Plastic products can likely be found in every room in the house: food containers, plastic wrap, drinking bottles, toys, shower curtains, shampoo bottles, water pipes and many other products. Different plastics are made with different chemicals and chemical compounds, some of which may be harmful to people's health. In particular, some chemicals in plastics may affect people's hormonal systems, which may lead to health problems.
What you can do
• Avoid certain types of plastics for food. Plastics used for food storage usually have a number code on the bottom, which will tell you what type of plastic it is. According to The Green Guide, it is best to avoid:
Plastic #3: Polyvinyl chloride (also known as PVC or vinyl), which is found in a wide range of products, including some plastic wraps and food containers.
Plastic #6: Styrene, which is found in Styrofoam products, such as take out containers, Styrofoam cups and egg cartons.
Plastic #7: Polycarbonate, which is found in some sport water bottles, some baby bottles, toddler drinking cups, and 5-gallon water bottles.
• Avoid heating food in plastic containers or with plastic wrap (some plastic wraps are made with PVC). Heating increases the chances of harmful chemicals leaching out of plastic, especially with fatty foods. Use a paper towel or a glass or ceramic lid to cover food in the microwave.
• Choose plastics labeled #1 PETE, #2HDPE, #4LDPE or #5PP, which have lower potential health risks. If your community does not recycle these types of plastic, try to avoid them.
• Store food in containers made of glass, ceramic or food-safe metal.
• Avoid vinyl (PVC) shower curtains. Use curtains made of natural fibers, polyester or nylon instead.
