Problem

Did you know that there is an international standard for labeling packaging that tells you exactly what kind of toxins to expect in your product packaging and plastic products?  There is, and here is the explanation for the code in plain English.  The code is officially known as the Resin Identification Code.  There are calls for a more concise and clear method for determining what your packaging contains, but for now this is all we have. 

The numbers that you will be looking for are present in the recycling symbol, most commonly on the bottom of a bottle if the packaging is in the form of a bottle.

Avoiding Endocrine Disruptors

It is important to note that identifying levels of safety is not identifying a certain plastic as being absolutely safe.  In the case of plastics, choose those labeled 1, 2, 4, and 5 over those labeled 3, 6, and 7.  The former do not contain endocrine disruptors, while the latter do. 

Hormonal and developmental issues can arise through exposure and intake of endocrine disruptors. 

Solution

#1 In Recycling Symbol

Provenance:  Water & Pop Bottles

Abbreviation:  PETE or PET

Problem: 

The packaging contains Polyetheylene Terephthalate.  They are considered “safe” for a single use only, as they may pick up bacteria from the first use.  Some may argue that the phthalates that these bottles contain should be avoided entirely. 

Solution:

When purchasing #1 plastics, do not reuse the bottles for the gym or other activities.  Purchase a steel or other reusable container for this purpose. 

#2 In Recycling Symbol

Provenance:  Grocery Bags, Bottles

Abbreviation:  HDPE

Problem: 

High density polyethylene is a petroleum product, and as such any cutback on its use will save fossil fuels. 

Solution:

Bring your own grocery bags along to the store and use reusable bottles.  You are not likely to find HDPE that much in packaging as it is more expensive than the alternatives.

#3 In Recycling Symbol

Provenance:  Pipe, fencing, non-food bottles, soft plastic toys for children

Abbreviation:  PVC

Problem: 

Polyvinyl chloride gives off harmful toxins both during its manufacture and when it is breaking down.  Highly carcinogenic chemicals called dioxins are produced during the production process. 

Phthalates are also used to soften PVC, and phthalates have been linked to reproductive issues, especially in young male children.  They are suspected endocrine disruptors, which interfere with DNA development. 

Solution:

Never buy any food that is packaged in a #3 container, and do not use them yourself for food packaging. 

Carefully examine any children’s toys, both new and old, for the #3 symbol and discard them in your recycling bin if you find them.  Contact your local recycling program to make sure that they will accept them.

#4 In Recycling Symbol

 Provenance:  Molded laboratory equipment, various containers, wash bottles, plastic bags

Abbreviation:  LDPE

Problem: 

Low-Density polyethylene poses the same threat as its high-density cousin – it is a petroleum product.  It is also most commonly used for plastic bags.

Solution:

As with HDPE, bring your bags with you when shopping.

#5 In Recycling Symbol

Provenance:  Food Containers, auto parts

Abbreviation:  PP

Problem: 

Polypropelyne is a higher-cost plastic often used in plastic furniture and auto parts.  Due to its higher cost you will not see it used as much in food containers.  It does not pose the same threats as its cousins, but it is, once again, a petroleum product. 

#6 In Recycling Symbol

Provenance:  Toys, food trays

Abbreviation:  PS

Problem: 

Polystyrene is the compound contained in Styrofoam containers.  It is also found in children’s toys.  It may leach styrene, which is an endocrine disrupter and carcinogen, into food and groundwater from the container’s disposal. 

Avoid food that has come into contact with these trays, and avoid toys made with it that may go into a younger child’s mouth as well.

#7 In Recycling Symbol

Provenance:  Everything, but most notably reusable sport water containers, metal-lined containers for hot chocolate and baby formula, larger water bottles, most plastic baby bottles. 

Abbreviation:  None

Problem:

Anything labeled as #7 is suspect, as this is simply the “catch-all” category for items that don’t fit in 1-6.  This is one of the main reasons that environmental advocates are calling for a new labeling system, or simply more categories for the existing one.  Nylon, fiberglass, polycarbonate, and polylactic acid all fall within this category. 

Polycarbonate produces Bisphenol A, which is a hormone disrupter and has also been found to stimulate prostate cancer cells.  This is the plastic found in most baby bottles, and the reason some governments are looking to ban polycarbonate in the manufacture of baby bottles. 

Solution:

Buy Bisphenol A/Polycarbonate free baby bottles and products.  Avoid baby formula packaging with the #7 stamp.  Check out your current sport water bottles and baby bottles and throw out any with the #7 stamp.

Effectiveness / Result

The Facts

The chemicals that enter our homes yearly, some 2000 in number, are not put through even the most basic of tests to confirm their toxicity. 

References

• References:
• Wikipedia Article
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resin_identification_code
• Natural Resources Defense Council
• Definition of Endocrine Disrupters
• http://www.nrdc.org/health/effects/qendoc.asp