When you do use plastics, look for these resin codes which are considered safer: #2 HDPE, #4 LDPE, and #5 PP. Examples of #2 HDPE (high density polyethylene) include: bottled milk, water and juice, yogurt cups, and some plastic bags.
The safest plastic food storage containers are HDPE, LDPE, and PP plastics. These include juice and milk jugs, grocery bags, bread bags, produce bags, and food storage boxes. Food can be stored in these types of plastic containers without any toxins leaking.
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.
Polypropylene is generally considered safe for use. It's approved by the FDA for both single and repeated-use food containers. It's also considered a safe plastic by the EPA. No studies have shown a direct correlation between polypropylene and cancer in humans.
PET or PETE — This type of plastic, polyethylene terephthalate is listed as number 1 inside the recycling triangle diagram. PET plastic is clear, tough and has gas and moisture barrier properties. This plastic is commonly used for beverages such as soft drinks, juices and bottled water.
Along with #6 PS (polystyrene) and black plastics, #3 PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and #7 PC (polycarbonate, not to be confused with #7 PLA, polylactic acid, which is a plant-based plastic) plastics are considered among the most toxic plastics to produce, and the most difficult to recycle.
Polypropylene, recycling number 5, is an FDA-approved food contact plastic that's generally used for single-serve items like yogurt cups, cream cheese containers, and syrup packets. Because of its high melting point, it can withstand the extreme temperatures of the microwave and dishwasher.
Now, it has been established that these seven plastic resin identifying codes have different toxicity levels. Although, the best is to avoid plastic usage at all, if you have to use it, there are certain codes that are safer than the others. Generally, codes 2, 4 and 5 are better than code 1, 3, 6 and 7.
Is PC plastic toxic? Firstly, the core nature of PC plastic or Polycarbonate plastic is completely non-toxic and does not affect human health. However, the biggest problem is the production stage of this material.
They're in your kids' lunchboxes, your kitchen drawers, and probably in your refrigerator. Ziploc storage bags have been a part of American culture for decades. But those toxic plastic baggies are leaching harmful chemicals into your food – and killing marine life.
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.
Trasande recommended avoiding items labeled 3 for phthalates, 7 for bisphenols and 6 for styrene. (Styrene, which is found in Styrofoam and other plastic products, is “reasonably anticipated” to be a human carcinogen, according to the National Institutes of Health.)
Polypropylene (PP) plastic is a type of plastic that is FDA approved for food contact. It is considered safe for human health when used correctly. PP is used to make various types of food packaging, including food containers, food bags, food trays, and food wraps.
Glass is the safest water bottle type and offers the purity of taste, but stainless steel offers insulation benefits that keep your beverages hot or cold.
PP5 can withstand high temperatures without melting, which makes it safe for use in the microwave. This essentially means that it won't break down or even release any harmful chemicals when it is heated.
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.
You should see the classic recycling symbol with a number inside of it. Generally, food grade plastics will be labeled with either 1, 2, 4, or 5. These refer to polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and polypropylene (PP), respectively.
There are different types of plastic containers that are labeled with a 1, 2, or 5, these are considered BPA-Free. Plastic products stamped with a 7 indicate a possibility that BPA was used to make the product.
In general, safer choices for food use are numbers 1, 2, 4 and 5. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding plastic containers with codes 3, 6 and 7. Plastic number 3 contains vinyl or polyvinyl chloride (PVC); 6 has polystyrene; and 7 can contain various plastics, such as Bisphenol A (BPA).
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.
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.
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.