Selecting Safe Plastics: What to Avoid

Plastics are found nearly everywhere in modern life -- from beverage bottles to food storage, toys, packaging, and countless daily use items. However, not all plastics are created equal when it comes to health and environmental safety. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the important topic of selecting safe plastics, understanding which types to avoid, and how to make the best choices for you and your family.

Understanding Plastics and Their Risks

While plastics offer convenience and durability, not all are safe for food use or frequent handling. Some plastics contain chemicals with potential to leach into food or drinks, particularly when heated or exposed to sunlight. Long-term exposure to certain chemicals found in unsafe plastics has been linked to health issues such as hormone disruption, increased cancer risk, and developmental problems in children.

To make informed choices, it's crucial to understand the types of plastics and what their recycling numbers mean. Recognizing which plastics are safer and which to avoid can protect both human health and the environment.

Microwave recycling

Plastic Identification Codes: What Do They Mean?

Most plastic items feature a triangular resin identification code, usually on the bottom. These codes (numbered 1 through 7) reveal the type of plastic used and help in deciding whether a particular plastic is safe or potentially hazardous.

Common Plastic Codes and Their Safety

1 (PET or PETE): Polyethylene Terephthalate
2 (HDPE): High-Density Polyethylene
3 (PVC): Polyvinyl Chloride
4 (LDPE): Low-Density Polyethylene
5 (PP): Polypropylene
6 (PS): Polystyrene
7 (Other): Miscellaneous Plastics, including polycarbonate and BPA-based plastics

Which Plastics Should You Avoid?

Certain plastics are widely considered less safe due to their ingredients and tendency to leach harmful chemicals. Here's a breakdown of plastics you should be cautious about.

1. PVC (Code 3)

PVC, or Polyvinyl Chloride, is common in cling wrap, some squeeze bottles, plumbing pipes, and children's toys. PVC often contains phthalates and DEHA, chemicals added for flexibility, which are potential endocrine disruptors. Britain and the European Union have phased out or heavily regulated PVC in toys, due to rising health concerns.

Health risks: Can leach phthalates, dioxins, and heavy metals
Environmental impact: Difficult to recycle; releases toxic chemicals when incinerated
Avoid: Food wraps, soft children's toys, and containers marked with recycling number 3

2. Polystyrene (PS, Code 6)

Polystyrene, often referred to as Styrofoam, is used in disposable coffee cups, takeout containers, and packing peanuts. It contains styrene, a chemical that is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. When heated or scratched, polystyrene can release styrene into food and beverages.

Health risks: Can leach styrene, affecting the nervous system
Environmental impact: Not widely recyclable, persists for centuries in landfills and oceans
Best to avoid: Fast food clamshells, foam cups, and microwavable meals in PS containers

3. Miscellaneous Plastics (Code 7)

Number 7 plastics include a variety of resins, notably polycarbonate, which is produced using Bisphenol-A (BPA). BPA is controversial and has documented links to possible brain, behavior, and prostate gland issues in fetuses, infants, and children. Many studies suggest that ditching items containing BPA is safest, particularly for food and drink storage.

Health risks: BPA exposure, possible hormone disruption
Environmental impact: Complex, difficult to recycle; can end up as microplastics
Where it's found: Sports water bottles, baby bottles, large water jugs, some can linings

Safer Plastic Choices for Everyday Use

While some plastics pose risks, there are types generally considered safer for food and beverage use. Here's what to look for when choosing safe plastics:

1. PET or PETE (Code 1)

PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is commonly used in single-use beverage bottles and food containers. It is lightweight and generally safe for one-time use, but it should not be reused or exposed to heat, as this can promote leaching of chemicals and bacterial buildup.

Safe uses: Water, juice, and soda bottles
Limitations: Avoid reusing and do not subject to high temperatures

2. HDPE (Code 2)

High-Density Polyethylene is one of the safest and most commonly recycled plastics, found in milk jugs, juice bottles, detergent bottles, and toys. It is low in leachables, making it safe for repeated use, including for food storage.

Safe uses: Milk jugs, yogurt tubs, cereal box liners
Highly recyclable and durable

3. LDPE (Code 4)

Low-Density Polyethylene is used in bread bags, frozen food bags, and some squeezable bottles. It contains fewer toxic chemicals and is generally safe for food use.

