COMMON PLASTICS #1 TO #7

How can I tell what type of plastic something is made of, and if that plastic is
safe?

There is a way to identify the type of plastic in many everyday products, especially food
storage containers and packaging. Many, but not all, such plastic products have a
number the "resin identification code" surrounded by a chasing arrows symbol and
molded, formed or imprinted in or on the container, often on the bottom. Use of the word
"resin" is synonymous with "polymer" or "plastic type."
A few things to keep in mind about these resin identification codes:

Developed by plastics industry to facilitate recycling. This system of coding was

developed in 1988 by the U.S.-based Society of the Plastics Industry to facilitate the
recycling of post-consumer plastics. It is voluntary for plastic manufacturers, but has
become relatively standard on certain plastic products sold globally.
Codes do not guarantee recyclability. Although this coding system is designed to
facilitate recycling, the presence of a code on a product does NOT mean it is recyclable.
We provide below information on the estimated recycling rate of each plastic resin.
Codes do not indicate toxicity or safety. The codes do not provide any information
on the toxins contained in the identified plastics or whether or not they are safe - the
code simply identifies the type of plastic resin. Plastic manufacturers are not required to
disclose other chemicals that have been added to the plastic polmer. Most plastics have
numerous synthetic, often petroleum-derived additives in them. We provide below
information on what we perceive to be the toxicity and safety of each plastic type, based
on our research, experience, and practice of the precautionary principle.
Only six plastic types explicitly identified. Codes #1 to #6 each identify a specific
plastic polymer commonly used in consumer goods all over the world. Code #7 is a
general catch-all category which is essentially for every other type of plastic. We
highlight a couple of the key common plastics that fall into this category.
The seven plastic resin identification codes are laid out below with added information
describing characteristics of each plastic type, typical products it is found in, our
perception of its toxicity and safety (including whether or not to avoid it), its estimated
recycling rate and recycled products made from it, and suggestions for alternatives you
can use to replace it in everyday life (including things available in our store).

We hope that being aware of this system and these plastic types will help you better
assess the plastics in your everyday life and the potential risks associated with their
use.

Here's a quick summary of our suggestions for use of these plastics, particularly
if using them for food and drink (read below for details):
2, 4 and 5 are OK for limited use
AVOID 1, 3, 6, and 7 (polycarbonate)
 Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE or polyester)
Description: PET is the most well known member of the polyester family of plastic
polymers. It initially gained widespread use as a wrinkle-free fiber (commonly called
"polyester"), and the majority of its production still goes toward textile manufacturing. It
has become extremely popular for food and drink packaging purposes because of its
strong ability to create a liquid and gas barrier - so oxygen cannot get in to spoil food,
and the carbon dioxide that makes drinks fizzy cannot get out. Properties: clarity,
lightness, strength, toughness, barrier to liquid and gas.
Typical Use: Bottles (water, soft drink, juice, beer, wine, mouthwash, salad dressing),
peanut butter/jam jars, oven-ready and microwaveable meal trays, detergent and
cleaner containers. Also used in liquid crystal displays, film
for capacitors, insulation for wire and insulating tapes, and as a common finish for wood
products such as guitars, pianos and vehicle/yacht interiors.
PET fabric (polyester) is commonly used in textiles (fabric and clothing), padding and
insulation (for pillows, comforters, upholstery), carpet, and mouldings. Also for tyre
reinforcements, conveyor belts, safety belts, coated fabrics and tarpaulins.
Toxicity: PET may leach antimony (antimony trioxide is used as a catalyst and flame
retardant in PET) (PET1, PET2). The longer a liquid is left in a PET container the
greater the potential for release. As well, warm temperatures inside cars, garages, and
enclosed storage areas increase the release of antimony into the liquid. Antimony
trioxide is considered a possible carcinogen (PET3). Workers exposed to antimony
trioxide for long periods of time have exhibited respiratory and skin irritation and among
female workers, increased incidence of menstrual problems and miscarriage -- while
there is no evidence that these effects could arise from exposure to the small amounts
of antimony released from PET products (such as water bottles), we prefer not to be
exposed to it at all (PET3).
Evidence is also emerging that phthalate endocrine disruptors also leach from PET
(PET4, PET5).
PET as a textile - i.e., polyester - likely contains flame retardants incorporated into it
during the manufacturing process. As such, polyester is often described as "inherently
flame retardant", but it is unclear exactly which flame retardant chemicals are added to
polyester as it is being made, and thus it is difficult to know if there is a toxicity issue
with polyester fibre.
Recycling: About 29% (PET6). Recycled material downcycled into polyester fibre for
fleece clothing, tote bags, strapping. Note: "Downcycling" means that the recycled
material is of lower quality than the original PET, and can only be made into
progressively lower quality products until it can no longer be recycled and becomes
landfill waste which is most likely landfilled.
Alternatives: Use a glass or stainless steel reusable water bottle. Buy in glass and
reuse those bottles/jars - mason jars are incredibly versatile. Choose natural fabrics
(e.g., organic cotton, wool, hemp) for clothing.
Our Suggestion: AVOID. Many consider PET a relatively safe single use plastic, but
given the research indicating it can release antimony and phthalates, and our
precautionary approach, we suggest avoiding it whenever possible. If you must use it,
keep it away from heat and do not reuse it.

