Maya Ellison
Bisphenol-A, or BPA, is an industrial chemical used to make certain plastics and resins. It has been used since the 1950s and 60s for containers that store food and beverages. BPA is known to have adverse health effects, including reproductive, developmental, and metabolic issues. While there is no conclusive evidence, the public pressure has pushed companies to move away from BPA, and many countries have discontinued its use. To identify if a plastic product is BPA-free, look for a label that says BPA-free and check the recycling number, usually found at the bottom of the product. Numbers 1, 2, 4, and 5 generally indicate the product is BPA-free, while 3, 6, and 7 may contain BPA. Opaque plastics are also likely to be BPA-free.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to identify BPA-free plastic | Opaque plastics are likely BPA-free. Look for a recycling number between 1 and 7 inside a triangle made of three arrows. Numbers 1, 2, 4, and 5 generally indicate no BPA, while 3, 6, and 7 suggest BPA presence. |
| BPA (Bisphenol-A) | A chemical compound used in plastics and resins since the 1950s/1960s. |
| Health concerns | Can act like hormones and disrupt normal hormone functions, with possible side effects on fetal development and reproduction. |
| Regulatory response | FDA bans BPA in baby bottles, sippy cups, and infant formula packaging. Other countries like Canada and Western Europe have discontinued its use in plastic manufacturing. |
| Alternatives | BPS (Bisphenol S) is an alternative, but studies suggest it may have similar adverse health effects. |
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What You'll Learn
Identify BPA-free plastics by checking the recycling number
BPA (bisphenol-A) is a chemical found in a wide range of plastic products, such as food storage containers and reusable water bottles. Polycarbonate plastics, which are hard, clear (or clear-tinted), and unbreakable, are known to contain BPA.
To identify BPA-free plastics, you can check the recycling number typically found on the bottom of plastic products. Look for a number between 1 and 7 inside a triangle made of three arrows. Items with recycling numbers 1, 2, 4, and 5 generally do not contain BPA. On the other hand, items marked with 3, 6, or 7 are more likely to contain BPA.
It is important to note that not all plastics with the number 7 contain BPA. Only polycarbonate items are made using BPA, and they are marked with “PC” or labelled as “unbreakable” or “microwave-safe”. Other types of plastics with the number 7, such as Tritan, acrylic, melamine, and PLA compostable blends, are BPA-free.
Additionally, opaque plastics are typically BPA-free, so if you cannot see through the plastic, it is likely to be free of BPA. Newer plastics are also more likely to be BPA-free and labelled as such. Older plastics, especially those manufactured before 2012, are more likely to contain BPA and may not have identifying numbers, so it is recommended to discard them if you want to avoid BPA.
While checking the recycling number is a helpful guide, the safest way to ensure a product is BPA-free is to look for a "BPA-free" label. This label indicates that the product is not made with BPA, although it may have come into contact with BPA during the manufacturing process.
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Avoid plastics with numbers 3, 6, and 7
BPA, or bisphenol-A, is a chemical found in a wide range of plastic products, such as food storage containers and reusable water bottles. It is important to avoid plastics with BPA as it can negatively impact human health. Exposure to BPA can affect the brain, the prostate gland of fetuses, infants, and children, and may increase blood pressure.
To identify plastics with BPA, you can look for specific recycling codes or numbers on the plastic products. These recycling codes are usually found within the recycling symbol—a triangle made of three arrows—on the bottom, top, or side of the plastic object. The recycling symbol will contain a number from 1 to 7, indicating the type of plastic. It is crucial to avoid plastics with the numbers 3, 6, and 7, as these are known to contain harmful chemicals.
Plastic with the number 3 contains phthalates, which are known to be harmful. Number 6 plastics, also known as Styrofoam, can leach styrene, a suspected carcinogen, especially when heated. Plastic number 7 is a hard plastic that is likely to leach bisphenol-A (BPA) and/or biphenol S (BPS), which are known endocrine disruptors. These chemicals can have detrimental effects, especially on children's health, as their developing organ systems are more susceptible to permanent disruption.
To ensure you are using BPA-free plastics, opt for products with the numbers 1, 2, 4, or 5. These numbers generally indicate plastics that do not contain BPA. Additionally, look for labels that explicitly state "BPA-free." Newer plastics are more likely to be BPA-free and will often be labeled as such. Opaque plastics are also typically BPA-free.
It is worth noting that all plastic products can leach toxic chemicals when heated or damaged. Therefore, it is recommended to transition to alternative materials like metal or glass whenever possible.
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Plastics with numbers 1, 2, 4, and 5 are generally BPA-free
BPA, or bisphenol-A, is a chemical found in a wide range of plastic products, such as food storage containers and reusable water bottles. It is also used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastic. Polycarbonate plastics are hard, clear (or clear-tinted), unbreakable plastics that have been used since the 1960s to make products like baby bottles, sippy cups, and sports equipment.
BPA exposure has been linked to potential negative health effects, including possible impacts on the brain and the prostate gland of fetuses, infants, and children, and an increase in blood pressure. Due to these concerns, many consumers seek to identify and choose BPA-free plastic products.
One way to determine if a plastic product is BPA-free is to look for a label that specifically states "BPA-free." This label indicates that the product does not contain BPA, although it may have come into contact with BPA during the manufacturing process.
