Ethan Clarke
Plastic is everywhere, from food containers to packaging. Plastics are labelled with numbers 1-7 to indicate their resin and recyclability. Type 7 plastic is a catch-all category for plastics that don't fit into types 1-6. While not all type 7 plastics are toxic, some contain Bisphenol A (BPA), a known endocrine disruptor. This chemical can leach into food or drink products, especially when heated, posing potential health risks. Type 7 plastics are also hard to recycle, creating environmental challenges. Consumers should be cautious when using and choosing products with type 7 plastic, opting for safer alternatives like glass, metal, or bamboo where possible.
Characteristics and values of #7 plastic
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recyclability | Not widely recyclable; most factories do not accept it |
| Reuse | Not for reuse unless they have PLA compostable coding |
| Toxicity | Contains BPA (Bisphenol A), a xenoestrogen and endocrine disruptor; not all #7 plastics contain BPA |
| Usage | Used to make baby bottles, sippy cups, water cooler bottles, car parts, and food containers |
| Safety | Should be avoided, especially for children's food and drinks |
| Alternatives | PLA plastics (bioplastics made from polylactic acid), Tritan, Acrylic, SAN/NAS, Polypropylene, Melamine plastics |
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What You'll Learn
- #7 plastics are hard to recycle and often end up in landfills, contributing to environmental waste and pollution
- They may contain BPA, a toxic chemical linked to health issues like hormonal disruptions and reproductive problems
- Using #7 plastics for boiling water can release harmful chemicals, similar to the risks associated with plastic kettles
- They are not suitable for reuse, especially for children's food, due to the potential for chemical leaching
- Even if a product is BPA-free, it might still contain other harmful substances, making it a gamble for food storage
#7 plastics are hard to recycle and often end up in landfills, contributing to environmental waste and pollution
Plastic is everywhere, from food containers to packaging, and it is almost impossible to escape it in our daily lives. However, some types of plastic are safer than others, and it is essential to be aware of the potential harm that different types of plastics can cause to both our health and the environment.
#7 plastics are a category of plastics that include polycarbonate (PC) and "other" plastics that do not fall into the other recycling categories. These plastics often contain harmful chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA), a known endocrine disruptor and xenoestrogen, which can leach into food and drinks. BPA is linked to various health risks, including hormonal and reproductive issues, obesity, and endocrine problems in children and fetuses. Even if a product is labelled as BPA-free, it may still contain other toxic chemicals that can leach into food and drinks. Therefore, it is generally recommended to avoid using #7 plastics for food and drink storage, especially for children's food, and opt for safer alternatives like glass, metal, or stainless steel.
The recycling rates for #7 plastics are also pretty low. Many recycling factories do not accept #7 plastics, and there are no standard protocols for reusing them. As a result, #7 plastics often end up in landfills, contributing to environmental waste and pollution. This improper disposal further adds to the potential harm that these plastics can cause to the planet.
To reduce the impact of #7 plastics on the environment, it is essential to be mindful of their usage and disposal. Consumers should try to avoid using #7 plastics whenever possible and opt for safer alternatives. Additionally, volunteering and supporting initiatives that aim to reduce plastic waste can also help mitigate the environmental impact of #7 plastics.
While it is challenging to completely avoid plastic in modern society, being informed about the different types of plastics and their potential risks can help individuals make better choices for their health and the environment. Understanding the recycling codes on plastic products and following local recycling guidelines is crucial for proper disposal and reducing the negative impact of plastic waste.
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They may contain BPA, a toxic chemical linked to health issues like hormonal disruptions and reproductive problems
Plastic number 7 is a catch-all category for all plastics that don't fit into categories 1 through 6. It includes new plastics, bioplastics, and items composed of multiple types of plastics. While not all plastics labelled with a 7 contain BPA, some do, and it is important to be cautious when using them.
BPA, or Bisphenol A, is a toxic chemical that can leach into food or drink products packaged in polycarbonate containers. It is a xenoestrogen, a known endocrine disruptor, and has been linked to obesity, cancer, and endocrine problems in foetuses and children. It can also cause reproductive system dysfunction.
Some polycarbonate water bottles are marketed as 'non-leaching' to minimise plastic taste or odour. However, there is still a possibility that trace amounts of BPA will migrate from these containers, particularly if used to heat liquids. Therefore, it is best to avoid using number 7 plastics for storing food or drinks, especially for children.
It is important to note that not all number 7 plastics are toxic. Some bioplastics, such as PLA plastics made from polylactic acid, are biodegradable and considered safe. They are often used in food packaging due to their biodegradability and are marked as PLA plastic on the packaging.
When possible, it is best to avoid number 7 plastics, especially for food and drink containers. Instead, opt for safer alternatives such as glass, metal, bamboo, or other environmentally friendly and reusable materials.
