Chloe Zhang
Bisphenol-A, or BPA, is an industrial chemical used to make certain plastics and resins since the 1960s. It is used to harden plastics and make them shatterproof. It is important to identify if a plastic product is BPA-free because exposure to BPA can be harmful to humans. One way to do this is to look up the recycling codes, sometimes called resin identification numbers, which are usually visible inside the recycling triangle on the underside of plastic products. Each code is associated with a particular kind of plastic and provides information on the material's composition and the possibility of BPA presence. For example, plastics with the code 3 (PVC) and 7 (other, frequently mixed plastics) often contain BPA. However, not all plastics with a 7 designation contain BPA.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to identify BPA-free plastic | Look for recycling codes, resin identification numbers, or a "BPA-free" label |
| Recycling codes for BPA-free plastics | 1 (PET), 2 (HDPE), 4 (LDPE), 5 (PP) |
| Recycling codes to avoid | 3 (PVC), 6 (PS), 7 (Other) |
| Other ways to identify | Opaque plastics are likely BPA-free; clear, hard plastics with labels like "microwavable" or "unbreakable" likely contain BPA |
| Other materials that may contain BPA | Metal containers, especially aluminum water bottles; epoxy resins lining metal products like food cans, bottle tops, and pipes; receipts |
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What You'll Learn
How to identify BPA-free plastic
Bisphenol-A, or BPA, is a chemical compound used in the manufacturing of plastics, particularly those containing polycarbonate. It is commonly found in food and drink containers, such as water bottles, food storage containers, and baby bottles. While BPA has been phased out of most plastic manufacturing, older plastic products may still contain it.
To identify if a plastic product is BPA-free, you can follow these steps:
- Check the plastic for opaqueness: If you cannot see through the plastic, it is likely BPA-free.
- Look for a recycling symbol: Flip over the plastic product and look for a number inside a triangle made of three arrows, often called the resin identification code or recycling symbol. This number indicates the type of plastic used.
- Identify BPA-free plastics: Plastics with the codes 1 (PET or PETE), 2 (HDPE), 4 (LDPE), and 5 (PP) are generally considered BPA-free. These plastics are used in various products, such as food containers, beverage bottles, and packaging.
- Avoid potential BPA-containing plastics: Plastics with the codes 3 (PVC), 6, and 7 ("Other") are more likely to contain BPA. Polycarbonate plastics, which are hard, clear or clear-tinted, and unbreakable, often fall under code 7 and may contain BPA.
- Look for "BPA-free" labels: Many manufacturers proudly display "BPA-free" labels on their products as a marketing strategy to reassure customers.
- Be cautious with older plastics: Older plastic products may not have identifying labels or recycling symbols. If you are unsure, it is best to discard them, especially if they show signs of wear and tear, as scratches and heat exposure can cause a greater release of BPA.
- Consider non-plastic alternatives: To minimize your exposure to BPA, choose non-plastic food and beverage containers made of materials like glass, ceramic, or stainless steel.
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Recycling codes and their meanings
Recycling codes, also known as resin identification codes (RIC) or resin identification numbers, are used to identify the materials used to make an item, thus facilitating an easier recycling process. They are usually found inside a triangle, often an arrow-shaped one, on the underside of plastic products. However, not all packaging will have a recycling label, and the presence of a recycling code does not necessarily indicate that a material is recyclable. The recyclability of the numbers depends on the abilities of the facilities in the community.
- PET (Polyethylene terephthalate): Used for drinks bottles and some food packaging. It is safe and free of BPA. It is also readily recyclable and has one of the highest recycling market values.
- HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): Used for milk cartons, detergent, and home cleaning containers. It is considered safe as it does not contain BPA and can be recycled up to 10 times.
- PVC (Polyvinyl chloride): Used for car parts, window fittings, flooring, pipelines, and some packaging materials. It is not easily recyclable and has been known to leach chemicals over time, so it is not recommended for food use.
- LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene): Used for plastic bags, shrink wrap, and various containers. It is typically safe for storing food and is thought to be BPA-free.
- PP (Polypropylene): Used for some tubs, trays, packaging, pharmaceutical bottles, and food containers. It is tough, lightweight, and known for its excellent heat resistance, making it popular for takeaway shops. It is widely recycled and considered safe for reuse.
- PS (Polystyrene): Used for takeaway boxes, disposable cutlery, and other products. It is not easily recyclable and has been known to leach chemicals when heated.
- Other plastics: This category includes a variety of materials, such as polycarbonate plastics, which may or may not contain BPA.
It is important to note that some countries have different or additional recycling codes. For example, China has seven different classifications of plastic, five different symbols for post-consumer paths, and 140 identification codes. Additionally, the Green Dot symbol used in some European countries does not indicate that the packaging is recyclable but rather that the producer has contributed financially to the recovery and recycling of packaging in Europe.
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Plastics to avoid
Plastics are everywhere, and it is nearly impossible to avoid them. However, many plastics contain harmful chemicals that can leach into food and drinks, increasing exposure to substances linked to adverse health effects. Bisphenol-A (BPA) is one such chemical found in polycarbonate plastics, which are hard, clear (or clear-tinted), and unbreakable. While new plastics are often labelled "BPA-free", you may have old containers without this label.
