Toxic plastic has been making big headlines over the last few months. Do you know which plastics are safe to use or which are recyclable? Well here's a breakdown of which are safe, meaning there's no leaching of chemicals, and which are toxic.
Safe to use and can be recycled:
#1 - PET or PETE: polyethylene terephthalate
#2 - HDPE: high-density polyethylene
#4 - LDPE: low-density polyethylene
#5 - PP: polypropylene
Unsafe to use and can't be recycled:
#3 - PVC: Vinyl or polyvinyl chloride. Soft PVC can leach toxic phthalates, and can also off-gas chemicals into the air (AKA new shower curtain smell). Look for a 3 on some cling wraps, children's toys, fashion accessories, shower curtains, and detergent and spray bottles.
#6 - PS: polystyrene is used in things like foam takeout containers, foam egg carton, and some plastic utensils. It has been found to leach styrene--a neurotoxin and possible human carcinogen.
#7 - includes polycarbonate (PC), which can leach bisphenol A (BPA). BPA is a hormone disruptor that mimics estrogen in the body. Too much estrogen in the body can cause tumor growth to occur.
Thanks to Planet Green for this information!
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