Most plastic products are marked with a number that corresponds to the type of plastic it is made of. The number, known a as ‘recycling code,’ can be found within the triangular recycling symbol (see above) that recyclable plastics are marked with.

The plastics you want to avoid are numbers 3, 6, and 7 – these are the types that can release nasty hormone disruptors and carcinogens into your food and drink.

#3 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) has di-2-ehtylhexyl phthalate (DEHP). DEHP is an endocrine disruptor and a likely human carcinogen.

#6 Polystyrene (PS) likely will leach styrene – which is another possible endocrine disruptor and probable human carcinogen- into your drink or food.

#7 Polycarbonate contains bisphenol-A, a the hormone disruptor. This chemical can leach out when it is heated or exposed to acidic solutions. This type of plastic is very common in sports bottles and is used in most baby bottles and 5-gallon water jugs – watch for this one!

Below are some tips for some basic practices that you can adopt for safer ‘plastic use.’

- Use Baby Bottles made of tempered glass or polypropylene (#5) or polyethylene (#1) (these do not contain bisphenol-A).

- Keep plastic products away from heat – heat tends to promote the leaching of chemicals. Even the safer types of plastics may leach chemicals due to heat or prolonged storage.

- Reusable containers or cups with stainless steel or ceramic interiors are a good substitute to your plastic ones.

- Do not reuse plastic drink bottles that were intended for single use.

- Bottled drinks should be used quickly as chemicals from the plastic leach over time…don’t buy plastic bottles of drinks if it has been on store shelves for a long time.

-Taste – if your drink has even a bit of a plastic taste to it, don’t drink it!

And finally, I found this quick video that gives a general run-down of all the info above:
Check it out:

Yes!, making the ” safer” not the “safest” choice seems to be the only alternative today whether it’s making a choice in the type of plastic or grocery food.

Every consumer has the option to buy or not buy a product. That leverage can change whole industry.

As I biologist and public health professional, I have followed with great interest the bis-phenol A debate. And I have studied the alternatives for can coatings and plastic wraps. There are some very viable and affordable alternatives for replacing the bis A plastic wraps.However, the toxicity of the approved, much more expensive, alternatives for can coatings remains questionable as well.

I’m glad that the FDA hasn’t yet completely ignored the science showing harm, and I actually agree that more research is a good thing. However, it makes me uncomfortable to think that while the research and regulatory process drags on (for how many more years now?) consumers are continuing to be exposed. Let’s hope the FDA remembers their responsibility to public health and takes action soon. Meanwhile, consumers need to continue to protect themselves.