Plastic containers make life easier, but some of them are safer than others. While the FDA regulates plastic containers intended for use with food, the fact remains that some of the chemicals do end up in the food you eat. Consumers who wish to reduce their exposure to toxic chemicals should check containers for a recycling symbol to find out what kind of plastic they contain.
Safest Plastic Containers
According to the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP), plastic products with the recycling symbols 1 PETE, 2 HDPE, 4 LDPE or 5 PP are safest to use with food. Polyethylene terephthalate ethylene (PETE) is commonly used to make soda cans, water bottles and peanut butter containers. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is the flexible plastic used to make milk and water jugs, and low density polyethylene (LDPE) is often found in plastic wraps and bottles. Polypropylene (PP) is used to make straws, baby bottles and yogurt containers, as well as many of the foods storage containers sold in stores.
Less Safe Plastic Containers
Consumers should use caution when using containers with the recycling symbols 3 V, 6 PS and 7 OTHER, according to the IATP. Polyvinyl chloride (V), better known as PVC, is sometimes used to make cling wrap, squeeze bottles and peanut butter jars. Polystyrene (PS), or Styrofoam, is found in disposable containers and cutlery. The "OTHER" plastic is frequently polycarbonate, according to the IATP, and it can be found in baby bottles, sippy cups and some water bottles.
Possible Health Effects
According to the IATP, Polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene and polycarbonate have all been found to leech toxic chemicals into food. The Environmental Protection Agency lists vinyl chloride as a human carcinogen. At high levels, it has been associated with central nervous system and liver damage. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, workers exposed to styrene may suffer central nervous system problems, and it is a possible carcinogen. Bisphenol A (BPA) can be found in polycarbonate baby bottles and cups. It acts as estrogen, and it may cause genetic damage.
Proper Usage
The FDA acknowledges that substances used to make plastic can leech into food, but it maintains that approved plastics fall within safe exposure levels. The FDA instructs consumers to use plastics properly. Use only microwave-safe containers in the microwave, and do not microwave take-out food containers or margarine tubs. Always follow any directions that come with plastic containers.
Warning
Plastic containers intended for one-time use should not be reused. Worn or scratched containers may leech toxins more easily, and they should be discarded.
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