The Most Dangerous Plastics. Which numbers are totally safe, and which should you avoid?
Which numbers are totally safe, and which should you avoid?
The Most Dangerous Plastics
Which numbers are totally safe, and which should you avoid?
by Jenni Veal
August 10, 2009
LISTED MOST DANGEROUS TO LEAST DANGEROUS
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) 
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is used in a wide range of consumer products, including Reynolds Wrap and cling wrap for most grocery stores, as well as bottles, packaged food trays and cooking oil bottles. PVC is also used for plumbing materials, as well as medical tubing and bags.
Reason to Avoid: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) contains phthalates, which are known to disrupt hormones — especially testosterone. Congress has banned the use of these chemicals in toys because of research that indicates developmental and reproductive damage. Vinyl chloride is a known human carcinogen. Additionally, the manufacture and incineration of phthalates releases dioxin, a known carcinogen and hormone disruptor.
Polystyrene (PS) 
Polystyrene (PS) is one of the most widely used plastics. There are two forms of polystyrene — inflated and non-inflated. The most recognizable inflated polystyrene is Styrofoam®, a Dow Chemical Company trademarked product. Non-inflated polystyrene is used to make cups, bowls, plates, trays, cutlery, take-out containers, meat trays and egg cartons, as well as packaging for shipping.
Reason to Avoid: This type of plastic can leach styrene into food, especially when heated. Styrene is classified as a possible human carcinogen by the EPA and by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Polycarbonate (PC) and Other 
The #7 designation – a catch-all for plastics that don’t fit in any other categories – are often polycarbonates (PC). Polycarbonates are used in many brands of plastic baby bottles, “sippy” cups for kids, reusable water bottles and dental sealants. Also used in the inner lining of food cans.
Reason to Avoid: Polycarbonate plastic is the only plastic that is made with bisphenol-A (BPA), which has been found to mimic the hormone estrogen and disrupt the body’s endocrine system. Public health advocates say it poses a particular risk to fetuses, infants and children. The National Toxicology Program issued a report last year that includes concerns about BPA’s effects on the brain, prostate gland, mammary gland, and behavior in fetuses, infants and children.
Polyethylene (PET or PETE) 
Used in disposable containers for most bottled water, bottled soft drinks, juice, mouthwash, ketchup, peanut butter, jelly and pickles. Also used in microwavable trays. This plastic is fine for single use. Avoid reusing #1 water and soda bottles because the plastic is porous and these bottles absorb flavors and bacteria that can’t be cleaned out.
Polyethylene (HDPE or LDPE) 
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE / #2) is a cloudy or opaque plastic used for jugs of milk, water, juice, shampoo and detergent, as well as cereal-box liners. Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE / #4) is used for cling wraps and food storage bags, garbage and grocery bags, squeeze bottles, and coatings for milk cartons and hot-beverage cups.These plastics are generally good choices as they transmit no known chemicals into food and are generally recyclable.
Did anyone else find this (almost) totally unhelpful? While it’s good to know what to “avoid,” I still don’t know quite what “avoid” means in this article. I can’t avoid those styrofoam trays that my chicken comes packed on, or the plastic wrap (both presumably made from the most dangerous plastic) unless I totally skip buying them. So, do I skip buying them (we’d be going chicken-less, then), or is it okay to re-package them at home before I freeze them? What about cooking oil? Vegetable oil doesn’t come in glass jars, but I really can’t do without it.
A little direction beyond “don’t use this” would be most helpful.
This is a good round-up of all the different plastic numbers. I had no idea about plastic wrap! I guess Ziploc bags would fall in this category?
Chi – I think to avoid in this case is to try to limit usage when possible – of at least the worst plastics. You bring up a good point though – about exposure – like if you buy something in a “bad” plastic – can you repackage it at home to limit the exposure to food? Or has the damage been done? Anyone?
I agree with the first poster: this makes us afraid of ubiquitous substances yet provides no practical guidance regarding what to do with that fear. Are we to believe that grocery items in plastic wrap could hurt our babies? And Tupperware: is it dangerous to use, to put in the microwave, for babies to chew on? I’m no scientist, but I suspect that these details make a difference and I’d like to hear what scientists have to say on the matter.
The disposable coffee cup sitting on my desk is from one of the world’s largest fast food companies. I just discovered it is marked #6 (Polystyrene) and is used to serve hot coffee to millions of consumers daily. Based on thie article: “This type of plastic can leach styrene into food, especially when heated. Styrene is classified as a possible human carcinogen by the EPA and by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.” Bottom line, how can big companies knowingly do this to the public, particularly to the millions of uninformed consumers who don’t know they should buy their coffee elsewhere?
Good article and starting point for information. Seems like moderation in usage is best. If this information becomes more known I would guess you’ll see packagers change plastics they use.
In the short term, maybe I can’t get rid of styrofoam completely but I can mic food on a dinner plate / coffee mug versus in the take home box I was given at the restaurant. Also, I tended to think I was being more “green” by refilling my water bottles from one day to the next….sounds like an unhealthy choice.
The information given is specific enough for me! It is hard to find specific guidelines to the plastic issue. There has to be starting point, a place where we begin, and this writer seems to provide that. It sure gives us more information than the producers of these plastics do! I will post it in our company lunchroom today.
I was under the impression that the canning jar lids were lined with BPA-containing film (like a tomato can). That’s the latest–glass jars (like baby food jars, yo) are still a danger because of the lid linings.Really, this is asinine. We should not have to make sure that our children don’t get poisoned by the FOOD we buy. Hello Congress! Ban the KNOWN toxins in ALL food containers–not just toys and baby bottles. Oh, right, the chemical companies got you elected.
I’m quite frustrated by the fact that in the US, you can use it til its proven harmful; while in Europe, you can’t use it til you can prove it isn’t. Yes, that’s simplifying things, but still.
Why BPA is used in anything for human consumption I will never understand – its not like “they” didn’t know it was an estrogen mimicker – hello, that’s what its original use was….
I’m very curious now about the ramifications of plastic water pipe that is now used in most residential applications….also for waste pipe in most any application, commerical and institutional included.
Important information for all of us to know!
Important information about our use of plastics.
Extremely helpful ! Never knew how bad this stuff was until I watched a documentary on it and now I find myself needing to know what the little symbols stand for on all my plastic containers.
We can only hope they will find a better product soon!
Styrene is actually naturally occurring in many plants. Many fruit and vegetables contain it also right off the vine…I’m not saying it’s good for you, but you’d have to avoid more than just certain plastics… just check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Styrene
What’s wrong with going back to glass? Polyethylene is OK if wash out with little soapy water right away & don’t let you drink rot in it first! No germs in drinks & water anyway! Overkill! Over worry! Just a little soap will kill your germs & that’s all that will be in the container anyway! Rinse & swish right away! You’ll be just fine! Better than filling our dumps with tons of plastics forever!!
READ THIS !!
Very interesting…
very useful as i had used this for a project i am doing in school…..