Hidden two-letter code reveals if your plastic containers are toxic

 

Safe or not

A hidden two-letter code stamped on plastic food containers reveals just how toxic it may be. Consumers are advised to check for labels marked PP (polypropylene) or PE (polyethylene), plastics deemed safe for food contact. 

These codes, found near the recycling triangle, identify which types of plastic are safe to use and which should be avoided. 

Polypropylene (PP) is widely used in takeout containers and food storage. It is heat-resistant, BPA-free, and generally microwave-safe, making it one of the safest plastics for reuse. 

Polyethylene (PE) comes in high-density (HDPE, labeled 2) and low-density (LDPE, labeled 4).  These are used in items like milk jugs, plastic bags, and squeeze bottles. Generally safe to use.

Another form, PET (polyethylene terephthalate, labeled 1), is commonly found in water bottles and condiment containers, but it is intended for single use only. 

Recycling Code

The recycling number stamped inside the triangle on the bottom of a plastic container provides another critical clue. 

Numbers 1, 2, 4, and 5 are generally considered safe for food use.  However, numbers 3, 6, and 7 should be avoided due to concerns over chemical leaching. 

Plastic labeled with a number 5 and the letters ‘PP’ is considered one of the safer types of plastic because it’s heat-resistant and BPA-free. 

BPA’s problem

BPA is an industrial chemical found in many everyday products, including food and beverage containers.  Every time it is used, especially when heated, it’s leaching small amounts of BPA out of them. 

BPA exposure has been linked to many medical conditions.  Hormone disruption, increased risk of breast and prostate cancers, heart problems, and developmental issues have been documented. Even small exposure to BPA can be linked to infertility, behavioral issues in children and hormone disruption. 

Don’t ignore the code

Despite growing awareness, most Americans continue to use plastic containers daily, many without checking the tiny code printed on the bottom. 

Number 3, PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), can release toxic chemicals such as lead and vinyl chloride when heated or starts breaking down. These chemicals are linked to serious health problems, including hormone imbalances, fertility issues, and cancer. 

Lead exposure can harm brain development, especially in children. Long-term exposure to vinyl chloride is also linked to cancer and liver damage.

Your morning takeout coffee foam cup is number 6, Polystyrene (PS), a plastic that can leach a chemical called styrene.  It’s known to affect the nervous system, potentially causing headaches, fatigue, or memory issues with long-term exposure.  It’s also linked to lung and respiratory issues when inhaled or ingested over time.

Number 7, Others, is a mixture of various plastics, and many of them contain bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that can act like estrogen in the body.

Microwaving plastic containers

Experts also warn against microwaving food in plastic containers, even those marked microwave-safe, due to the increased risk of chemical leaching. 

Experts strongly recommend replacing older plastic containers with ones labeled BPA-free or switching entirely to glass or stainless steel for safer long-term storage. And while recycling numbers 1 through 5 are generally safer, it’s best to avoid reusing single-use plastics, such as water bottles, which were never designed to withstand repeated use.

Source: Dailymail.Com©

Photo by ©Shutterstock/anson