Chloe Zhang
Bisphenol-A (BPA) is an industrial chemical used to make certain plastics and resins since the 1960s. It is often found in polycarbonate plastics, which are hard, clear (or clear-tinted), and unbreakable. While BPA has been phased out of most plastic manufacturing, it is still important to know how to identify if a plastic product contains BPA. This is usually indicated by a recycling code or symbol on the product, with numbers 3, 6, and 7 being most likely to contain BPA, and numbers 1, 2, 4, and 5 generally indicating BPA-free products. Additionally, opaque plastics are often BPA-free, and products labelled BPA-free can be trusted to not contain BPA.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Transparency | Opaque plastics are likely to be BPA-free, while transparent plastics may contain BPA. |
| Texture | Soft and flexible plastics are less likely to contain BPA. Rigid plastics may contain BPA. |
| Age | Older plastics are more likely to contain BPA. Discard plastic products manufactured before 2012. |
| Recyclability | Plastic products with recycling codes 1, 2, 4, or 5 generally do not contain BPA. Codes 3, 6, or 7 indicate a higher likelihood of BPA presence. |
| Markings | Look for "BPA-free" labels or symbols. Products marked with "PC" or “microwave-safe” may contain BPA. |
| Type | Polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins often contain BPA. Polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate are usually BPA-free. |
| Usage | Avoid using plastic containers for storing acidic or hot foods, as this increases the risk of chemical leaching. |
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What You'll Learn
Check the plastic's opacity
Opaque plastics are generally BPA-free. If you can't see through a plastic item, it's likely that it doesn't contain BPA.
However, opacity alone may not be sufficient to determine the presence of BPA, as some clear plastics are also BPA-free. For example, PET (recycling code 1) and HDPE (recycling code 2) are both clear plastics that are generally considered safe and free of BPA.
On the other hand, polycarbonate plastics, which are known to contain BPA, can also be opaque. These plastics are usually hard, clear (or clear-tinted), and unbreakable. They are often used for products like reusable water bottles, food storage containers, drinking glasses, pitchers, baby bottles, and sippy cups.
To more accurately determine the presence of BPA, it is recommended to look for recycling codes or resin identification numbers, usually found on the bottom of plastic products. Recycling code 3 (PVC) and code 7 (mixed plastics) are frequently associated with the presence of BPA. However, not all plastics with code 7 contain BPA, as it is a broad category.
Additionally, some plastic products may be labelled as "BPA-free," providing clear information about the absence of BPA.
It's important to note that BPA exposure has been linked to potential health concerns, and newer plastics are more likely to be BPA-free and labelled accordingly.
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Look for recycling codes
Plastic containers and other items will usually have a plastic resin identification code or recycling code stamped on the bottom. This is often inside a triangle of arrows. The codes range from 1 to 7, with each number representing a different type of plastic.
Some plastics are more likely to contain Bisphenol A (BPA) than others. Generally, plastics with the codes 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 are considered BPA-free. Code 1, or PET, stands for polyethylene terephthalate, which is used for beverage bottles and food containers. Code 2, or HDPE, stands for high-density polyethylene, which is used for milk, detergent, and home cleaning containers. LDPE, or low-density polyethylene, is designated by code 4 and is used for plastic bags and containers. Polypropylene, or PP, is represented by code 5 and is used in packaging, pharmaceutical bottles, and food containers. Code 6 stands for polystyrene or PS, which is used for disposable products like food trays and cups.
However, it's important to note that not all plastics with these codes are definitely BPA-free. For example, while PET is typically considered safe, it has been found to contain trace amounts of BPA in some cases. Similarly, while polystyrene is generally BPA-free, it may emit chemicals that are toxic at high temperatures, so it's best to avoid using it for hot food or drinks.
Code 3, or PVC, often contains BPA and other harmful substances, so it's best to avoid this type of plastic if you want to minimise your exposure to BPA. Code 7 is a catch-all category that includes polycarbonate plastics, which often contain BPA, as well as other types of plastic that may or may not contain BPA. So, if you see a code 7, you'll need to do some further investigation to determine if it contains BPA. Look for labels indicating that the container is "unbreakable" or "microwave-safe", as these are indicators that it likely contains BPA and should be avoided.
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Identify resin identification codes
Resin Identification Codes (RICs) are used to identify the types of resin used to manufacture certain plastic products, particularly plastic containers. They were originally developed in the 1980s by the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI), now known as the Plastics Industry Association, to categorise plastic into types and ensure consistency in plastics manufacturing and recycled plastics reprocessing.