Safe uses: Wrappings, sandwich bags, food storage containers
Limitations: Not suitable for high-temperature uses

4. PP (Code 5)

Polypropylene is one of the most heat-resistant plastics and is commonly found in yogurt tubs, syrup bottles, and baby food containers. It is a safe choice for microwave use and is not known to leach harmful chemicals.

Safe uses: Microwave-safe containers, straws, bottle caps, and baby bottles labeled "BPA-free"

Tips for Choosing Healthier Plastics

Selecting safer plastics involves more than just checking the number on the bottom. Here are practical tips for making the safest choices for your family and the environment:

Check recycling codes: Seek out items marked with 2 (HDPE), 4 (LDPE), or 5 (PP) for safest daily use.
Avoid plastics 3, 6, and 7 unless they specifically say "BPA-free" or "phthalate-free".
Do not heat plastic: Avoid microwaving or placing plastics in the dishwasher unless they are labeled microwave/dishwasher safe; heating can accelerate chemical leaching.
Limit reuse of single-use plastics: Especially PET bottles (Code 1), which are only designed for one-time use.
Opt for glass or stainless steel: Whenever possible, choose alternatives such as glass or stainless steel for food and beverage storage.
Watch for "BPA-free" labels: But note that some products substitute Bisphenol S (BPS), which may be just as risky as BPA.

Plastic Myths and Misconceptions

Misunderstandings about plastics abound. Here are common myths debunked to help you make smarter, safer decisions:

Myth 1: All "BPA-Free" Plastics Are Safe

Many BPA-free products substitute chemicals like BPS or BPF, which may be structurally similar and potentially harmful. It's wise to limit plastic use overall and choose truly inert materials for food and drink storage when possible.

Myth 2: Microwaving Plastics Is Always Safe

Only plastics specifically labeled "microwave safe" should be used in the microwave. Other plastics may warp, melt, or leach chemicals into food when exposed to high heat.

Myth 3: All Recyclable Plastics Are Safe

The recycling code does not denote safety for food use. Always evaluate both the code and the type of product the plastic is used in.

Environmental Considerations When Selecting Plastics

Selecting safe plastics is not only vital for personal health but also for environmental sustainability. Unsafe plastics like PVC and polystyrene are particularly problematic, tending to release toxins during production and breakdown, and persisting for decades or even centuries in the environment.

Choose recyclable plastics: Codes 1 (PET), 2 (HDPE), and 5 (PP) are the most widely recycled and have a smaller environmental footprint.
Avoid single-use plastics: Items like straws, cutlery, and bags often escape recycling streams and contribute to marine pollution.
Participate in Take-Back Programs: Some companies offer collection points for specialty plastics.

Microwave recycling

Safe Plastics: FAQ

Is it safe to reuse water bottles?

If the bottle is made of PET (Code 1), avoid repeated use, especially if scratched or left in a hot car, which accelerates breakdown. For reusable water bottles, opt for stainless steel, glass, or BPA-free plastics marked with codes 2, 4, or 5.

Can plastics leach chemicals at room temperature?

While heat increases leaching, certain chemicals can migrate even at room temperature, particularly if the plastic is old or damaged.

What does "food-grade plastic" mean?

"Food grade" means the plastic has been manufactured and tested to not release harmful chemicals into food under normal conditions. Look for clear labeling and check the recycling code for confirmation.

Conclusion: Make Informed Choices About Plastic Safety

The ubiquity of plastics means they are almost impossible to avoid, but with knowledge and careful selection, you can reduce health risks and environmental impact. Remember to look for recycling codes, avoid plastics 3, 6, and 7 when possible, and opt for signs of safety like "BPA-free," as well as glass or metal alternatives for food and beverage use.

Being proactive about selecting safe plastics and understanding what to avoid empowers you to safeguard your health and contribute to a more sustainable world.

Review recycling codes.
Use glass and stainless steel when possible.
Avoid heating plastics unless specifically labeled safe.
Stay informed on emerging research and regulations regarding plastic safety.

By making mindful choices today, you can protect both yourself and the environment from the harmful effects of unsafe plastics.