High density polyethylene (HDPE)

Description: Polyethylenes are the most widely used family of plastics in the world.
The versatile polyethylene polymer has the simplest basic chemical structure of any
plastic polymer (repeating units of CH2: one carbon and two hydrogen molecules)
making it very easy to process and thus extremely popular for numerous low value
applications - especially packaging. HDPE has long virtually unbranched polymer
chains which align and pack easily making it dense and very crystalline (structurally
ordered) and thus a stronger, thicker form of of polyethylene. Properties: stiffness,
strength, toughness, resistance to moisture, permeability to gas, ease of processing.
Typical Use: Plastic bags (grocery), opaque milk, water, and juice containers, bleach,
detergent and shampoo bottles, garbage bags, dishes, yogurt and margarine tubs,
cereal box liners, some medecine bottles. Also used in Tyvek insulation, PEX piping,
plastic/wood composites.
Toxicity: Being relatively stable, it is generally considered a safer plastic for food and
drink use, although some studies have shown that it can leach the endocrine
disruptor nonylphenol (added to HDPE as a stabilizer), especially when exposed to
ultraviolet light - i.e., sunlight - and possibly other additive chemicals with estrogen-
mimicking activity (HDPE1, HDPE2, HDPE3).
Recycling: About 29% (HDPE4). Recycled material made into bottles for non-food
items like shampoo, laundry detergent, motor oil; plastic lumber and furniture, piping,
recycling bins, fencing, floor tiles, buckets, crates, flower pots, garden edging, film and
sheeting.
Alternatives: Use glass or stainless steel reusable bottles and food storage
containers. Buy in glass and reuse those bottles/jars - mason jars are incredibly
versatile. Use reusable bags made of natural fibres (cotton, hemp).
Our Suggestion: RELATIVELY SAFE. But has been shown to release endocrine
disrupting chemicals.

Polyvinyl chloride (V or Vinyl or PVC)