The RIC system was intended to be used by sorting line workers to identify post-consumer packaging types using the six basic packaging resin classes. However, it has since become used more widely by consumers for recycling plastics. The codes are not a guarantee that the packaging is recyclable.
In 2008, SPI handed over the administration of the RIC system to ASTM International, which issued ASTM D7611—Standard Practice for Coding Plastic Manufactured Articles for Resin Identification. The latest ASTM standard format revisions were done in 2013, including a redesign of the symbols. The original "chasing arrows" symbol around the resin numbers became a solid equilateral triangle around the number. This change was made to clarify that the RIC's goal is to aid the identification of resin types, not identify a product's recyclability.
The different resin identification codes are part of the Unicode block called Miscellaneous Symbols and have the following codes: ♳ (U+2673), ♴ (U+2674), ♵ (U+2675), ♶ (U+2676), ♷ (U+2677), ♸ (U+2678), and ♹ (U+2679). ♺ (U+267A).
The Resin Identification Codes 1 to 6 mean that the plastic packaging is made from one of six specific types of plastic: 1 means polyethylene terephthalate (such as PET plastic bottles), 2 means high-density polyethylene (HDPE), 3 means polyvinyl chloride (PVC), 4 means low-density polyethylene (LDPE), 5 means polypropylene (PP), and 6 means polystyrene (PS). PS is used to create foam products, which have a notably negative effect on the environment. PET is among the most commonly used plastics because of how easy it is to recycle. Products labelled with code 7, "other plastics", are not recyclable in normal collections.
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Examine for `BPA-free` labelling
The presence of a "BPA-free" label is a reliable indicator that a plastic product does not contain Bisphenol A (BPA). While this labelling is not mandatory, many manufacturers use it as a marketing strategy to reassure customers of the safety of their products. Therefore, you can look out for such explicit labelling on the product or its packaging.
However, in the absence of such explicit labelling, you can still infer the presence or absence of BPA by looking at the recycling codes or resin identification numbers. These are usually found on the bottom of the product, inside a triangle made of three arrows. The numbers range from 1 to 7, with items labelled with 1, 2, 4, or 5 generally not containing BPA. On the other hand, products marked with 3, 6, or 7 are more likely to contain BPA.
It is worth noting that newer plastics are more likely to be BPA-free and appropriately labelled, while older plastics are more likely to contain BPA and lack identifying numbers. Additionally, opaque plastics are often BPA-free, whereas hard, clear or clear-tinted, unbreakable plastics may contain BPA.
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Assess the product's flexibility
The flexibility of a plastic product can indicate whether it contains BPA. Polycarbonate plastics, which are known to contain BPA, are usually hard and clear or clear-tinted. Softer, flexible, and opaque plastics are typically not polycarbonates and are less likely to contain BPA.
Recycling codes, also known as resin identification numbers, can also help determine if a product is likely to contain BPA. These codes are usually found inside a triangle made of three arrows, often on the underside of the product.
- Codes 1 (PET/PETE), 2 (HDPE), 4 (LDPE), and 5 (PP) generally do not contain BPA. These plastics are used in products like single-use water bottles, milk jugs, detergent bottles, flexible plastics like bread bags, and food containers.
- Code 3 (PVC) may contain BPA and other harmful substances. It is often used in food wraps, packaging materials, pipes, and flooring.
- Code 6 (PS) typically does not contain BPA but uses styrene, another concerning chemical. It includes disposable items like Styrofoam cups and kitchen utensils.
- Code 7 is a broad category of mixed plastics, and while not all Code 7 plastics contain BPA, it is important to exercise caution and contact the manufacturer if possible.
It is worth noting that even if a product is labelled "BPA-free," it may still contain substitute chemicals like BPS or BPF, which can be just as harmful. To reduce exposure to harmful substances, it is recommended to minimise plastic use and opt for safer materials like glass, stainless steel, or silicone.
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Frequently asked questions
Turn the container upside down and look for a recycling code, usually inside a triangle made of three arrows. Numbers 1, 2, 4, and 5 generally indicate the container is BPA-free, while 3, 6, and 7 suggest it may contain BPA.
If the container is opaque, it is likely BPA-free. If it is hard, clear (or clear-tinted), unbreakable plastic, it may contain BPA. Also, look for labels like "microwave-safe" or "unbreakable", which indicate the presence of BPA.
BPA, or Bisphenol-A, is an industrial chemical used in making plastics since the 1960s. It is potentially harmful to humans and can affect hormone levels, especially in children.
