It’s one more thing that parents worry about. Are your children’s baby bottles, sippy cups, toys—even the microwaveable containers and plastic wrap that you use to package or reheat food—potentially harmful?
“Without being unduly alarmist we don’t really know the full health implications of exposure to the chemicals that are contained in plastics,” said Freinkel, author of “Plastic: A Toxic Love Story”.
Scientists have only just begun teasing out the ways in which various of these chemicals may affect human health. Some of these chemicals are thought to be endocrine disruptors which interfere with the network of glands that orchestrate growth and development. The effects can be complicated, subtle and may not show up for years or decades. Whether they pose a serious threat to health is still a source of much debate within the scientific community.
Plastics by Type
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
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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