Description: Long the second most widely used plastic resin in the world (after
polyethylene), PVC (or vinyl) use has decreased because of serious health and
environmental pollution issues associated with its manufacture, use and disposal -- it's
 whole life cycle is toxic. But it is still popular and in common use because of its cost-
effective versatility. The base monomer is vinyl chloride - the presence of chlorine is the
cause of many of PVC's problems - which can be combined and blended with numerous
chemicals (including plasticizers such as phthalates) to create resins with properties
ranging from rigid to filmy to soft to leathery. Properties: versatility, ease of blending,
strength, toughness, clarity, transparency.
Typical Use: Soft PVC (softened with plasticizers) used in toys, clear food (e.g., take-
out) and non-food packaging (e.g., blister wrap, cling wrap), squeeze bottles, shampoo
bottles, mouthwash bottles, cooking oil and peanut butter jars, detergent and window
cleaner bottles, loose-leaf binders, shower curtains, blood bags and medical tubing,
"pleather" clothing, Naugahyde upholstery, wire and cable insulation, carpet backing
and flooring. Rigid PVC used for blister packs and clamshell packaging, credit cards,
piping (e.g., for plumbing), vinyl siding, window frames, fencing, decking, and other
construction materials.
Toxicity: PVC is widely considered the most toxic and hazardous plastic that is still -
unbelievably so - commonly used to make numerous consumer products (PVC1, PVC2).
It may contain and/or leach a variety of toxic chemicals including, but not limited
to: bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, lead, dioxins, mercury, and cadmium. Here is a taste
of the toxic life cycle of PVC:
The vinyl chloride monomer from which PVC is made is a known carcinogen (PVC3),
thus putting manufacturing workers and surrounding communities at risk (PVC1).
Soft forms of PVC, such as toys and packaging and bottles, may leach phthalates. For
example, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and butyl benzyl phthalate (BBzP) are two
phthalates commonly used as plasticizers or softening agents (usually DEHP). DEHP
and BBzP are endocrine disruptors mimicking the female hormone estrogen and have
been strongly linked to asthma and allergic symptoms in children living in homes where
PVC dust was present (PVC4, PVC5) and to ADHD in children (PVC6); may cause
certain types of cancer, including breast cancer (PVC7). Recent consumer product
legislation in Europe, Canada and the US, bans DEHP and BBzP and other dangerous
phthalates from use in children's products in concentrations greater than 0.1%
(PVC8, PVC9, PVC10).
When PVC is burned (e.g., via waste incineration, car or home fires), dioxins are formed.
Dioxins are known human carcinogens and persistent organic pollutants, and are
considered one of the most toxic types of chemicals ever tested (PVC1, PVC11).
Recycling Rate: Very low (PVC12). Rarely recycled because it is difficult to do so on
an industrial scale. It should not be recycled because it contaminates the recycling
stream. Recycled PVC can become packaging, binders, decking, paneling, insulation,
mud flaps, film and sheet, flooring, garden hoses.
Alternatives: Use glass or stainless steel reusable bottles and food storage
containers. Buy in glass and reuse those bottles/jars - mason jars are incredibly
versatile. Use non-plastic food wrap. Use recycled cardboard binders. Use recycled
kraft paper, recycled cellulose wadding or compostable cornstarch peanuts for
packaging. Use hemp or cotton shower curtains, and rubber hoses. Green building has
taken off and there are now numerous healthy and eco-friendly alternatives to vinyl
construction materials.
Our Suggestion: AVOID. At all costs. Can be extremely toxic.
 Low density polyethylene (LDPE)
Description: Polyethylenes are the most widely used family of plastics in the world.
The versatile polyethylene polymer has the simplest basic chemical structure of any
plastic polymer (repeating units of CH2: one carbon and two hydrogen molecules)
making it very easy to process and thus extremely popular for numerous low value
applications - especially packaging. LDPE polymers have significant chain branching
including long side chains making it less dense and less crystalline (structurally ordered)
and thus a generally thinner more flexible form of of polyethylene. Properties: strength,
toughness, flexibility, resistance to moisture, ease of sealing, ease of processing.
Typical Use: Mostly for film applications like bags (grocery, dry cleaning, bread, frozen
food bags, newspapers, garbage), plastic wraps; coatings for paper milk cartons and
hot & cold beverage cups; some squeezable bottles (honey, mustard), food storage
containers, container lids. Also used for wire and cable covering.
Toxicity: Being relatively stable, it is generally considered a safer plastic for food and
drink use, although some studies have shown that it can leach the endocrine
disruptor nonylphenol (added to LDPE as a stabilizer), especially when exposed to
ultraviolet light - i.e., sunlight - and possibly other additive chemicals with estrogen-
mimicking activity (LDPE1, LDPE2).
Recycling Rate: Low (LDPE3). Difficult to recycle. Recycled material can be made into
compost bins, paneling, plastic lumber.
Alternatives: Use glass or stainless steel reusable bottles and food storage
containers. Buy in glass and reuse those bottles/jars - mason jars are incredibly
versatile. Use reusable bags made of natural fibres (cotton, hemp). Use non-plastic food
wrap.
Our Suggestion: RELATIVELY SAFE. But has been shown to release endocrine
disrupting chemicals.

