Alexei Volkov
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in the manufacturing of polycarbonate plastics, which are hard, clear (or clear-tinted), unbreakable plastics. It is also used in epoxy resins that coat the insides of canned goods and water supply pipes. Due to its possible negative effects on health, there is increasing interest in BPA-free alternatives. To know if a plastic product is BPA-free, you need to check the materials used in the manufacturing process, interpret symbols, and observe. A good indicator is the resin identification code, commonly referred to as the recycling sign. Recycling codes 1 (PET), 2 (HDPE), 4 (LDPE), and 5 (PP) are considered safer choices, while codes 3 (PVC) and 6 (PS) should be used with caution as they may contain BPA. Code 7 (OTHER) is a wild card and needs closer examination to determine its safety.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Plastic | Type 2 or High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) |
| Recycling Code | 2 |
| Products Made From Type 2 Plastic | Milk jugs, detergent and juice bottles, butter tubs, toiletries containers, milk, soap, and household cleaning supplies |
| Safety | Safe, low risk of leaching, durable, chemical resistant, and lack of BPA |
| Recyclability | Easily recyclable |
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What You'll Learn
Type 2 plastic is considered safe and free of BPA
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in the manufacturing of polycarbonate plastics. It is also used in epoxy resins that coat canned goods and water supply pipes. BPA can easily leach into food and water supplies. Due to its possible negative effects on health, there is increasing interest in BPA-free alternatives.
Type 2 plastic, also known as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), is considered safe and free of BPA. HDPE is commonly used in milk jugs, detergent and juice bottles, butter tubs, and toiletries containers. It is usually opaque in colour and has low leaching and chemical resistance properties. It is also readily recyclable and picked up by most recycling programs.
To identify if a plastic product is BPA-free, you can check the resin identification code, often found on the backside of plastic items. Recycling code 2 corresponds to HDPE, indicating that products with this code are made from HDPE and are free of BPA.
It is important to note that while Type 2 plastic is considered safe and BPA-free, it is always advisable to follow general guidelines for plastic use. This includes avoiding heating plastics, as even BPA-free plastics can break down when exposed to high heat, and reducing the use of canned goods and plastic water bottles, as they may contain BPA-containing linings.
By choosing Type 2 plastic products, consumers can make informed and health-conscious choices, minimising their exposure to potentially harmful chemicals like BPA.
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Type 3 plastic may contain BPA
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical added to many products, including plastic food containers. It is a highly toxic chemical that is linked to obesity, cancer, and endocrine problems in fetuses and children. It may also affect the brain and the prostate gland of fetuses, infants, and children, and may increase blood pressure.
One way to determine whether a plastic product contains BPA is to look at the recycling codes, often called resin identification numbers. These recycling triangles are usually printed on the backside of plastic items and each contains ID numbers that correspond to a specific plastic type.
Type 3 plastic, also known as PVC or polyvinyl chloride, may contain BPA. It is used to make food wrap, bottles for cooking oil, shower curtains, inflatable mattresses, and plumbing pipes. PVC contains softening chemicals called phthalates that interfere with hormonal development. It is not considered safe for cooking or heating. It is important to check the labels of inflatable baby toys, for example, to ensure they are free of PVC, phthalates, and BPA. Type 3 plastic is rarely accepted by recycling programs.
To avoid BPA, it is generally recommended to avoid items with recycling code 3 and instead choose plastics with codes 1 (PET), 2 (HDPE), 4 (LDPE), or 5 (PP). While some newer plastics are often labelled as "BPA-free", it is still important to exercise caution and check product labels or packaging for any statements about BPA presence.
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Type 7 plastic may contain BPA
Type 2 plastic is generally considered safe and BPA-free. It is commonly used for more durable disposable plastic items, such as milk jugs, detergent bottles, and cleaning products.
On the other hand, Type 7 plastic is a catch-all category for various substances and includes polycarbonate plastic, which often contains BPA. BPA, or Bisphenol-A, is a highly toxic chemical linked to obesity, cancer, and endocrine problems in fetuses and children. It is also associated with potential effects on the brain and increased blood pressure.
