Polystyrene, black plastics, #3 PVC and #7 PC plastics are the most toxic and hardest to recycle, and as a mission-based recycler, Eco-Cycle supports shifting products to be made from more recyclable, less toxic plastics including #1 PET, #2 HDPE, and #5 PP.
To AVOID: Code 3. This code contains polyvinyl chloride (V or Vinyl or PVC). Harms: It is the most toxic and the most harmful form of plastic. It contains bisphenol A (BPA), lead, phthalates, mercury, dioxins and cadmium.
Food safe plastic bottles include code numbers 2,4, and 5 for storage as they are food grade. Code number 1 is safe for single-use. If re-used, they become dangerous.
Many people encounter toxic, cancer-causing chemicals through plastics, whether they're aware of the health risks or not. Plastic can harm our health at every stage of its lifecycle. For example, PVC or polyvinyl chloride, a type of plastic, is made with vinyl chloride, a known human carcinogen.
Remember that #2, #4 and recycle symbol 5 are relatively safe to use. Still, try not to heat them and do not put into microwave even if they are microwavable safe. Products with #3 plastic recycling numbers, as well as with recycling codes 6 and 7, must be rarely used, especially with food and drinks.
Our general rule is that if it's clear plastic marked with the number 7, it's not free from BPA. There are some exceptions, like Tritan plastic, but if you're unsure, it's best to avoid them. However, opaque plastics with the number 7 are generally considered safe.
If the container has a #5 on it, it is made from polypropylene, PP, so it is generally considered microwave safe. Smart Set Pro and ProView are perfect for microwave applications. CPET, #1 is safe for the microwave. These containers are usually used for oven ready applications like our meal solutions and bakery trays.
Although bottled water companies must follow FDA's safe water rules, sometimes bottled water gets contaminated with germs or chemicals. Bottled water can get contaminated by germs or chemicals: At the water's source. If the company does not properly treat the water to remove germs and chemicals.
Drinking sufficient water is essential to flushing out toxins such as BPA. A good rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight in ounces each day (for example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you should aim to drink 75 ounces of water a day).
An item made from 100 percent PVC is not inherently harmful to humans, but it is also very hard and brittle, so it's not a particularly useful material to anyone (2).
Avoid products made from polystyrene (PS #6).
Found in styrofoam food trays, disposable cups and bowls, carry-out containers, and opaque plastic cutlery, polystyrene can leach styrene, a neurotoxin and possible carcinogen.
If you look at the bottom of your plastic food storage containers and they have a #2, #4, or #5, those are generally recognized as safe for food and drink. If any of your containers have a #3, #6, or #7, those should be disposed of because they are considered high-risk plastics.
CALIFORNIA In 2022, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law a ban on plastic produce bags that takes effect Jan. 1, 2025. SAN FRANCISCO, CA In 2007, San Francisco became the first major city in the United States to ban single-use plastic bags.
Polypropylene, known by its code #5, is often hailed as one of the safer plastic choices. Its resistance to heat and chemicals, coupled with a low potential for leaching, make it an excellent option for food containers, bottle caps, and even medical equipment.
Black plastic can be found in many kitchens, used for spatulas, tongs, storage containers and more – but these utensils may be leaching chemicals that could harm you. Harmful chemicals can seep from black plastic kitchenware if it's used regularly, particularly at high heat.
While you can't detox your body of plastic per se, you can detox your body of the harmful endocrine-disrupting (i.e. hormone-disrupting) chemicals that they carry into the body.
Researchers have linked BPA to developmental and health problems in children, including learning and behavior conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), anxiety and depression; early puberty in girls; diabetes; obesity; and heart disease.
And it's not just canned goods that are on the list—BPA is still used in the linings and lids of some glass jars of pickles, jellies, salsa, baby food, and more; along with many coffee cans, cooking oil tins, soda cans, and beer kegs.
Alkaline water may be one of the healthiest waters to consume. The pH level of regular drinking water is a neutral 7. Alkaline water has a pH level of 8 to 9.5. It contains properties that may even protect your body from free radicals, which are often linked to inflammation and many chronic diseases.
However, even in soft water samples (less than 60 milligrams CaCO3 per liter), boiling still removed around 25% of NMPs. The researchers say that this work could provide a simple, yet effective, method to reduce NMP consumption.
Overall, drinking from plastic containers can have negative health effects due to the leaching of harmful chemicals. To minimize risks, opt for safer alternatives like glass or stainless steel.
The bottom line is, since we don't know exactly what manufacturers use to make each type of plastic, it is best to just assume that the plastic packaging on frozen meals likely has at least some negative health effects if microwaved.
Older microwaves may not have the most updated safety features or may have weakened over time, making them potentially dangerous to use. A malfunctioning microwave can cause harm to individuals and harm to property.
Plastics to Avoid When Microwaving Food
Polystyrene (styrofoam) — #6 — Not heat tolerant. Polycarbonate — #7 — Many formulations may contain BPA. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) — #3 — Rarely used for foods. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) — #2 — While generally safe, HDPE is less heat-tolerant.