Chloe Zhang
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical used in the manufacture of plastics, primarily to increase their strength and toughness. It is also used in epoxy resins that can be found as liners in metal products like food cans, bottle tops, and water pipes. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that BPA is safe at the low levels sometimes found in foods, it is something that many consumers want to avoid. Here are some ways to identify if a plastic product is BPA-free.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic opacity | Opaque plastics are likely to be BPA-free |
| Plastic hardness | Hard, clear (or clear-tinted) and unbreakable plastics may contain BPA |
| Plastic recycling number | Numbers 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6 indicate the item is likely BPA-free. Numbers 3, 6, or 7 indicate the item may contain BPA |
| Plastic resin identification code | A triangle made of 3 arrows |
| Container labels | Containers labelled as unbreakable or microwave-safe may contain BPA. Containers labelled handwash only are likely to be BPA-free |
| Container condition | Containers with scratches, general wear and tear, or repeated heat exposure are more likely to release BPA |
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What You'll Learn
- Check the recycling number at the bottom of the container. Numbers 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6 indicate the product is BPA-free
- Opaque plastics are usually BPA-free
- Avoid canned food and microwave meals as the packaging often contains BPA
- Avoid microwaving polycarbonate food containers
- Older plastics are more likely to contain BPA
Check the recycling number at the bottom of the container. Numbers 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6 indicate the product is BPA-free
Bisphenol A, or BPA, is a chemical found in a wide range of plastic products, such as food storage containers and reusable water bottles. It can also be found in the plastic lining inside some metal containers. Exposure to BPA can be harmful to humans, especially to the brain and the prostate gland of fetuses, infants, and children, and it might increase blood pressure.
While BPA has been phased out of almost all plastic manufacturing, it is still present in some older plastic products. To identify if a plastic product contains BPA, you can check the recycling number at the bottom of the container. This number will be inside a triangle made of three arrows and will range from 1 to 7. Products with the numbers 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6 are generally BPA-free, while those with 3, 6, or 7 may contain BPA.
It is important to note that not all products with the number 7 contain BPA. This number indicates "other plastics," which can include various types of plastic that may or may not contain BPA. If a product with the number 7 also has the marking "PC," then it is a polycarbonate and is more likely to contain BPA.
In addition to checking the recycling number, you can also look for a "BPA-free" label on the product or packaging. This label, often surrounded by a circular stem and leaf, indicates that the product does not contain BPA.
If you are unsure or cannot find the necessary information, it is best to discard older, well-used plastic products and opt for non-plastic alternatives made from materials like glass, ceramic, or stainless steel.
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Opaque plastics are usually BPA-free
BPA, or bisphenol-A, is a chemical found in a wide range of plastic products, including food storage containers and reusable water bottles. It has been used to make certain plastics and resins since the 1960s.
To identify if a plastic product contains BPA, you can look for a number label surrounded by a triangle made of three arrows. Products labelled with the numbers 1, 2, 4, and 5 typically do not contain BPA, while products labelled with 3, 6, or 7 likely do.
Additionally, older plastic products are less likely to have identifying labels, so it is recommended to discard them if you want to avoid BPA. Newer plastics are typically BPA-free and labelled accordingly.
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Avoid canned food and microwave meals as the packaging often contains BPA
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical used in the manufacture of plastics, primarily to increase their strength and toughness. It is also used to make the plastic near shatter-proof. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that BPA is safe at the low levels sometimes found in foods, there are still concerns about its potential effects on human health.
BPA is commonly found in the linings of cans used for packaging canned goods and in the plastic packaging of microwave meals. The BPA in these containers can be passed on to the food and then into your system when eaten. To avoid this, opt for non-canned and fresh food varieties.
Additionally, avoid microwaving polycarbonate food containers. When polycarbonate containers are heated, they can break down and release BPA chemicals into the food. You can identify these containers by looking for the number 7 plastic identification code on the bottom. Containers labelled as microwave-safe or unbreakable may also contain BPA.