While not all Type 7 plastics contain BPA, it is important to exercise caution when using them. Some manufacturers will indicate if their products are BPA-free, but if unsure, it is recommended to contact the manufacturer directly to ensure the product's safety.
It is worth noting that Type 7 plastics are difficult to recycle, and most curbside recycling programs do not accept them. The use of Type 7 plastics is at the consumer's risk, as the contents may vary.
To identify if a plastic product contains BPA, one can look for resin identification codes or recycling symbols, typically on the bottom, side, or top of the item. Opaque plastics are generally assumed to be BPA-free, while clear, hard, and unbreakable plastics may indicate the presence of BPA.
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Polypropylene is a safer alternative
Polypropylene is derived from petroleum and is considered a safer alternative by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is not known to cause cancer in humans and has a higher melting point than other plastics, making it less flammable. It does not contain harmful chemicals such as plasticizers and phthalates, which are often found in PVC.
While polypropylene is relatively stable, some studies have shown that it can leach plastic additives, especially with heat, prolonged contact, and the acidity of food or drink. However, the risk of exposure is considered low, and it is generally considered one of the safest plastics on the market. Clean Production Action has even named it one of the "most benign" plastics in their Plastics Scorecard.
Polypropylene is also odourless, flavourless, and non-toxic. Its highly crystalline structure and high melting point make it suitable for safe use in heat-related applications. However, it can thermally degrade when heated excessively, releasing volatile compounds. Therefore, it is important to avoid heating food in polypropylene containers, as this increases the chances of chemical leaching.
In summary, polypropylene is a safer alternative to plastics that contain BPA. It is FDA-approved, considered safe by the EPA, and is less likely to leach chemicals than other plastics. However, it is important to minimise heat exposure and avoid using it for storing acidic foods to reduce the risk of chemical leaching.
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Polycarbonate plastics contain BPA
Polycarbonate plastic is a long-lasting, impact-resistant, and clear material. It is commonly used in baby bottles, refillable water bottles, sippy cups, and many other food and drink containers. It is also found in eyeglass lenses, compact discs, dental sealants, and plastic dinnerware. Polycarbonate plastic has proved to be a handy substitute for glass and ceramic containers. However, polycarbonate plastics have come under scrutiny due to concerns over their BPA content.
BPA, or Bisphenol A, is one of the highest-volume chemicals produced worldwide. It is often used to make polycarbonate plastics, which are hard, clear (or clear-tinted), and unbreakable. These plastics have been used since the 1960s to create various products, including reusable water bottles, food storage containers, drinking glasses, pitchers, baby bottles, and sippy cups. However, studies have shown that BPA can have harmful health effects, especially on fetuses, infants, and young children.
BPA exposure has been linked to possible neural and behavioural effects, increased blood pressure, and interference with the hormone estrogen, which may affect the reproductive system. Animal studies have indicated a possible connection between BPA exposure and obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Additionally, prenatal and neonatal exposure to BPA in rodents resulted in early onset of sexual maturation, reproductive tract lesions, and altered development of the mammary gland.
While not all polycarbonate plastics contain BPA, it is important to exercise caution when using these products. Polycarbonate plastics are often marked with a number 7 on the recycling triangle, which is typically found on the bottom of the product. Some manufacturers will also boldly state "BPA-free" on their products. If a product is not labelled as BPA-free, it is wise to dispose of it, especially if it is intended for food or drink storage.
It is worth noting that new plastics are typically BPA-free and labelled accordingly. However, for older plastics or products purchased before 2012, it is best to assume they contain BPA and dispose of them accordingly.
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Frequently asked questions
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in the manufacturing of polycarbonate plastics to harden them and make them shatterproof. It is also used in epoxy resins that coat the insides of canned goods and water supply pipes.
You can identify if a plastic is BPA-free by looking for a recycling code, usually printed on the backside of plastic items. Recycling code 2, which stands for High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), is considered BPA-free.
Glass or stainless steel are considered the gold standard for safety in food storage. They are free of harmful chemicals, durable, and, in the case of glass, completely recyclable.
