Individuals have a way to identify the type of plastic in many products especially food storage containers and packaging [Check out the video below... interesting]. Many but not all such plastic products have a number – the resin identification code – molded formed or imprinted in or on the container often on the bottom. This system of coding was developed in 1988 by the U.S. - based Society of the Plastics Industry to facilitate the recycling of post-consumer plastics. It is voluntary for plastic manufacturers but has become relatively standard on certain plastic products sold globally. Knowing the code for a particular product consumers can then inform themselves of the characteristics of the plastic and the risks of using that product.
The seven plastic resin codes are each briefly described below to provide a quick snapshot detailing the name of the resin (i.e. the base material of the plastic) typical products it is found in dangerous chemicals it leaches and why they are dangerous.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE) – Used in soft drink juice water beer mouthwash peanut butter salad dressing detergent and cleaner containers. Leaches antimony trioxide and di(2ethylhexyl) pthalate (DEHP). Workers exposed to antimony 
trioxide for long periods of time have exhibited respiratory and skin irritation; among female workers increased incidence of menstrual problems and miscarriage; their children exhibited slower development in the first twelve months of life. The longer a liquid is left in such a container the greater the concentration of antimony released into the liquid. DEHP is an endocrine disruptor that mimics the female hormone estrogen. It has been strongly linked to asthma and allergies in children. It may cause certain types of cancer and it has been linked to negative effects on the liver kidney spleen bone formation and body weight. In Europe DEHP has been banned since 1999 from use in plastic toys for children under the age of three.
Check out the video below to learn how plastic bottles are made from Polyethylene terephthalate - interesting stuff!!!
High density polyethylene (HDPE) – Used in opaque milk water and juice containers bleach detergent and shampoo bottles garbage bags yogurt and margarine tubs cereal box liners. Considered a 'safer' plastic. Our research on risks associated with this type of plastic is ongoing.
Polyvinyl chloride (V or Vinyl or PVC) – Used in toys clear food and non-food packaging (e.g. cling wrap) some squeeze bottles shampoo 
bottles cooking oil and peanut butter jars detergent and window cleaner bottles shower curtains medical tubing and numerous construction products (e.g. pipes siding). PVC has been described as one of the most hazardous consumer products ever created. Leaches di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) or butyl benzyl phthalate (BBzP) depending on which is used as the plasticizer or softener (usually DEHP). DEHP and BBzP are endocrine disruptors mimicking the female hormone estrogen; have been strongly linked to asthma and allergic symptoms in children; may cause certain types of cancer; linked to negative effects on the liver kidney spleen bone formation and body weight. In Europe DEHP and BBzP and other dangerous pthalates have been banned from use in plastic toys for children under three since 1999. Not so elsewhere including Canada and the United States.
Low density polyethylene (LDPE) – Used in grocery store dry cleaning bread and frozen food bags most plastic wraps squeezable bottles (honey mustard). Considered a 'safer' plastic. Our research on risks associated with this type of plastic is ongoing.
Polypropylene (PP) – Used in ketchup bottles yogurt and margarine tubs medecine and syrup bottles straws Rubbermaid and other opaque plastic containers including baby bottles. Considered a 'safer' plastic. Our research on risks associated with this type of plastic is ongoing.
Polystyrene (PS) – Used in Styrofoam containers egg cartons disposable cups and bowls take-out food containers plastic cutlery compact disc cases. Leaches styrene which is an endocrine disruptor mimicking the female hormone estrogen and thus has the potential to cause reproductive and developmental problems; long-term exposure by workers has shown brain and nervous system effects; adverse effects on red blood cells liver kidneys and stomach in animal studies. Also present in secondhand cigarette smoke off-gassing of building materials car exhaust and possibly drinking water. Styrene migrates significantly from polystyrene containers into the container's contents when oily foods are heated in such containers.
Other – This is a catch-all category that includes anything that does not come within the other six categories. As such one must be careful in interpreting this category because it includes polycarbonate - a dangerous plastic - but it also includes the new safer biodegradable bio-based plastics made from renewable resources such as corn and potato starch and sugar cane. Polycarbonate is used in many plastic baby bottles clear plastic “sippy” cups sports water bottles three and five gallon large water storage containers metal food can liners some juice and ketchup containers compact discs cell phones computers. Polycarbonate leaches Bisphenol A (some effects described above) and numerous studies have indicated a wide array of possible adverse effects from low-level exposure to Bisphenol A: chromosome damage in female ovaries decreased sperm production in males early onset of puberty various behavioural changes altered immune function and sex reversal in frogs.
