Alexei Volkov
Plastic products are often stamped with a number ranging from 1 to 7 inside a triangle, known as a resin code or recycling code. This number helps identify the type of plastic used for the product, and not all plastics are recyclable or reusable. Plastics with recycling codes 3, 6 and 7 should be avoided unless labelled as biobased or greenware, as they can leach harmful chemicals with potential health risks, especially for children. Number 3 plastics are commonly used in food packaging and plumbing pipes, while number 6 plastics, also known as polystyrene or Styrofoam, are used in packaging and insulation. Number 7 plastics are a miscellaneous category, including baby bottles and water bottles, and may contain Bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic estrogen that can disrupt the human hormone system.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic Number | 3, 6, 7 |
| Recycling Symbol | Triangle of chasing pointers with a number from 1-7 inside it |
| Plastic Type | Polyvinyl chloride (3), Polystyrene/Styrofoam (6), Miscellaneous (7) |
| Recyclability | Difficult to recycle (3,6,7) |
| Health Risks | Phthalates (3), Styrene (6), Bisphenol A (BPA) (7) |
| Usage | Plumbing pipes, clear food packaging, shrink wrap (3), Packing peanuts, disposable styrofoam cups, takeout containers (6), Baby bottles, sippy cups, water cooler bottles, car parts (7) |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic #3 contains phthalates, including DEHP, which has endocrine-disrupting properties
- Plastic #6, also known as polystyrene or Styrofoam, can leach styrene, a suspected carcinogen
- Plastic #7, or polycarbonate, is likely to leach bisphenol A (BPA) and/or biphenol S (BPS), which are known endocrine disruptors
- Plastic #7 is also used to make baby bottles, sippy cups, and water cooler bottles
- Plastics #3, #6, and #7 should be avoided, especially for children's food and when microwaving
Plastic #3 contains phthalates, including DEHP, which has endocrine-disrupting properties
Plastic products are often stamped with a resin code, which is a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. This number corresponds to a different type of plastic and provides information about the recycling possibility of the product.
Plastic #3, also known as Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), is used in plumbing pipes, clear food packaging, shrink wrap, and more. It contains phthalates, including DEHP, which has endocrine-disrupting properties. Phthalates are a series of widely used chemicals that are detrimental to human health. They are known to disrupt the endocrine system, which can adversely affect the functioning of multiple organs, including the reproductive, neurological, and developmental systems. Chronic exposure to phthalates can have negative long-term impacts on pregnancy, child growth and development, and reproductive systems in both children and adolescents.
DEHP, or di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, is the main plasticizer used in PVC due to its low cost. It is one of the most commonly used phthalates, with an estimated global market for phthalates expected to reach $10 billion in 2020. DEHP is not only used in plastic production but also in other industries, contributing to its widespread presence in the environment.
Due to the potential harm associated with phthalates, several countries have established restrictions and regulations on their use. Pediatricians and health organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), recommend avoiding the use of plastics with recycling codes 3, 6, and 7, as these plastics contain chemicals that can negatively impact human health and the environment. It is advised to opt for alternatives like glass or stainless steel and to avoid heating plastics as it can cause chemicals to leach into food.
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Plastic #6, also known as polystyrene or Styrofoam, can leach styrene, a suspected carcinogen
Plastic is ubiquitous in the modern world, and while it may be almost impossible to escape, we can make better choices by opting for safer types of plastic. Plastics are usually stamped with a resin code, which is a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. This number corresponds to a different type of plastic, and each type has its own unique properties and potential health and environmental implications.
Plastic #6, also known as polystyrene or Styrofoam, is one such type that has come under scrutiny. It is cheap to produce, lightweight, and easily formed, which has made it widely used in packaging and insulation. However, it is also fragile and breaks up easily, leading to environmental contamination. The issue with #6 plastic is that it contains styrene, a chemical that has been linked to adverse health effects. Styrene is a suspected carcinogen, and when heated, it can leach out of the plastic and into our food and drinks. This is especially true for hot liquids and foods, where the heat accelerates the leaching process.
The presence of styrene in packaged foods has been found to be primarily due to the leaching of the styrene monomer from polystyrene containers. The rate at which styrene migrates from these containers is influenced by factors such as the lipophilicity of the food, the surface area of the container per volume of food, the duration of contact, and the temperature of the food. As a result, many schools, cities, and retailers are banning Styrofoam products and offering alternatives.
The potential harm from styrene exposure is not limited to consumers. Workers involved in the production of styrene monomer, polystyrene, and various styrene copolymers are also at risk. The highest levels of occupational exposure occur in the fabrication of products such as car and truck parts, where the estimated exposure levels have decreased over the years due to improved practices and products. Despite this, the negative health effects of styrene are well-documented, and it is included on the Hazardous 100+ list, with efforts being made to limit its usage.
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Plastic #7, or polycarbonate, is likely to leach bisphenol A (BPA) and/or biphenol S (BPS), which are known endocrine disruptors
Plastic is ubiquitous in modern life, and it is important to understand the potential harm of the various types of plastics. Plastic products are often stamped with a resin code, which is a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. This number corresponds to a different type of plastic.
