Hidden two-letter code reveals if your plastic containers are toxic
Consumers are advised to check for labels marked PP (polypropylene) or PE (polyethylene), plastics deemed safe for food contact.
These codes, often found near the recycling triangle, help identify which types of plastic are safe to use and which should be avoided, especially when exposed to heat.
Polypropylene (PP) is widely used in takeout containers and food storage. It is heat-resistant, BPA-free, and generally microwave-safe, making it one of the safest plastics for reuse.
Polyethylene (PE) comes in high-density (HDPE, labeled 2) and low-density (LDPE, labeled 4), which are used in items like milk jugs, plastic bags, and squeeze bottles.
Another form, PET (polyethylene terephthalate, labeled 1), is commonly found in water bottles and condiment containers, but it is intended for single use only.
The recycling number stamped inside the triangle on the bottom of a plastic container provides another critical clue.
Numbers 1, 2, 4, and 5 are generally considered safe for food use, while 3, 6, and 7 should be avoided due to concerns over chemical leaching.
Plastic labeled with a number 5 and the letters 'PP' is considered one of the safer types of plastic because it's heat-resistant and BPA-free.
BPA, or bisphenol A, is an industrial chemical BPA, or bisphenol A, is found in many everyday products, including food and beverage containers, and can leach into food and drinks, especially when heated.
'Every single time that they're used, they're leaching small amounts of BPA out of them,' warned Laura Vandenberg, a professor of environmental health sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst
BPA exposure has been linked to hormone disruption, increased risk of breast and prostate cancers, heart problems, and developmental issues in babies and children.
Even small exposure to BPA can be linked to infertility, behavioral issues in children and hormone disruption, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH).
Despite growing awareness, most Americans continue to use plastic containers daily, many without checking the tiny code printed on the bottom.
While Tupperware has claimed all products made after March 2010 in the US and Canada are BPA-free, many households still use older containers that may not meet modern safety standards.
According to Vandenberg, containers made over a decade ago, especially those that are clear, hard, and shatter-resistant, are most likely to contain BPA.
Number 3, PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), can release toxic chemicals such as lead and vinyl chloride when heated or starts breaking down.
These chemicals are linked to serious health problems, including hormone imbalances, fertility issues, and cancer.
Lead exposure can harm brain development, especially in children. Long-term exposure to vinyl chloride is also linked to cancer and liver damage.
Number 6, Polystyrene (PS), a commonly used plastic in foam cups and takeout containers, can leach a chemical called styrene.
Styrene is known to affect the nervous system, potentially causing headaches, fatigue, or memory issues with long-term exposure.
It's also linked to lung and respiratory issues when inhaled or ingested over time.
Number 7, Others, is a mixture of various plastics, and many of them contain bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that can act like estrogen in the body.
Experts also warn against microwaving food in plastic containers, even those marked microwave-safe, due to the increased risk of chemical leaching.
'Some plasticizers and chemicals can transfer from the plastic containers into the food during heating,' said James Rogers, director of food safety research at Consumer Reports.
Other everyday practices, like scrubbing plastic containers with abrasive pads, washing them in harsh detergents, or storing acidic foods like tomato sauce or citrus, can degrade plastic and accelerate chemical release.
Over time, aging plastic may also shed microplastics, raising further health concerns.
Experts strongly recommend replacing older plastic containers with ones labeled BPA-free, or switching entirely to glass or stainless steel for safer long-term storage.
And while recycling numbers 1 through 5 are generally safer, it's best to avoid reusing single-use plastics, such as water bottles, which were never designed to withstand repeated use.
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