Polypropylene (PP)
Description: Polypropylene is used for similar applications as polyethylenes, but is
generally stiffer and more heat resistant - so is often used for containers filled with hot
food. It too has a simple chemical structure (many methyl groups of CH3 - one carbon
and three hydrogen molecules) making it very versatile. It's crystallinity (structural order
affecting hardness & density) is quite high, somewhere between LDPE and HDPE.
Properties: strength, toughness, resistance to heat, chemicals, grease & oil, barrier to
moisture.
Typical Use: Food containers (ketchup, yogurt, cottage cheese, margarine, syrup,
take-out), medicine containers, straws, bottle caps, Britta filters, Rubbermaid and other
opaque plastic containers, including baby bottles. Other uses include disposable diaper
and sanitary pad liners, thermal vests, appliance parts and numerous car parts
(bumpers, carpets, fixtures).
Toxicity: Being relatively stable, it is generally considered a safer plastic for food and
drink use, although it has been shown to leach plastic additives (such as the stabilizing
agent oleamide) when PP labware was used in scientific experiments (PP1) and one
older study has suggested heated PP may be linked to occupational asthma based on
the exposure of a worker in a PP factory (PP2).
Recycling Rate: Low, because often pigmented or mixed with other resins, therefore
difficult to sort (PP3). Recycled material made into brooms, brushes, bins pallets, auto
battery cases, flower pots.
Alternatives: Buy in glass and reuse those bottles/jars - mason jars are incredibly
versatile. Use a glass or stainless steel reusable water bottle. Purchase
margarine/butter in cubes.
Our Suggestion: RELATIVELY SAFE. But has been shown to release additive
chemicals when used as labware in scientific experiments.

Polystyrene (PS)
Description: Polystyrene is commonly associated with the trade name Styrofoam food
containers and packing peanuts made of expanded PS (EPS), which is essentially
foamed PS that has been puffed up with air. PS synthesis requires benzene, a known
carcinogen, to form the monomer styrene, which is reasonably anticipated to be a
human carcinogen. Apart from low cost, low strength foam, PS can be made as a clear,
glassy, hard polymer used for things like cutlery and cd cases; also higher impact
versions exist for harder applications. Properties: versatility, clarity, easily formed.
Typical Use: EPS: Styrofoam food containers, egg cartons, disposable cups and bowls,
take-out food containers, deli food plates, packaging, packing peanuts, bike helmets.
Harder clear/opaque PS: disposable cutlery & razors, compact disc & dvd cases. High
impact PS: hangers, smoke detector housing, licence plate frames, medecine bottles,
test tubes, petri dishes, model assembly kits.
Toxicity: PS food containers can leach styrene, which is reasonably anticipated to be a
human carcinogen (PS1, PS2) and is considered a brain and nervous system toxicant
(PS1, PS3, PS4). Animal studies have shown adverse effects on genes, lungs, liver,
and the immune system (PS2). Note that styrene is also present in second-hand
cigarette smoke, off-gassing building materials, and car exhaust. The leaching of
styrene from PS containers into food is increased when the food or liquid is hot and oily
(PS3, PS4) .
Recycling Rate: Very low, because difficult to recycle (PS5). Recycled material made
into packaging and thermal insulation.
Alternatives: Avoid PS take-out containers - bring your own reusable
dishes/containers for take-out. Buy in glass and reuse those bottles/jars - mason jars
are incredibly versatile. Use reusable dishes (e.g., ceramic, stainless steel) and cutlery
(e.g., stainless steel, bamboo) for picnics and events.
Our Suggestion: AVOID. Can leach styrene, which is a brain and nervous system
toxin and likely carcinogenic.

