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A hidden two-letter code Markings found on plastic food storage items indicate the potential level of toxicity they might pose.
Shoppers are encouraged to verify For labels indicating PP (polypropylene) or PE (polyethylene), these plastics are considered suitable for use with food.
These codes, often found near the recycling triangle, help identify which types of plastic are safe to use and which should be avoided, especially when exposed to heat.
Polypropylene (PP) is widely used in takeout containers and food storage. It is heat-resistant, BPA-free, and generally microwave-safe, making it one of the safest plastics for reuse.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE, marked as number 2) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE, identified with label 4) make up two types of PE commonly found in products such as milk containers. Plastic sacks and squeezable containers .
A different type known as PET (polyethylene terephthalate, marked with recycling code 1) is often used in making water bottles and jars for sauces, though these items should be discarded after one-time usage.
Another important indicator can be found in the recycling code marked within the triangular symbol located at the base of a plastic item.
Numbers 1, 2, 4, and 5 are generally considered safe for food use, while 3, 6, and 7 should be avoided due to concerns over chemical leaching.
Plastic labeled with a number 5 and the letters 'PP' is considered one of the safer types of plastic because it's heat-resistant and BPA-free.
Bisphenol A, commonly known as BPA, is an industrial chemical widely used in various consumer goods such as food and drink packaging materials. It has the potential to migrate into foods and beverages, particularly under heat exposure.
Laura Vandenberg, a professor specializing in environmental health sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, cautioned: "Each time these products are used, they release trace amounts of BPA from them."
Exposure to BPA has been associated with hormonal imbalances, a higher likelihood of developing breast and prostate cancer, cardiovascular complications, as well as developmental concerns in infants and young children.
Even small exposure to BPA can be linked to infertility, behavioral issues in children and hormone disruption, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH).
Despite growing awareness, most Americans continue to use plastic containers daily, many without checking the tiny code printed on the bottom.
While Tupperware has claimed all products made after March 2010 in the US and Canada are BPA-free, many households still use older containers that may not meet modern safety standards.
Vandenberg notes that containers produced more than ten years ago—particularly ones that are transparent, rigid, and resistant to breaking—are highly probable to have BPA.
Number 3, PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), can release toxic chemicals such as lead and vinyl chloride when heated or starts breaking down.
These chemicals are linked to serious health problems, including hormone imbalances, fertility issues, and cancer.
Lead exposure can harm brain development, especially in children. Long-term exposure to vinyl chloride is also linked to cancer and liver damage.
Positioned sixth on the list, polystyrene (PS) is frequently utilized for making foam drinking vessels and food carry-out boxes but has been found to release a compound known as styrene under certain conditions.
Prolonged exposure to styrene can impact the nervous system, possibly leading to symptoms such as headaches, tiredness, or difficulties with memory.
Prolonged inhalation or ingestion has also been associated with lung and respiratory problems.
Number 7, Others, is a mixture of various plastics, and many of them contain bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that can act like estrogen in the body.
Experts also warn against microwaving food in plastic containers, even those marked microwave-safe, due to the increased risk of chemical leaching.
During heating, certain plasticizers and chemicals may migrate from the plastic packaging into the food. stated James Rogers, who leads food safety research for Consumer Reports.
Other everyday practices, like scrubbing plastic containers with abrasive pads, washing them in harsh detergents, or storing acidic foods like tomato sauce or citrus, can degrade plastic and accelerate chemical release.
Over time, aging plastic may also shed microplastics, raising further health concerns.
Experts strongly recommend replacing older plastic containers with ones labeled BPA-free, or switching entirely to glass or stainless steel for safer long-term storage.
Although recycling codes 1 through 5 typically indicate safer options, it's still advisable not to reuse disposable plastic items like water bottles, since they aren’t made for long-term or multiple uses.
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