Determining if the plastic you're holding is good or bad is as easy as 1-2-3. Yes, specific numbers were designated to particular types of plastics.
Credit the SPI or Society of Plastics Industry, Inc. for their effort in establishing the international labeling system.
Sadly, note, however, that not everybody complies with the regulation or worse, not every government regulates; thus, your plastic container or whatever it is you're checking right now, may not bear the mark. What you should look for is the recycling arrow triangle with a number inside. The number is also called the PIC or Plastic Identification Code.
Briefly, here's what the numbers tell you:
"1" is PETE or PolyEthylene Terephthalate Ethylene. "Pete" is easy enough to remember; "1" is even shorter, but the compound name? Can I just use glass or paper instead?
It is recyclable in most locations.
It can be safely used as containers for food and other stuff (drinking water, softdrink, juice, shampoo, dishwashing liquid, etc.)
"2" is HDPE or High-Density PolyEthylene. It is, likewise, safe to be used as a container; and it doesn't produce much harmful chemicals in its manufacturing process.
It is recyclable.
"3" is PVC. It's sounds very familiar, yes. Aren't our pipes, our bathroom door, and the window frames of our neighbor PVC? The acronym stands for PolyVinyl Chloride.
Surprisingly or alarmingly enough, PVC is considered the most toxic and harmful consumer product ingredient ever created. Throughout its lifecycle it poses as a danger: in its manufacture, use and disposal.
Chemical additives to improve or modify the PVC's physical qualities (ex. to make it more moldable) easily leach out. Phthalates and DEHP*, 2 of those, are carcinogenic: they could harm one's kidneys, liver, spleen, among other organs.
It also cannot be recycled.
I wonder how come PVC is still widely used? Are those available in our market, altered already to be safe? Does the Philippine government regulate the plastics industry?
"4" is LDPE or Low-Density PolyEthylne. It is safe even for baby-bottle use; but it is not commonly recycled.
"5" is PP or PolyPropylene. It is food-container-safe. Additionally, it can endure some heat without melting. It is also not widely recycled.
"6" is PolyStyrene, your styrofoam. It might have contained your lunch or your coffee, or might have protected your new LCD TV in transit.
It contains a suspected carcinogen, Styrene, that can trickle out and effect one's kidneys, liver, red blood cells, and stomach. The chemical is, similarly, harmful to the nervous system and the brain. Benzene, another component likewise causes the notorious big C.
More bad news? It can't be recycled.
"7" is OTHER. Good thing it's not an acronym for anything. It stands for most other plastic compounds other the the above mentioned. Most common of these are polycarbonates: the plastic roof, the water gallon, the lining in the metal food containers, etc.
Plastic industry-sponsored studies say they are safe; but other studies say otherwise. BPA or Bisphenol A, the chemical that leaks off polycarbs, some US government-study say affect hormone levels, early puberty, gender-specific behavior, reproductive organ size, sperm production, and some other psychological disruptions (aggression, learning impairment and hyperactivity).
Type "7" plastics are not recycled.
7* or PLA or PolyLactic Acid plastics. They are compostable; some are biodegradable; they are from renewable sources; and they are non-toxic. The bio-bases are corn, soy, potatoes, and/or wheat.
Wait! Before you munch on that plastic container, read the supplemental post on this topic tomorrow.
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