Plastic is everywhere. It holds the water we drink, the milk we feed to our babies and the sodas we slurp on a hot day. While plastic, which is made from petroleum and chemicals, is generally safe, some varieties are not meant for certain uses.
Varieties
Not all plastic is created equal. Actually, recyclable plastic comes in varieties #1 through #7, a designation that should be clearly marked on each container. Each of these types of plastic is made up of different chemicals and should be treated differently when using. For example, plastics #1, #3, #6 and #7 are not recommended for certain uses, while plastics #2, #4 and #5 are believed to be safer.
Warning
Much of the concern related to consuming from plastic bottles is due to the possibility of ingesting Bisphenol A (BPA) as a result. BPA is a potentially harmful chemical that is used in the creation of hard and durable plastic, particularly #7. Plastic #7 is used to make products like Nalgene water bottles and baby sip cups. BPA can leech out of the container when reused due to wear.
Effects
The level of BPA that can leech out of reusable cups and containers is very small. However, scientific studies have established a link between BPA and a number of medical ailments, including uterine and breast cancer. Additionally, BPA is believed to have negative effects on the human hormone system, leading to elevated rates of miscarriage and low testosterone levels.
Other Warnings
It's not just plastic #7 that has issues. Plastic #1 also has potentially harmful chemicals, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Because of this, it is recommended to use containers made of plastic #1--soda bottles, juice cartons, etc.--just once. Reuse of this type of plastic is not recommended, because the bottles can leech carcinogens.
Prevention/Solution
Most plastic bottles are perfectly safe if used properly. However, plastics #2, #4 and #5 have not displayed the negative affects associated with plastics #1 and #7. Plastic #2 is what is used to make opaque milk containers and plastic #4 is used for grocery bags. Plastic #5 is commonly used in containers that hold syrups, yogurt and soups. Also, certain brands of infant bottles are made with plastic #5.
Considerations
Avoiding the reuse of certain plastics is one way to keep harmful chemicals from entering your body. Also there are ways to to further protect against plastic leeching.
A good first step to to use glass containers for beverages. Additionally, you should avoid washing plastic dishes in the automatic washer, where extreme temperatures can cause the material to break down.
Microwaving
Plastic should not be used in the microwave. The heat and radio waves can cause plastic containers to break down and leech into the food it is holding. Avoid putting plastic wrap in the microwave as well.
Tags: break down, certain uses, harmful chemicals, plastic bottles, potentially harmful