Important Note : Two other types of plastic that fall under code 7 are acrylonitrile styrene (AS) or styrene acrylonitrile (SAN) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Both AS/SAN and ABS are higher quality plastics with increased strength rigidity toughness and temperature and chemical resistance. AS/SAN is used in mixing bowls thermos casing dishes cutlery coffee filters toothbrushes outer covers (printers calculators lamps) battery housing. The incorporation of butadiene during the manufacture of AS/SAN produces ABS 
which is an even tougher plastic. ABS is used in LEGO toys pipes golf club heads automotive parts protective head gear. Our research on risks associated with AS/SAN and ABS is ongoing.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOUR EVERYDAY PLASTIC USE : You may wish to seriously consider your – and especially your children's – use of plastics numbered 1 3 6 and 7 (polycarbonate) all of which have been shown to leach dangerous chemicals. This does not necessarily mean the others are completely safe just that they have been studied less to date.
So if you have to use plastic it is safest to stick to numbers 2 4 5 and 7 (other than polycarbonate) whenever possible.
If an item does not have a plastic code on it or if the type of plastic is unclear from the code (e.g. with #7 it likely will not say it is polycarbonate) your best bet is to contact the manufacturer and ask them directly what type of plastic was used to make the product.
Plastic Tips
Here are some simple tips to help you in working toward a life without plastic or a life of safer more informed plastic use.
o Avoid polycarbonate (#7) baby bottles and sippy cups. For baby bottles try and use glass polyethylene or polypropylene instead. Sippy cups made of stainless steel (e.g. Kleen Kanteen Purica) or of polypropylene or polyethylene are safer. Be sure to check the bottle or cup to be sure of the type of plastic it contains. As for baby bottle nipples try and use silicone which does not leach the carcinogenic nitrosamines that can be found in latex.
o If you must use polycarbonate (#7) bottles avoid heating food and drink in the bottle. Heat it in a separate container and transfer it to the bottle once it is warm enough for the child to eat or drink. If the plastic is showing signs of wear – scratched cloudy – discard the container.
o For drinking water try and avoid plastic bottles. If you do use plastic bottles made from #1 or #2 plastic try not to reuse them as they are intended only for single use. One alternative is a stainless steel water bottle. For storing large quantities of water glass and stainless steel containers are also available. If you use a #1 water bottle try to consume the contents as soon as possible because leaching of antimony increases with time.
o Try to avoid heating foods in plastic containers especially in the microwave oven which can cause the plastic to degrade and leach chemicals faster. As well leaching increases when plastic comes into contact with oily or fatty foods or when the plastic is scratched worn cracked or sticky.
o Use plastic wraps with caution especially in the microwave and try to keep the plastic from touching the food. Alternatives include wax paper or paper towels.
o Try and use alternatives to plastic packaging and storage containers. Cloth paper or cardboard are possibilities for transporting groceries. Stainless steel and glass food storage containers are available.
o Avoid plastic dishes and utensils for meals. Alternatives include glass ceramic wood stainless steel and lacquer ware. Offer your child or grandchild a non-plastic dish set made of either stainless steel or wood (safely coated with a non-toxic lacquere7f).
These days plastic is so omnipresent it can be difficult to imagine life without plastic. Yet our ancestors managed just fine without it. All it takes is a little imagination determination and discipline.
p/s: This article is adopted from a colleague who shared this information in my work mailing list. I'm not sure where the information originates. However I felt that the article is very informative and should be spread. I searched for some related photos to provide better comprehension and visualization to the reader. Hope you like it. I hope it is beneficial to everybody.
...........................................................................................................................................................
Recommended: Free Technical / Engineering Magazine.
