Maya Ellison
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in the manufacturing of polycarbonate plastics. It is also used in epoxy resins that coat the insides of canned goods and water supply pipes. While the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that BPA is safe at low levels, it may affect the brain and the prostate gland of fetuses, infants, and children, and it might increase blood pressure. To identify if a plastic product contains BPA, you can look up the recycling codes or resin identification numbers usually found inside the recycling triangle on the underside of plastic products. Recycling codes 3 and 7 are frequently discovered to contain BPA, but not all plastics with these codes are BPA-positive. Polypropylene, with a recycling code of 5, is considered to be BPA-free.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic Number | 3, 6, 7 |
| Other Names | Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polystyrene (PS), Polycarbonate (PC) |
| Description | Hard, clear (or clear-tinted), unbreakable |
| Uses | Plastic bottles, food containers, baby bottles, DVDs, clothing, safety equipment, etc. |
| BPA-Free Alternative | Glass, ceramic, stainless steel |
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What You'll Learn
Polycarbonate plastics (number 7) contain BPA
Since 1988, the Society of the Plastic Industry (SPI) has used a simple 1-7 numbering system, called SPI codes, to help identify and sort various plastics for recycling. The numbers 1-7 appear in the centre of the recycling symbol on most plastic items.
In recent years, some news outlets and health experts have advised people to avoid #7 plastics due to concerns that they contain the chemical Bisphenol A (BPA). However, it is important to note that not all #7 plastics contain BPA. Only polycarbonate plastic, which is one of the many types of "other" plastics that carry #7, contains BPA.
Polycarbonate, also known as Lexan®, has been in use for nearly 100 years. It is an ultra-strong plastic used to make a variety of products, including unbreakable tableware, water storage containers, baby bottles, sports equipment, medical and dental devices, CDs, DVDs, and some computer and other technological parts.
BPA exposure has been linked to potential health risks, including possible effects on the brain and the prostate gland of fetuses, infants, and children, and it might increase blood pressure. However, it is important to note that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) testing shows BPA to be safe at the low levels sometimes found in foods.
When it comes to identifying BPA-free plastics, you can assume that any opaque plastics do not contain BPA. For clear, hard, and unbreakable plastics, look for the recycling number, as only polycarbonate plastics with #7 contain BPA. Other #7 plastics, such as Tritan, acrylic, melamine, and PLA compostables, are BPA-free.
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Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics (number 3) contain BPA
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a type of hard plastic made from vinyl chloride. An item made from 100% PVC is not harmful to humans, but it is very hard and brittle, so it is not a useful material. However, when chemicals like bisphenol-A (BPA) are added, it becomes a flexible plastic that is used to manufacture a variety of items.
PVC is one of the most common types of plastic, with products ranging from electrical conduits and building wire to garden hoses. It is also used in plastic bottles, toys, and school supplies. While PVC itself does not commonly contain BPA, some products made from PVC may contain this additive. These include industrial and household chemicals, health and beauty products, and foods such as marinades, dressings, and sauces.
BPA is a chemical used to harden plastics, and it can be commonly used to manufacture PVC. It is added to make the plastic more flexible, but it has been linked to negative health effects, such as interfering with normal hormone function. It may also affect the brain and the prostate gland of fetuses, infants, and children, and it might increase blood pressure.
To identify if a PVC product contains BPA, look for a "`BPA-free` disclaimer" or symbol. If it is not marked as BPA-free, it most likely contains this additive. Reputable manufacturers and suppliers will provide information about the presence or absence of BPA on their websites.
It is important to note that while BPA has raised health concerns, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) testing shows that it is safe at the low levels sometimes found in foods. Additionally, not all plastic products contain BPA, so finding BPA-free alternatives is most relevant for plastics that commonly contain BPA, such as polycarbonate plastic with the recycling number 7.
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Plastics with recycling codes 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 are BPA-free
The recycling numbers 1–7 are called SPI codes and were created by the Society of Plastics Industry in 1988. They are used to identify the type of plastic used for a product and help sort plastics for recycling. While not all plastics are recyclable or reusable, understanding these seven plastic codes can help you choose which plastics to use and recycle.
