Crash course for numbers on plastic

If you look on the bottom of most plastic containers you will see a number. This number will tell what is in the product and if it is safe. Here is a great resource that will tell you all the info you need to know about these numbers. Plastic Handout from healthobservatory.org

Numbers that are on the safer side: 1, 2, 4, and 5

STAY AWAY FROM THESE NUMBERS: 3, 6, and 7

Another thing to remember is that Polycarbons are worst and Polypropylenes are best. Or use LDPE-low density plastic.


Other Points to pay attention to when using plastic products: (taken from Dr. Benzinger, whom I recently heard speak. He is an amazing doctor in the Indy area with great info in many areas. His website is secondopinion.org

-If you continue to use plastic please note that when heated (sunlight, microwaves, hot substances), plastic makes compounds break down and leach chemicals into your food or drink.
-Do not re-use plastic for over too long of a time
-Bleach and cleaning will break down the plastic
-Plastic purposes: never heat or store hot substances
-adopt the one and done philosophy

Other plastics to stay away from besides BPA:
Dioxin: severely toxic
DEHA=PET
Reuse grows all kinds of bacteria, viruses, molds, fungus, fecal material, etc....

Next post will have a list of safe sippy cups and bottles....