Safety in Numbers

We use plastic containers everywhere. We drink water from them, carry packed food to work, store left over food, even feed a baby with formula. The list is endless. Most of us re-use plastics. Be it from a take out food the other month, a drinking bottle we bought the other day, microwaveable containers that we want to use and use again.

But not all plastics are meant to be re-used. Some plastics may pose health risks. How would you know? It's hidden in the small triangular recycle sign usually found at the bottom of the plastic container. I did some research on what these numbers mean. Which kind of plastic is really meant to be re-used? Which are meant for one time use? Which plastic is ideal for a baby formula? Which plastic number is safe for microwave cooking? So here's what I found out.

Number 1: Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a lightweight plastic, is used to make a slew of beverage bottles, from soft drinks to water. PET bottles are intended for a single use as PET breaks down with use and cannot be properly cleaned. The concern with PET products is not toxins but the buildup of bacteria due to infrequent or insufficient cleaning. Scratches and imperfections in the plastic may host germs. These plastic bottles are the most viable for recycling.

Number 2: A high-density polyethylene (HDPE) made from petroleum, this plastic is pliable, opaque and versatile. Its many uses include sport bottles, cloudy milk jugs, cereal box liners, trash and shopping bags, and shampoo and cleaning supply bottles. There's low risk of leaching, and it's also curbside recyclable.

Number 3: Along with Number 7, polyvinyl chloride (PVC or V) is one of the most controversial plastics. It is a bad bad plastic. These containers should probably be set aside for nonfood usage. Use them to store crayons or beads rather than leftovers. Number 3 has been nicknamed the "toxic plastic" due to the softeners (DEHA) that with long-term exposure may cause cancer and other health issues. Soft PVC often contains and can leach toxic phthalates, and can also off-gas chemicals into the air. It's used in some cling wraps (yikes!), many children's toys, fashion accessories, shower curtains, and detergent and spray bottles. To top it off, PVC isn't recyclable, either.

Number 4: Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is used in making bread bags, frozen-food bags and squeezable bottles. It transmits no known chemicals into food. It is recyclable.

Number 5: PP (polypropylene) is not as recyclable as numbers 1 and 2, but this plastic is another good option when choosing safe, toxin-free food and beverage containers. This omnipresent plastic is used in yogurt containers, syrup bottles, straws and medicine bottles.

Number 6: Polystyrene (PS) is used in takeout food containers, egg containers, and some plastic cutlery, among other things. It has been found to leach styrene--a neurotoxin and possible human carcinogen - and may disrupt hormonal functioning.

Number 7: A clear, hard, shatterproof plastic made with polycarbonate, specifically bisphenol-A. It may pose serious health risks. The popular and colorful Nalgene water bottles were a good example of this reusable plastic. The Nalgene company has replaced these water bottles with a bisphenol-A-free version.

So the next time you pick a plastic container check the number. As the old (but so true) saying goes -- better be safe than sorry.

Happy Long Weekend!

- Jack