Alexei Volkov
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical used in the manufacture of plastics, primarily to increase their strength and toughness. Due to its potential negative effects on health, many people are concerned about its presence in plastic products, especially those used for food and drink storage. While some plastics are now labelled as 'BPA-free', it is important to understand how to identify if a plastic product contains BPA. This involves checking the resin identification code, usually found on the bottom of the product, and looking for recycling numbers 3 (polyvinyl chloride or PVC) or 7 (mixed plastics), which frequently indicate the presence of BPA. Additionally, opaque plastics are likely BPA-free, and some plastics like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are known to be safe. Being aware of the materials used in manufacturing and interpreting symbols can help make informed choices when it comes to daily-use items.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Opaque plastics are usually BPA-free. Clear or clear-tinted plastics are more likely to contain BPA. |
| Texture | Hard and unbreakable plastics are more likely to contain BPA. |
| Recyclability | Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), identified by the number 3, often contains BPA. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), identified by the number 4, is generally BPA-free. Polycarbonate plastics, identified by the number 7, often contain BPA, but not always. |
| Labelling | Look for labels that explicitly state "BPA-free." If the container is labelled as microwave-safe or unbreakable, it may contain BPA. |
| Manufacturing Date | If the container was purchased before July 2012, it likely contains BPA. |
| Type of Plastic | Polypropylene (5), polyethylene (1), and polyethylene terephthalate (1) are often BPA-free. Polycarbonate, epoxy resins, and polyvinyl chloride often contain BPA. |
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What You'll Learn
Opaque plastics are usually BPA-free
BPA, or Bisphenol A, is an industrial chemical used to make certain plastics and resins, often polycarbonate polymer and epoxy resins. It has been used since the 1960s for containers that store food and beverages, including water bottles, baby bottles, and food containers.
BPA exposure has been linked to potential negative health effects. It can possibly affect the brain and the prostate gland of fetuses, infants, and children, and it might increase blood pressure. Due to these concerns, there is increasing interest in BPA-free alternatives, and many manufacturers proudly label their products as "BPA-free".
However, it's important to note that opaque plastics are not the only plastics that are BPA-free. Plastics with recycling codes 1, 2, 4, and 5 typically do not contain BPA. These codes correspond to different types of plastics, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene, which are often devoid of BPA. On the other hand, plastics with the codes 3, 6, and 7 are more likely to contain BPA.
When trying to identify if a plastic product contains BPA, you can also look for certain characteristics. Plastics containing BPA are usually translucent and hard, such as water or baby bottles. Softer, flexible, and opaque plastics are usually not polycarbonates and are less likely to contain BPA. Additionally, any plastic products manufactured before 2012 are more likely to contain BPA, as it was banned in common household items in 2012.
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Check the recycling code
The recycling code, also known as the plastic resin identification code, is usually stamped on the bottom of the container. Turn the bottle upside down and look for the symbol with a number (from 1 to 7) surrounded by three chasing arrows forming a triangle.
Recycling codes 1, 2, 5, and 6 represent plastics that are commonly recycled and collected in residential and community recycling collection programs. These plastics are BPA-free.
Code 3 represents polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, which is often used in flooring, pipelines, and packaging materials. It is correlated with BPA and other potentially harmful substances. Therefore, it is best to avoid items with recycling code 3 if you want to stay away from BPA.
Code 7 is a catch-all for all plastics that don't fit into codes 1 to 6. While most plastics labelled with code 7 are BPA-free, polycarbonate plastics with code 7 do contain BPA. Polycarbonate plastics are hard, clear or clear-tinted, and unbreakable. They are often used for reusable water bottles, food storage containers, drinking glasses, pitchers, baby bottles, and sippy cups. If a container is labelled as unbreakable or microwave-safe, it likely contains BPA and should be discarded.
Other numbers that appear outside or alongside the recycling symbol are for manufacturing purposes and are not related to recycling.
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Understand the manufacturing process
BPA, or Bisphenol A, is an organic synthetic compound used in the manufacturing of plastics. It is commonly found in polycarbonate plastics, which are hard, clear (or clear-tinted), and unbreakable. These plastics have been used since the 1960s for products like water bottles, food storage containers, drinking glasses, pitchers, baby bottles, and sippy cups.
The manufacturing process of polycarbonate plastics involves the use of BPA to create a polycarbonate resin. This resin is then used to produce various products. Over time, the use of polycarbonate resin expanded from electrical and electronic applications to consumer goods, such as plastic bottles and metal-based food and beverage cans.
BPA can also be found in epoxy resins, which are used as liners in metal products like food cans, bottle tops, and water supply pipes. The process of creating epoxy resins with BPA involves synthesizing the compound, which was first achieved by chemists in Switzerland and the US.
