The Truth about Plastics

The word Plastic (plastikos in Greek) means fit for Moulding. Thus, Plastic is the common term for a wide range of synthetic Organic, amorphous (not formed using Crystals) solid materials used in the manufacture of industrial products. Plastics are usually polymers, and may contain certain substances to improve its desired performance. Use of Plastic.is now widespread. Even our food and water are packaged, transported and

consumed in plastic containers. Studies have shown that the chemicals from these containers can leach into these food or liquids. These Chemicals finally enter the human body. Plastic, thus poses a health threat to the consumer. Here is a breakdown of useful information on plastics as a safety concern. Plastic bottles and containers that are used for packaging food should all be labeled with a recycle code. This is a number (between 1 and 7) that is surrounded by a small graphic of three arrows pointing at one another in a triangle. These numbers state what kind of plastic the container is made of. The consumer can know if there is a known potential health hazard. Please note that simply because there are no "known" health hazards, It does not mean that a plastic is completely safe under all conditions. Similarly, Just because there is a known "potential" health hazard, it does not mean that one is affected immediately by use of that Plastic. One must be cautious and be aware of the effects of Plastics, as it affects us and our children in many ways. The following plastics have no known health hazards:

Code 1

Polyethylene Terephthalate, or PET / PETE

Code 2

High Density Polyethylene, or HDPE

Code 4:

Low Density Polyethylene, or LDPE

Code 5:

Polypropylene, or PP

The following plastics do have known potential health hazards:

Code 3:

Polyvinyl Chloride, or PVC / Vinyl. This material, used often in flooring and shower

curtains, as well as household water pipes (primarily for evacuation only - they should never be used to bring fresh water into the home), used to be used in cling wraps. The plastics industry is adamant that the type of PVC currently used in cling wraps does not contain the phthalates that are known endocrine disrupters. However, these phthalates may still be present in PVC bottles and toys. There was recent information that many baby teethers were also made from PVC, due to its soft flexibility. PVC or vinyl items should never be given to a baby or child who may put them in his or her mouth.

Code 6:

Polystyrene, or PS / Styrofoam. As well as being another endocrine disrupter,

styrene is also believed to be a carcinogen. This plastic is used to make some types of disposable forks, spoons and knives and also the "foam" cups such as those sold under the name Styrofoam. Hot liquid can cause the styrene to leach out of these products, as can fatty oils or alcohol.

Code 7:

Other "resins" and Polycarbonate, or PC. This one has been hotly contested by

the plastics industry because of the high heat required for the endocrine disruptor, Bisphenol - A (BPA), to be released. However, BPA is a primary component of PC plastics and is a verifiably dangerous compound. PC is largely used for water bottles of the type used for delivery services (multi-galon containers) that fit on the "water cooler" at home or office. Many clear baby bottles are made of PC and there is much in the news about the controversy of these bottles not being labeled with any code so that consumers cannot tell what type of plastic is used. With baby bottles, this is a real concern, as many people boil the bottles with formula or milk inside them. PC is also used in food cans with a plastic lining. Whenever possible, it is recommended that these plastics not be exposed to high temperatures. The plastics industry insists that they are completely stable under most conditions but some studies suggest that leaching still occurs.

Code & Material

Applications

Health Hazard

Clear soft drink and beverage bottles, films Polyethylene Terephthalate Detergent bottles, industrial wrapping and film, sheets, shopping bags Water pipes, bath curtains, credit cards, packaging film, water containers

No known health hazard. However, not suitable for repeated or long term use It is safer not to re-use them

HDPE is not known to leach any hazardous chemicals

High Density Polyethylene

Polyvinyl Chloride

Low Density Polyethylene

Cling film, bread bags, plastic bags, shrink wrap, T-shirt bags Microwave containers, sweet and snack wrappers, straws, artificial lawns Disposable cups and plates, fastfood boxes, CD cases, VHS tapes

PVC may release toxic breakdown products into food and drinks. Phthalates, commonly found in PVC, are endocrine disruptors - substances that interferes with the bodys natural hormone system. Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), is a suspected human carcinogen. Avoid #3! LDPE is not known to leach any hazardous chemicals.

PP is not known to leach any hazardous chemicals.

Polypropylene

PS can release styrene and butadiene, suspected human carcinogens. Avoid #6!

Polystyrene

All other resin and multimaterials not otherwise defined

CD, complex composites Used to make reuseable water bottles, food containers, baby bottles, microwave ovenware, plastic coating for metal cans, etc.

Polycarbonate bottles or containers release the chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) into liquid stored in them. BPA is an endocrine disruptor that has been shown to interfere with reproductive development in animals and has been linked with cardiovascular disease and diabetes in humans. While the exact toxicity of Bisphenol A is still subject to debate, it is safer to Avoid #7!

To reduce health risks from toxins leaching into your food and drinks: Do not warm plastic containers in the stove or microwave. A microwave-safe label on a plastic container does not guarantee that it shouldnt leach chemicals into foods when heated: it only means that it shouldnt melt or crack. Use glass or ceramic bowls instead. Do not place plastic containers in a dishwasher. Hand-wash them gently with a nonabrasive soap. Do not store hot or warm beverages in plastic bottles. Use glass or stainless steel bottles instead. Remove food from the store plastic wrap before thawing or reheating in a microwave. When you buy cling-wrapped food (e.g., meat or cheese) that you do not use at once, store it in a glass or ceramic container. Store flour, spices, sugar, and other dry goods in glass containers. Do not reuse disposable plastic food containers and cups. Reusable plastic food containers should be replaced when they have turned discolored or if cracks start to appear. Avoiding plastic toys when there are other alternatives, especially with regard to teething.