To further reduce your exposure to BPA, choose non-plastic food and beverage containers made from materials such as glass, ceramic, or stainless steel. Newer plastic products are more likely to be labelled as "BPA-free", but older plastics may not have identifying labels, making it harder to determine their composition. If a plastic product is stamped with a number between 1 and 7, those with a 1, 2, 4, or 5 generally do not contain BPA, while a 3, 6, or 7 indicates the possible presence of BPA.
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Avoid microwaving polycarbonate food containers
BPA (bisphenol-A) is a chemical compound found in polycarbonate plastics, which are hard, clear (or clear-tinted), unbreakable plastics. BPA is known to have adverse effects on humans, including harm to the brain and the prostate gland of fetuses, infants, and children, and it might also increase blood pressure.
Polycarbonate plastics are often used in food and drink containers, such as reusable water bottles, food storage containers, drinking glasses, pitchers, baby bottles, and sippy cups. When these containers are exposed to heat, such as when they are microwaved, the BPA can leach into the food or beverage.
To avoid potentially harmful BPA exposure, it is crucial to refrain from microwaving polycarbonate food containers. Here are some guidelines to help you identify BPA-containing plastics and reduce your exposure:
- Check the Recycling Number: Look for a number between 1 and 7 inside a triangle made of three arrows on the bottom of plastic products. Items marked with a 3, 6, or 7 are more likely to contain BPA, while those with a 1, 2, 4, or 5 generally don't. Polycarbonate plastics are often labelled with a 7.
- Opaque Plastics: You can assume that opaque plastics, or those you can't see through, are BPA-free.
- Handwash Only: If a container is labelled as handwash only, it is likely made of acrylic and is BPA-free.
- Age of the Container: Older plastic containers are less likely to have identifying labels, and scratches and wear and tear can increase the release of BPA. It is advisable to discard older containers without labels to reduce BPA exposure.
- Avoid Polycarbonate Containers: Given the concerns around BPA, it is best to avoid using polycarbonate containers for food storage, especially if they are intended for microwave use. Opt for alternative materials like glass, ceramic, or stainless steel.
- Choose BPA-Free Alternatives: Many manufacturers now offer BPA-free plastic containers made from materials like PP (polypropylene). Look for containers labelled as "BPA-free" to ensure they are safe for food storage and microwaving.
By following these guidelines and avoiding microwaving polycarbonate food containers, you can significantly reduce your exposure to BPA and its potential health risks.
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Older plastics are more likely to contain BPA
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 has been used since the 1960s to produce strong and resilient plastics for food packaging and home kitchen use. BPA exposure can affect the brain, the prostate gland of fetuses, infants, and children, and it might increase blood pressure. It can also cause health problems as it can leach into food and beverages and then be absorbed into our bodies.
To identify if a plastic product contains BPA, you can look for a number label, typically found on the bottom of the product inside a triangle made of three arrows. Items marked with a 3, 6, or 7 are most likely to contain BPA, while those with a 1, 2, 4, or 5 generally don't. You can also assume that any opaque plastics are BPA-free, whereas clear, hard, and unbreakable plastics are more likely to contain BPA.
If you are unsure, it is best to discard old plastics, especially if they are scratched, worn, or have been exposed to repeated heat, as this can cause a greater release of BPA. To reduce BPA exposure, you can choose non-plastic food and beverage containers made from materials like glass, ceramic, or stainless steel.
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Frequently asked questions
Check the bottom of the product for a number between 1 and 7 inside a triangle made of three arrows. Items marked with a 3, 6, or 7 are likely to contain BPA, while those with a 1, 2, 4, or 5 generally don't.
BPA is commonly found in food and drink containers, such as water bottles, food storage containers, baby bottles, and microwave meals.
You can minimise your exposure by avoiding canned foods, microwave meals, and microwaving polycarbonate food containers. Choose non-plastic alternatives such as glass, ceramic, or stainless steel.
BPA, or Bisphenol-A, is an industrial chemical used in plastic manufacturing for its strength and toughness. It has been linked to potential health risks, including effects on the brain and the prostate gland in fetuses and children.
Newer plastic products are more likely to be labelled as "BPA-free." Opaque plastics are generally BPA-free, and you can also look for handwash-only labels, indicating acrylic material.
