What kind of plastics are bpa free

Historically, industry research has claimed the chemical is safe to use; even the federal government recognizes BPA as safe at certain levels. But researchers have found evidence of abnormalities in the eggs of mice given less than half the amount of BPA that the Environmental Protection Agency has declared safe. And scientists have now studied a huge range of health complications that have shown links to BPA exposure. The list is staggering:. Things have only gotten more complicated as scientists around the world have tried to unravel the health effects of dozens of newly introduced BPA alternatives.

Are some better? Are some worse? Some of the lingering unknowns stem from current restrictions on experiments with human fetal tissue, she says. This work has provided compelling evidence for the same damaging effects across a range of species. Well, monkeys are very expensive studies. We can only use a few monkeys, and that research is not very popular either, but it gets closer to humans. Some studies of human fetal tissue have been done.

But most studies of exposure in humans have to look for correlations. Together, that research has offered up strong evidence that these chemicals have harmful effects in the body. To Hunt, the evidence is damning enough that she avoids plastics when she can. And she stores her food in glass. But she says plastic food containers are actually just one way people are exposed to BPA and its alternatives.

The waxy layer of stuff on your average receipt is often made from a layer that includes BPA, as well as BPA-free alternative chemicals. So grocery store clerks, fast food workers, retail cashiers and many others are exposed to significant doses of these chemicals every day.

This is polypropylene PP. This does not mean it is healthy for you to consume foods which have been microwaved in it! It is always best to microwave in glass containers there are variations in microwavable glass types as well. As long as you avoid the microwave, PP is considered a safe plastic.

It is now accepted by most curbside recycling programs. Polystyrene, or Styrofoam, from which most disposable containers and food ware are made.

Also very common in packaging, such as packing peanuts. Overwhelming evidence suggests that this type of plastic leaches potentially toxic chemicals, especially when heated.

It would be wise to avoid 6 plastic as much as possible. It is difficult to recycle and only accepted by specific recycling facilities. Even worse, when not recycled, it takes hundreds and hundreds of years to decompose! This category essentially means "everything else" and is composed of any new plastics, including bioplastics, and could also be comprised of different types of plastics.

The use of plastic in this category is at your own risk since you don't know what could be in it. Polycarbonate falls into this category, including the highly toxic BPA. Products produced include baby and water bottles, sports equipment, medical and dental devices, CD's and DVD's, and some computer and other technological parts. It is wise to dispose of any food or drink related product that is known to contain BPA.

It is difficult to recycle 7 plastic and most curbside recycling programs won't accept it. Honestly, you should really stay away from plastics, but that can be difficult in such a plastic heavy society.

If you are going to use them, you need to remember which are less hazardous. To summarize, plastics in categories 2, 4 and 5 are generally considered safe. Metal containers, especially aluminum water bottles, are sometimes lined in BPA to improve the taste of the water. If you feel any plastic lining inside a container that isn't marked as BPA-free, it's best to throw it away. These types of linings are especially prone to scratching.

Worn containers pose a higher leaching risk. Other leaching risks Include:. A good idea is to switch to using glass in your kitchen; you won't have to worry about any of these concerns because of glass:. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data.

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