In addition to labels, plastic products often have a number label or recycling code that provides information about the type of plastic and its recyclability. These numbers typically range from 1 to 7 and are found within a triangle made of three arrows, commonly known as the "recycling symbol."
Plastics with the numbers 1, 2, 4, and 5 are generally considered BPA-free. Number 1 plastic, or polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE), is commonly used in water and beverage bottles, food containers, and mouthwash bottles. While it is not considered too harmful, it should be stored in cool environments and not reused. Number 2 plastics are also generally safe, but it is recommended to avoid putting them in the microwave, even if they are labelled "microwave-safe." Number 4 plastics are used in plastic grocery bags, dry cleaning bags, and bread bags, and are recycled through grocery store collections. Number 5 plastics are versatile and can be found in both disposable and reusable food containers, plastic tableware, drinking straws, and more. They are commonly collected in residential and community recycling programs.
On the other hand, plastics labelled with the numbers 3, 6, and 7 are more likely to contain BPA. Number 7 plastics, in particular, have been the subject of concern due to their association with BPA, although not all number 7 plastics contain this chemical. Number 7 is a catch-all category that includes various types of plastics not commonly collected in recycling programs, including bioplastics and polycarbonate plastics, which are known to contain BPA.
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Look for BPA-free labels
When shopping for plastic products, it's important to look for the "BPA-free" label to avoid exposure to Bisphenol-A, a chemical commonly found in plastic products. This is especially important for items that come into direct contact with food or beverages, such as plastic drinking bottles, baby bottles, and food storage containers.
The "BPA-free" label indicates that the product does not contain Bisphenol-A, which is known to have potential negative health effects. These effects include impacting the brain, the prostate gland of fetuses, infants, and children, and possibly increasing blood pressure. While regulations have been put in place to limit BPA levels, it is still widely used in plastic manufacturing due to its cost-effectiveness, lightweight, and stability.
To identify "BPA-free" products, look for the label on the product packaging or the product itself. The label often features a circular stem and leaf design around the phrase. Additionally, you can check the recycling number on the bottom of plastic products. Numbers 1, 2, 4, and 5 typically indicate the absence of BPA, while numbers 3, 6, and 7 suggest the presence of BPA. However, it's important to note that the recycling number system is not foolproof, as some plastics with the number 7 may be BPA-free.
While opting for "BPA-free" products is a safer choice, it's important to be aware of the regrettable substitution problem. This refers to the possibility that the BPA has been replaced with another chemical that may not have been as thoroughly studied and could potentially present a greater health risk. Nevertheless, choosing products with the "BPA-free" label is generally a healthier option, especially for children's items.
Some manufacturers have taken the initiative to create BPA-free products, such as Nalgene, GSI, Klean Kanteen, and Wildo. These companies offer a range of drinking bottles, hydration bladders, and food containers that are free of BPA. By choosing products from these manufacturers, you can further reduce your exposure to BPA and its potential health risks.
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Older plastics are more likely to contain BPA
It is important to identify BPA-free plastic to avoid the harmful effects of BPA exposure. BPA, or bisphenol-A, is a chemical commonly found in plastic products, including food storage containers, water bottles, DVDs, receipts, clothing, and baby bottles. Older plastics are more likely to contain BPA due to a lack of regulations and identifying labels.
BPA has been linked to various health risks, especially for pregnant people, unborn babies, infants, and children. Studies have shown that BPA exposure can affect the brain and the prostate gland and potentially increase blood pressure. It is also associated with decreased fertility in men and increased risks of certain cancers. To avoid these risks, it is important to choose BPA-free options.
Identifying BPA-free plastic can be done through a few key indicators. Firstly, opaque plastics are generally BPA-free. For clear, hard plastics, look for a recycling symbol on the bottom, typically a number between 1 and 7 surrounded by three arrows. Numbers 1, 2, 4, and 5 usually indicate BPA-free products, while 3, 6, and 7 suggest the presence of BPA. Additionally, look for labels like "handwash only," which indicate acrylic plastic that is safer to use.
To ensure BPA-free purchases, opt for products labelled "BPA-free" and choose alternatives like glass, porcelain, stainless steel, or ceramic containers, especially for hot food or liquids. By being mindful of the potential presence of BPA in older plastics and making informed choices, we can reduce our exposure to this harmful chemical.
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Frequently asked questions
Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a chemical compound used in the manufacturing of polycarbonate plastics since the 1950s-1960s. It is known for its endocrine-disrupting properties, affecting hormones and hormone functions in the body.
Plastic products with recycling labels 3, 6, or 7 often contain BPA. Products with labels 1, 2, 4, or 5 generally do not contain BPA. Additionally, opaque plastics are typically BPA-free.
Look for products labelled "BPA-free" and with “safer” recycling numbers like 1, 2, 4, or 5. Newer plastics are more likely to be BPA-free and labelled as such. Avoid older plastics without identifying numbers, and those with “unbreakable” or “microwave-safe” labels.
While BPA-free alternatives are marketed as safer, researchers are unsure if they are any better. Some studies suggest that BPA-free plastics can also leach chemicals like bisphenol S (BPS) with similar adverse effects. The FDA in the US considers BPA safe and acceptable, but it is banned in baby products in the US and entirely in some other countries.