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Using #7 plastics for boiling water can release harmful chemicals, similar to the risks associated with plastic kettles
Plastic #7 is a category of plastics that includes bioplastics, new plastics, and items composed of multiple types of plastics. It is hard to recycle #7 plastic, and most factories do not accept it. It is recommended that consumers opt for recycling numbers 1, 2, 4, and 5 instead.
#7 plastics are associated with health risks, especially if used for food or drink. Many of these plastics, such as polycarbonate, contain BPA (Bisphenol A), a highly toxic chemical that can leach into food and drinks. BPA is a xenoestrogen, a known endocrine disruptor, and is linked to obesity, cancer, and endocrine problems in fetuses and children. Even products labelled as BPA-free may still contain other harmful substances.
The potential for chemical leaching is of particular concern when #7 plastics are used for hot liquids. Using #7 plastics for boiling water can release harmful chemicals, similar to the risks associated with plastic kettles. For this reason, it is recommended to avoid using #7 plastics for food storage and opt for safer alternatives such as glass, metal, or stainless steel.
The low recyclability of #7 plastics also contributes to environmental waste and pollution. They have low recycling rates, and their improper disposal can lead to negative environmental impacts. Therefore, it is advisable to minimise the use of #7 plastics and choose safer and more sustainable alternatives whenever possible.
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They are not suitable for reuse, especially for children's food, due to the potential for chemical leaching
#7 plastics are not suitable for reuse, especially for children's food, due to the potential for chemical leaching. This type of plastic is a catch-all category, including new plastics, bioplastics, and items composed of multiple plastic types. While not all #7 plastics contain the chemical Bisphenol A (BPA), those that do pose significant health risks.
BPA is a xenoestrogen, a known endocrine disruptor, and has been linked to obesity, cancer, and endocrine problems in fetuses and children. It is essential to avoid using #7 plastics that contain BPA for children's food containers, as the potential for chemical leaching is heightened when used to heat liquids. Even "non-leaching" products marketed to minimise plastic taste or odour may allow trace amounts of BPA to migrate into food or drink.
Some #7 plastics are safer than others. PLA plastics, for example, are bioplastics made from polylactic acid derived from renewable resources like corn and tapioca. They are often used in food packaging due to their biodegradability and are considered safe because they are not processed with bisphenols or phthalates. Manufacturers of PLA plastics typically indicate their use, allowing consumers to make informed choices.
On the other hand, polycarbonate plastics, marked with #7 PC, often contain BPA and are used in baby bottles and other plastic food packaging. These should be avoided, especially for children's food, due to the potential for chemical leaching. It is worth noting that while some sources claim that Tritan plastics are BPA-free, there is conflicting evidence regarding their safety.
Overall, it is crucial to exercise caution when reusing #7 plastics, especially for children's food, due to the potential presence of BPA and the risk of chemical leaching. Consumers should opt for safer alternatives like glass, metal, or bamboo whenever possible.
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Even if a product is BPA-free, it might still contain other harmful substances, making it a gamble for food storage
Plastic is everywhere, from food containers to packaging, and it is almost impossible to escape it in modern society. However, some plastics are safer than others, and it is essential to understand the potential harm that different types of plastics can cause to both human health and the environment.
Plastics are marked with recycling numbers 1 through 7, which indicate their resin type and recyclability. While plastics numbered 2, 4, and 5 are generally considered safe, numbers 1, 3, 6, and 7 should be approached with varying levels of caution, especially when it comes to food and drink storage.
Number 7 plastic is a catch-all category for plastics that do not fit into the other categories. This includes new plastics, bioplastics, and items composed of multiple types of plastics. One of the primary concerns with number 7 plastics is the potential for chemical leaching, especially Bisphenol A (BPA), a known endocrine disruptor. While not all number 7 plastics contain BPA, those that do, such as polycarbonate containers, can leach trace amounts of this chemical into food or drink, especially if used to heat liquids.
Even if a product is labelled BPA-free, it might still contain other harmful substances. For example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a tough plastic used in food wrap and bottles for cooking oil, but it contains softening chemicals called phthalates that can interfere with hormonal development. Similarly, polystyrene (PS), which is used in disposable food containers and cutlery, has been linked to human reproductive system dysfunction.
Given the potential presence of these and other harmful substances, the use of number 7 plastics for food storage is a gamble. It is best to opt for alternative materials such as glass, metal, or bamboo whenever possible.
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Frequently asked questions
#7 plastics are used to make baby bottles, sippy cups, water cooler bottles, car parts, and food packaging.
Not all #7 plastics are toxic, but there are significant potential hazards associated with their use. #7 plastics contain BPA (Bisphenol A), a highly toxic chemical that is a known endocrine disruptor. It is difficult to recycle #7 plastics, and they are not designed for reuse unless they have PLA compostable coding.
#7 plastics are often marked with a #7 recycling symbol and the letters "PC" for polycarbonate. They are usually clear and rigid.