The seven plastic resin codes are each briefly described below to provide a quick snapshot detailing the name of the resin (i.e. the ba
trioxide for long periods of time have exhibited respiratory and skin irritation; among female workers increased incidence of menstrual problems and miscarriage; their children exhibited slower development in the first twelve months of life. The longer a liquid is left in such a container the greater the concentration of antimony released into the liquid. DEHP is an endocrine disruptor that mimics the female hormone estrogen. It has been strongly liCheck out the video below to learn how plastic bottles are made from Polyethylene terephthalate - interesting stuff!!!
bottles cooking oil and peanut butter jars detergent and window cleaner bottles shower curtains medical tubing and numerous construction products (e.g. pipes siding). PVC has been described as one of the most hazardous consumer products ever created. Leaches di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) or butyl benzyl phthalate (BBzP) depending on which is used as the plasticizer or softener (usually DEHP). DEHP and BBzP are endocrine disruptors mimicking the female hormone estrogen; have been strongly liImportant Note : Two other types of plastic that fall under code 7 are acrylonitrile styrene (AS) or styrene acrylonitrile (SAN) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Both AS/SAN and ABS are higher quality plastics with increased strength rigidity toughness and temperature and chemical resistance. AS/SAN is used in mixing bowls thermos casing dishes cutlery coffee filters toothbrushes outer covers (printers calculators lamps) battery housing. The incorporation of butadiene during the manufacture of AS/SAN produces ABS which is an even tougher plastic. ABS is used in LEGO toys pipes golf club heads automotive parts protective head gear. Our research on risks associated with AS/SAN and ABS is ongoing.WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOUR EVERYDAY PLASTIC USE : You may wish to seriously consider your – and especially your children's – use of plastics numbered 1 3 6 and 7 (polycarbonate) all of which have been shown to leach dangerous chemicals. This does not necessarily mean the others are completely safe just that they have been studied less to date.
So if you have to use plastic it is safest to stick to numbers 2 4 5 and 7 (other than polycarbonate) whenever possible.
If an item does not have a plastic code on it or if the type of plastic is unclear from the code (e.g. with #7 it likely will not say it is polycarbonate) your best bet is to contact the manufacturer and ask them directly what type of plastic was used to make the product.
Plastic Tips
Here are some simple tips to help you in working toward a life without plastic or a life of safer more informed plastic use.
o Avoid polycarbonate (#7) baby bottles and sippy cups. For baby bottles try and use glass polyethylene or polypropylene instead. Sippy cups made of stainless steel (e.g. Kleen Kanteen Purica) or of polypropylene or polyethylene are safer. Be sure to check the bottle or cup to be sure of the type of plastic it contains. As for baby bottle nipples try and use silicone which does not leach the carcinogenic nitrosamines that can be found in latex.
o If you must use polycarbonate (#7) bottles avoid heating food and drink in the bottle. Heat it in a separate container and transfer it to the bottle once it is warm enough for the child to eat or drink. If the plastic is showing signs of wear – scratched cloudy – discard the container.
o For drinking water try and avoid plastic bottles. If you do use plastic bottles made from #1 or #2 plastic try not to reuse them as they are intended only for single use. One alternative is a stainless steel water bottle. For storing large quantities of water glass and stainless steel containers are also available. If you use a #1 water bottle try to consume the contents as soon as possible because leaching of antimony increases with time.
o Try to avoid heating foods in plastic containers especially in the microwave oven which can cause the plastic to degrade and leach chemicals faster. As well leaching increases when plastic comes into contact with oily or fatty foods or when the plastic is scratched worn cracked or sticky.
o Use plastic wraps with caution especially in the microwave and try to keep the plastic from touching the food. Alternatives include wax paper or paper towels.
o Try and use alternatives to plastic packaging and storage containers. Cloth paper or cardboard are possibilities for transporting groceries. Stainless steel and glass food storage containers are available.
o Avoid plastic dishes and utensils for meals. Alternatives include glass ceramic wood stainless steel and lacquer ware. Offer your child or grandchild a non-plastic dish set made of either stainless steel or wood (safely coated with a non-toxic lacquere7f).
These days plastic is so omnipresent it can be difficult to imagine life without plastic. Yet our ancestors managed just fine without it. All it takes is a little imagination determination and discipline.
p/s: This article is adopted from a colleague who shared this information in my work mailing list. I'm not sure where the information originates. However I felt that the article is very informative and should be spread. I searched for some related photos to provide better comprehension and visualization to the reader. Hope you like it. I hope it is beneficial to everybody.
...........................................................................................................................................................
Recommended: Free Technical / Engineering Magazine.
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