, plastic cutlery, egg cartons, and take out containers. Avoid this one as it is a possible carcinogen and hormone disrupter. It may leach styrene.
Step 7
The most confusing is the one labeled 7, which is "other" OR "PC" which is toxic Polycarbonate. This is sadly found in baby bottles, baby food containers, formula containers, pacifiers, and car parts. It is better to be safe than sorry and avoid this one. The concern is from leaching of Bisphenol A which appears to cause chromosomal damage.
No authoritative or regulatory body anywhere in the world classifies styrene to be a known cause of human cancer. Moreover, a study conducted by a "blue ribbon" panel of epidemiologists and published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (November 2009) reports: "The evidence of human carcinogenicity of styrene is inconsistent and weak. On the basis of the available evidence, one cannot conclude that there is a causal relationship between styrene and any type of human cancer."
ReplyDeletePriscilla Briones for the Styrene Information and Research Center (SIRC), Arlington, Virginia. SIRC (www.styrene.org) is a trade association representing interests of the North American styrene industry with its mission being the collection, development, analysis and communication of pertinent information on styrene.
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