Other (O) - all other plastics

This category does not identify one particular plastic resin. It is a general catch-all for
all plastics other than those identified by numbers 1-7, and can include plastics that may
be layered or a mixture of various plastics. It includes the new bioplastics.
Polycarbonate (PC) is an extremely common plastic in this category and is often
associated with this category (sometimes a product will have the number 7 on it with the
letters "PC" underneath), so we describe it below -- But keep in mind that polycarbonate
is not the only plastic in this category and if a product has a number 7 on it without the
letters PC under it, the product could be made of polycarbonate or it could be any other
plastic (and there are thousands!). The only way to know for sure is to ask the
manufacturer or have the plastic tested.
Polycarbonate (PC)
Description: Polycarbonate use as a consumer plastic has decreased drastically in
recent years due to the health-related problems associated with bisphenol A (BPA), the
primary molecule in PC polymers, as well as increasing national bans on its use for
certain products such a baby bottles and infant formula packaging. It is a tough family of
engineering plastics originally developed to be an alternative to die-cast metal.
It's strength and transparency made it a popular choice for consumer products needing
to be shatter-proof, and also for epoxy resins. PC is also known by various trade names
including Lexan, Makrolon and Makroclear. Properties: Easily molded, temperature
resistance, stiffness, strength, optical clarity.
Typical Use: Baby bottles, sippy cups, water bottles, three and five gallon large water
storage containers, metal food can liners, juice and ketchup containers, oven-baking
bags, carbonless paper receipts. Also used in custom packaging, eye glass lenses,
epoxy resins, dental sealants, compact discs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, lab equipment,
gears, snowboards, car parts, housing for cell phones, computers and power tools.
Toxicity: The problem with PC is bisphenol A (BPA), the synthetic backbone which
readily breaks down and leaches from PC. For example, BPA leaching is a significant
concern with PC epoxy-lined cans used for foods, especially oil-based and/or acidic
foods, which will increase leaching. There is lots more information in our BPA section,
but in a nutshell... BPA is often described as a hormone or endocrine disuptor, because
it mimics human hormones, in particular the estrogen hormones, which are involved in
normal cellular function, reproduction, development and behaviour. Peer-reviewed
scientific studies have linked BPA to numerous health problems including chromosome
damage in female ovaries, decreased sperm production in males, early onset of puberty,
various behavioural changes, altered immune function, sex reversal in frogs, impaired
brain and neurological functions, cardiovascular system damage, adult-onset (Type II)
diabetes, obesity, resistance to chemotherapy, increased risk of breast cancer, prostate
 cancer, infertility, and metabolic disorders -- research into the impacts of BPA on human
health is extensive and ongoing (PC1, PC2, PC3, PC4).
Recycling Rate: Very low (PC). Not all municipalities include polycarbonate as readily
acceptable for their recycling programs. Recycled PC may be used to make plastic
lumber.
Alternatives: Buy in glass and reuse those bottles/jars - mason jars are incredibly
versatile. Use a glass or stainless steel reusable water bottle. Use a stainless steel
water dispenser for large quantities of water or other liquids. If you must use the large
blue PC bottles, transfer the water to another container as soon as you bring it home.
Our Suggestion for PC: AVOID. Leaches bisphenol A (BPA), which is a known
endocrine disruptor with numerous adverse health effects, including increased risk of
cancers.

Key references for the above text:

Anthony L. Andrady, ed. Plastics and the Environment. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley &
Sons, 2003.
Susan Freinkel. Plastic: A Toxic Love Story. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2011.
Rick Smith & Bruce Lourie. Slow Death by Rubber Duck: How the Toxic Chemistry of
Everyday Life Affects Our Health. Toronto: Alfred A. Knopf, 2009.
E.S. Stevens. Green Plastics: An Introduction to the New Science of Biodegradeable
Plastics. Princeton & Oxford: Princeton University Press, 2002.
Beth Terry. Plastic Free: How I Kicked the Plastic Habit and How You Can Too. New
York: Skyhorse Publishing, 2012.
R. C. Thompson, C. J. Moore, F. S. vom Saal and S. H. Swan, eds. "Theme Issue:
Plastics, The Environment and Human Health." Philosophical Transactions of the Royal
Society B. Vol. 364, No. 1526, 27 July 2009.
Michael Tolinski. Plastics and Sustainability: Towards a Peaceful Coexistence between
Bio-based and Fossil Fuel-based Plastics. Salem, MA: Scrivener Publishing, 2012.

IMPORTANT NOTES: While we strive to provide as accurate and balanced information

as possible on our website, Life Without Plastic cannot guarantee its accuracy or
completness because there is always more research to do, and more up-to-date
research studies emerging -- and this is especially the case regarding research on the
health and environmental effects of plastics. As indicated in our Terms & Conditions,
none of the information presented on this website is intended to be professional advice
or to constitute a professional service to the individual reader. All matters regarding
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intended as a substitute for consulting with your physician.
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