To identify if a plastic product contains BPA, you can look for a recycling symbol or resin identification code, often found on the bottom of the product. Plastics with the codes 3 (polyvinyl chloride or PVC) and 7 ("other," indicating mixed plastics) frequently contain BPA. However, not all plastics with code 7 contain BPA, and further investigation may be needed.
It is recommended to choose plastics with codes 1 (PET or polyethylene terephthalate), 2 (HDPE or high-density polyethylene), 4 (LDPE or low-density polyethylene), and 5 (PP or polypropylene) as they are considered safer and less likely to contain BPA.
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Look for BPA-free labels
When it comes to plastic products, it is important to be aware of the potential presence of Bisphenol A (BPA), an industrial chemical used in the manufacturing process to increase the material's strength and toughness. Due to health concerns associated with BPA, many consumers actively seek out alternatives, and manufacturers have responded by proudly labelling their products as "BPA-free".
While shopping for plastic items, keep an eye out for these labels. Many companies use this as a marketing strategy to reassure customers that their products are free of BPA. This is entirely legal and can be helpful for consumers who want to make informed choices. However, it's worth noting that the absence of a "BPA-free" label doesn't necessarily mean the product contains BPA.
When inspecting plastic products, it's a good idea to check for any labels or markings that indicate the presence or absence of BPA. Some manufacturers may not explicitly state "BPA-free" but may provide other indicators, such as recycling codes or resin identification numbers, which can help you determine the likelihood of BPA presence. These codes are usually found on the bottom of the product, inside a triangle with an arrow or without one. Recycling codes 1, 4, 5, and 7 (polypropylene, LDPE, and polyethylene terephthalate) are typically BPA-free, while codes 3 and 7 (polyvinyl chloride or PVC) often contain BPA.
It's worth mentioning that some plastic products may not have clear labelling or recycling codes. In such cases, it's best to assume that they contain BPA, especially if they are hard, clear or clear-tinted, and unbreakable. Additionally, older plastic items purchased before certain regulations were implemented may also contain BPA.
Lastly, it's important to understand that even products labelled as "BPA-free" may not be entirely free of chemicals and other plastics. Some alternatives to BPA may have similar effects, so it's always a good idea to reduce your use of plastic products and opt for traditional alternatives like wooden toys, metal cutlery, and ceramic tableware when possible.
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Avoid plastics with recycling code 3 or 7
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical component that is frequently included in several plastics and resin coatings. Due to its possible negative health effects, there is increasing interest in BPA-free alternatives. To determine whether a plastic product is BPA-free, it is necessary to understand the production process, interpret symbols, and make observations.
One way to identify if a plastic product contains BPA is to look for the recycling codes, also known as resin identification numbers. These codes are usually found inside a triangle on the underside of plastic products. Recycling codes "3" (polyvinyl chloride or PVC) and "7" (other, frequently mixed plastics) are frequently found to contain BPA. However, it is important to note that not all plastics with code "7" contain BPA. This code is a broad category that includes various materials, some of which are BPA-free.
To avoid plastics with recycling codes 3 or 7, it is recommended to look for alternative materials or products with different recycling codes. For example, products made from polypropylene ("5"), polyethylene ("1"), or polyethylene terephthalate ("1") are often devoid of BPA. By choosing products with these recycling codes, you can promote a healthier and more conscious lifestyle.
Additionally, when using plastic products, it is important to avoid certain practices that can increase the risk of chemical leaching. This includes storing acidic foods in plastic containers, placing hot foods in containers, scrubbing containers too vigorously, and routinely exposing containers to high temperatures. By following these guidelines, you can reduce your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, such as BPA.
While recycling codes can provide valuable information, it is also important to consider other factors. Some plastic products may not have clear labeling or may be made of mixed materials, making it challenging to determine the presence of BPA. In such cases, it is advisable to contact the manufacturer or refer to trusted sources that provide information on specific products and their potential risks.
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Frequently asked questions
Check the resin identification code, usually stamped on the bottom of the product. Numbers 1 to 6 are free of BPA. Only products printed with the number 7 will contain the chemical, but not all plastics with the number 7 contain BPA.
Polypropylene ("5"), polyethylene (recycling code "1"), and polyethylene terephthalate ("1") are often devoid of BPA. LDPE (low-density polyethylene) is also generally BPA-free.
Polyvinyl chloride or PVC ("3") and polycarbonate ("7") often contain BPA.
BPA exposure may affect the brain and the prostate gland of fetuses, infants, and children, and it might increase blood pressure. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) testing shows BPA to be safe at low levels sometimes found in foods.
Look for products labelled as "BPA-free". Manufacturers often proudly display these labels as a marketing strategy to reassure customers. You can also opt for traditional tableware made from materials like metal or ceramic instead of plastic.