To identify if a plastic product is BPA-free, look for the resin identification code or recycling symbol, usually found on the bottom of the object. Plastics with the codes "'3'" (polyvinyl chloride or PVC) and "'7'" (mixed plastics) frequently contain BPA. However, not all plastics with a "7" contain BPA, as this category includes various materials. "BPA-free" labels are often displayed by manufacturers for reassurance.
When identifying plastics to avoid, it is important to consider the potential health and environmental impacts. Polystyrene, often mistakenly called Styrofoam, is one of the most harmful plastic packaging types. Its manufacturing releases over fifty chemical byproducts, contaminating the air, water, and communities near production facilities. Prolonged exposure to polystyrene's chemicals can negatively affect the central nervous system, potentially causing symptoms like depression, headaches, fatigue, and minor effects on kidney function. Additionally, polystyrene breaks into smaller plastics, eventually degrading into CO2 and other chemical compounds, which can be mistaken for food by animals.
Black plastics are another type to avoid as they can contain unregulated amounts of toxic chemicals like phthalates, flame retardants, and heavy metals. These plastics are often sourced from electronic scrap, and their toxic chemicals can leach into food and drinks.
To reduce your exposure to harmful plastics, opt for storage containers made from glass, stainless steel, or lead-free ceramic. Choose wooden or bamboo utensils and select toys made from natural materials like unpainted wood, cloth, or paper. Avoid microwaving plastic, even if labelled "microwave-safe," as heat accelerates leaching. Instead, allow hot foods to cool before storing them, and avoid storing fatty or acidic foods in plastic. Properly maintain your plastic items by hand washing them to reduce wear and tear, and discard any scratched or damaged containers.
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The dangers of BPA
BPA, or Bisphenol A, is a chemical compound that has been used since the 1960s to produce strong and resilient plastics for food packaging and home kitchen use. It is added to food packaging to improve the taste of the food. It is also used in the production of paper products, medical devices, thermal paper, and dental materials.
BPA exposure is widespread, with research suggesting that most people over the age of 6 have measurable amounts of BPA in their urine. This is because BPA can contaminate food and beverages, air, and soil, and it accumulates in human tissues and organs. It is particularly dangerous for fetuses, infants, and children, and it might increase blood pressure. BPA has a half-life of about 4.5 days in water and soil, and less than one day in the air.
BPA is dangerous because it can act as a phytoestrogen, or a plant-based compound that mimics estrogen. This means it can bind to estrogen receptors and influence bodily processes, such as growth, cell repair, fetal development, energy levels, and reproduction. It can also affect male fertility by impairing male reproductive function through binding to androgen receptors. In addition, BPA may interact with other hormone receptors, such as those for your thyroid, thus altering their function.
BPA exposure has been linked to a number of health issues. Some research suggests that even at established "safe" levels, BPA exposure may cause or contribute to a variety of health problems. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) still recognizes BPA as a safe additive in food packaging, although it banned manufacturers from using BPA in baby formula cans, baby bottles, and sippy cups in 2012.
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BPA-free alternatives
BPA, or bisphenol A, is an industrial chemical that has been 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. Due to potential health concerns, many manufacturers have started to use other chemicals as substitutes for BPA and market their products as "BPA-free". However, the safety of these substitutes is questionable.
One way to identify if a plastic product is BPA-free is to look at the recycling codes or resin identification numbers, usually found inside a triangle on the underside of the product. For example, PET, or polyethylene terephthalate, is designated by the code 1 and is known to be safe and BPA-free. HDPE, or high-density polyethylene, has the code 2 and is also considered safe as it does not contain BPA. LDPE, or low-density polyethylene, is designated by the code 4 and is typically used for food storage and is thought to be BPA-free.
On the other hand, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), with the code 3, and polycarbonate plastics, sometimes labelled with the number 7, are often found to contain BPA. It is important to note that not all plastics with the number 7 contain BPA, as this category includes various materials. Additionally, some containers may not have a recycling number, especially if they are older. In such cases, it is recommended to assume that they contain BPA and dispose of them properly.
While "BPA-free" labels may give consumers peace of mind, it is important to understand that substitute chemicals like bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF) have similar structures and potential health hazards as BPA. Studies have shown that these alternatives can also interfere with the body's endocrine systems and may have adverse effects on reproduction, brain function, and metabolism. Therefore, caution is advised when selecting plastic products, and further research and testing are needed to ensure the safety of alternative chemicals.
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Frequently asked questions
Look up the recycling codes, sometimes called resin identification numbers, which are usually visible inside the recycling triangle on the underside of plastic products. Each code is associated with a particular kind of plastic and provides information on the material’s composition and the possibility of BPA presence.
Recycling codes 1 (PET), 2 (HDPE), 4 (LDPE), and 5 (PP) are considered safe and BPA-free.
Recycling codes 3 (PVC), 6 (PS), and 7 (OTHER) may contain BPA. Code 7 is a wildcard and can include a variety of plastics, including polycarbonate, which contains BPA, but also newer, plant-based plastics that might be BPA-free.
When plastic is unavoidable, look for BPA-free labels and check the recycling codes. Avoid heating plastics, even those that are BPA-free, as they can break down when exposed to high heat. Cut down on canned goods as many food cans are lined with BPA-containing resin. Be mindful of receipts as they may also contain BPA.
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