Plastic #7 is any plastic item not made from the first six types of plastics. These are often made from multiple plastic types or other types of plastic that cannot be easily recycled. Plastic #7, also known as polycarbonate, is likely to leach Bisphenol A (BPA) and/or Biphenol S (BPS). These chemicals are known endocrine disruptors, which interfere with proper mood, growth, development, sexual function, reproductive function, and puberty. They are also suspected of increasing the risk of adult reproductive cancers, obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical produced in large quantities, primarily for use in polycarbonate plastics. It is found in various products, including shatterproof windows, eyewear, water bottles, and epoxy resins that coat some metal food cans, bottle tops, and water supply pipes. The primary source of exposure to BPA for most people is through their diet, with BPA in food and beverages accounting for the majority of daily human exposure. BPA can leach into food from the protective internal epoxy resin coatings of canned foods and from consumer products such as polycarbonate tableware, food storage containers, water bottles, and baby bottles. Heat, repeated washing, acidity, and alkalinity cause BPA in plastics to leach into our food and beverages.
Bisphenol S (BPS) is a common substitute for BPA, but it is also an endocrine disruptor and causes many of the same problems. Polycarbonate water bottles, popular among those seeking to minimize plastic pollution, are a major source of human BPA exposure. Studies have shown that BPA leaches into water even at room temperature, and exposure to boiling water increases the rate of leaching by 55 times.
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Plastic #7 is also used to make baby bottles, sippy cups, and water cooler bottles
Plastic products are often stamped with a resin code, which is a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. This resin code provides information about the type of plastic used and its recyclability. Plastic #7 is typically used to make products that are composed of multiple types of plastic or other types of plastic that cannot be easily recycled.
Despite the shift to BPA-free plastic, concerns remain about the safety of plastic baby bottles and sippy cups. Studies suggest that even BPA-free plastics may pose health risks to infants and children due to the potential leaching of other hormone-like chemicals. Pediatricians from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend avoiding plastics with recycling codes 3 (phthalates), 6 (styrene), and 7 (bisphenols) unless they are labelled as "biobased" or "greenware", indicating they do not contain these chemicals.
When using plastic baby bottles and sippy cups, it is generally recommended to hand wash them with warm soapy water instead of using a dishwasher, as high temperatures and harsh detergents can cause the plastic to break down and potentially leach chemicals into the food or drink. Additionally, it is important to regularly inspect plastic drinking cups for signs of wear and tear and replace them when necessary to minimise the risk of chemical exposure.
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Plastics #3, #6, and #7 should be avoided, especially for children's food and when microwaving
Plastics are an integral part of our daily lives, but certain types, such as plastics #3, #6, and #7, can pose significant health and environmental risks. These plastics should be avoided, especially when it comes to children's food and microwaving. Here's why:
Plastic #3:
Plastic #3, often used in clear food packaging, contains phthalates like DEHP, which are known endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruptors can interfere with the body's hormones, leading to potential developmental issues and health problems. This is of particular concern for children, as their developing organ systems are more susceptible to the negative impacts of these chemicals.
Plastic #6:
Plastic #6, commonly known as polystyrene or Styrofoam, is used extensively in disposable containers and food packaging. This type of plastic can leach styrene, a suspected carcinogen, especially when exposed to heat. Heating Styrofoam, such as in a microwave, can increase the leaching of styrene, posing potential health risks. Additionally, Styrofoam is challenging to recycle and can take hundreds of years to decompose if not properly disposed of.
Plastic #7:
Plastic #7, or hard plastics, often contain bisphenols like BPA and BPS. These chemicals are known endocrine disruptors linked to obesity, cancer, and endocrine problems in children and fetuses. When heated, plastic #7 products are more likely to leach these harmful chemicals into food or beverages.
Avoiding Risks:
To protect children's health and well-being, it is essential to avoid using plastics #3, #6, and #7 for food storage and preparation, especially when microwaving. Microwaving food in plastic containers can cause the migration of chemical additives and the shedding of micro- and nanoplastics into the food, which can be harmful when consumed. Instead, opt for alternative materials like glass, stainless steel, or microwave-safe ceramics for storing and heating children's food.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic No. 3 is used in plumbing pipes, clear food packaging, shrink wrap, and more. Plastic No. 6, also known as Styrofoam, is used for disposable drinking cups, takeout containers, and packing peanuts. Plastic No. 7 is used to make baby bottles, sippy cups, water cooler bottles, and car parts.
Plastic No. 3 contains phthalates, specifically DEHP, which has endocrine-disrupting properties. Plastic No. 6 contains styrene, a suspected carcinogen, which can leach into food products, especially when heated. Plastic No. 7 contains bisphenols, such as BPA, which are known endocrine disruptors.
Plastic No. 3 is not recyclable in most jurisdictions in the US. Plastic No. 6 can be recycled, but it is not available and practiced everywhere. Plastic No. 7 is hard to recycle, and most factories do not accept it.
When possible, it is recommended to use alternatives such as glass, stainless steel, or platinum silicone, especially for food storage. For disposable items, choose safer plastics with recycling labels 1, 2, 4, or 5, which do not contain BPA.
