What those numbers on containers mean
By Mimi Brodeur
Newhouse News Service
Updated: 06/05/2008 05:17:52 PM CDT

(No caption with photo) (Pioneer Press: Kirk Lyttle)

You drink water from a plastic water bottle, chug sport replacement beverages from hard plastic containers, carry your milk home in a plastic gallon and even feed the baby her formula from a plastic bottle.

These days, just about every beverage on the market is packaged in plastic. Now, a slew of studies and government-backed research has everyone questioning the safety of their plastic containers — from water bottles to sippy cups.

Some hard plastics may pose health risks. Some lightweight plastics are recommended for a single use only. And some plastics are problem-free.

The clue lies at the bottom of the container inside the triangular recycling symbol.

"We're reading a lot about the negative research coming out on specific plastics. It's confusing to people because what the media doesn't talk about are all of the perfectly safe plastic products on the market," said Judy Amabile, owner of Polar Bottle, which makes a reusable, insulated water bottle designed specifically for biking. The company is based in Boulder, Colo.

The streamlined Polar Bottle, for instance, is made of No. 4 (LDPE), a low-density polyethylene plastic that is dishwasher safe, reusable and is the only water bottle made with a removable valve and stem for cleaning purposes.

"People are confused about what's safe and whether or not to even use plastic," Amabile said.

Here's a quick plastics primer:

Number 1: Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a lightweight plastic, is used to make a slew of beverage bottles, from soft drinks to water. PET bottles are intended for a single use as PET breaks down with use and cannot be properly cleaned. The concern with PET products is not toxins but the buildup of bacteria due to infrequent or insufficient cleaning. Scratches and imperfections in the plastic may host germs. These plastic bottles are the most viable for recycling.

Number 2: A high-density polyethylene (HDPE) made from petroleum, this plastic is pliable, opaque and versatile. Its many uses include sport bottles, cloudy milk jugs, cereal box liners, trash and shopping bags, and shampoo and cleaning supply bottles. There's low risk of leaching, and it's also curbside recyclable.

Number 3: Along with Number 7, polyvinyl chloride (PVC or V) is one of the most controversial plastics. These containers should probably be set aside for nonfood usage. Use them to store crayons or beads rather than leftovers. Number 3 has been nicknamed the "toxic plastic" due to the softeners (DEHA) that with long-term exposure may cause cancer and other health issues. PVC is sometimes found in food containers, and often it is used in making plastic wrap.

Number 4: Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is used in making bread bags, frozen-food bags and squeezable bottles. It transmits no known chemicals into food. It is recyclable.

Number 5: PP (polypropylene) is not as recyclable as numbers 1 and 2, but this plastic is another good option when choosing safe, toxin-free food and beverage containers. This omnipresent plastic is used in yogurt containers, syrup bottles, straws and medicine bottles.

Number 6: Polystyrene (PS) is used in making Styrofoam, plastic tableware and takeout containers. This plastic may leach styrene compounds — a possible carcinogen — and may disrupt hormonal functioning.

Number 7: A clear, hard, shatterproof plastic made with polycarbonate, specifically bisphenol-A. It may pose serious health risks. The popular and colorful Nalgene water bottles were a good example of this reusable plastic. The Nalgene company has replaced these water bottles with a bisphenol-A-free version.

Studies conducted on laboratory animals revealed that even small amounts of bisphenol-A, a synthetic hormone, may be linked to breast, uterine and prostate cancers, premature developmental problems, obesity and diabetes.


BABY-SAFE CONTAINER ALTERNATIVES

Bisphenol-A (BPA) has been used to make baby bottles, cups, pacifiers and teethers. But not everything plastic has to go to the curbside.

Before you throw out your baby bottles, check the stamped symbol on the bottom of the container. Be familiar with the numbers and what types of plastics are safe for food usage. If there is no symbol, call the manufacturer to see what type of plastic it uses to make the container. Consider these alternatives:

Glass: Glass bottles are recommended for babies who don't yet feed themselves. Silicone sleeves help protect them from shattering.

Polyethersulfone: The honey-colored plastic can be washed in the dishwasher.

Stainless steel: Can be washed in the dishwasher

Bamboo: Should be hand-washed

Polypropylene: Wash in top rack and don't use in microwave.