Code 2 plastics are used for more durable disposable plastic items, such as milk jugs, detergent bottles, and cleaning products. These plastics are also widely recycled in residential and community programs. Code 4 plastics are used in plastic grocery bags, dry cleaning bags, stretch and shrink wraps, and bread bags. They are recycled through grocery store collections.
Code 5 plastics are tough and versatile, used in both disposable and reusable food containers, tableware, drinking straws, bottle tops, and more. They are commonly recycled in residential and community programs. Finally, code 6 plastics, commonly known as styrofoam or polystyrene, are used for egg containers, takeout boxes, foam cups, shipping peanuts, and construction materials. While code 6 plastics are recyclable, they are not widely collected, so it's best to check with your local recycler.
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Containers labelled handwash only are likely acrylic and BPA-free
Consumers and manufacturers are increasingly aware of the health dangers associated with exposure to BPA, especially over a long period of time. Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical used in the manufacture of plastics to increase their strength, toughness and make them shatter-proof. It is also found in epoxy resins that can be used as liners in metal products like food cans, bottle tops and water pipes.
BPA exposure has been linked to a host of health issues, including possible effects on the brain, the prostate gland of fetuses, infants, and children, and an increase in blood pressure. As a result, many companies have started selling products labelled as "BPA-free", which do not contain this chemical compound.
While acrylic containers are BPA-free, it is important to note that they are not the only plastic products that can leach chemicals into your food. It is generally recommended to avoid storing acidic foods in plastic containers, as the acidity could draw chemicals into your food. It is also important to avoid placing hot foods in plastic containers, routinely exposing containers to high temperatures, and scrubbing containers too vigorously, as these practices can increase the risk of chemical leaching.
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Metal containers, especially aluminium water bottles, may contain BPA
While plastic containers are often associated with BPA, metal containers, especially aluminium water bottles, may also contain this chemical. BPA, or Bisphenol A, is an industrial chemical used to make bottles and cans since the 1960s. It is added to aluminium bottles to prevent an aluminium taste from leaching into the water. However, this resin lining can break down and release BPA into the water, which is concerning as BPA is linked to adverse health effects.
BPA is commonly found in plastic products, with some studies suggesting it could disrupt reproductive systems and increase the risk of certain cancers. While the health effects of BPA are still being debated, it is recommended that individuals reduce their exposure to it. This is especially important for pregnant women, infants, and children, as they are more vulnerable to the potential harms of BPA.
Metal containers, specifically aluminium water bottles, may contain BPA in the resin lining. This resin is used to prevent the aluminium taste from tainting the water, but it can break down and release BPA into the water over time. Consumers are advised to research and choose aluminium bottles that are lined with BPA-free epoxy resins or alternative materials like steel or glass.
The issue of BPA in aluminium bottles is concerning because many people switch from plastic to aluminium bottles believing the latter to be safer and more sustainable. However, this belief is challenged by studies that reveal the presence of BPA in aluminium bottles, sometimes even in higher quantities than in plastic bottles. This highlights the importance of consumers being aware and conducting their own research before purchasing products that claim to be BPA-free.
To summarise, while plastic containers are often associated with BPA, metal containers, especially aluminium water bottles, may also be a source of this chemical. Consumers are advised to be vigilant and choose products that are truly BPA-free to minimise their exposure to this potentially harmful substance.
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Frequently asked questions
Each plastic object has a resin identification code, often called the recycling symbol, printed on it. This is usually found on the bottom of the object. Plastics with the code "3" (polyvinyl chloride, or PVC) and "7" (other, frequently mixed plastics) are frequently discovered to contain BPA. However, not all plastics with a "7" designation contain BPA.
Plastics in categories #2, #4 and #5 are generally considered safe. However, it is best to avoid putting them in the microwave, even if they are labelled "microwave-safe".
Plastics #1, #3, #6 and #7 should be used with varying to extreme caution, especially around food or drink.
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in the manufacturing of polycarbonate plastics. It is also used in epoxy resins that coat the insides of canned goods and water supply pipes. Exposure to BPA can affect the brain, the prostate gland of fetuses, infants, and children, and it might increase blood pressure.
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