Research has shown that some types of plastic are more likely than others leach chemicals that may be dangerous to human health. Being more conscious about the types of plastics you are dealing with and how they react to heat and foods can help you make decisions that can reduce your chemical exposures. Most plastic packaging has either a number or a set of letters on the bottom or the side of the package (generally embossed into the plastic itself) that identifies what kind of plastic it is and as such, you can use that information when making buying decisions and/or decisions about how to use the item.
Safer plastics include polyethylene terephthalate (PET, PETE, plastic #1), high-density polyethylene (HDPE, plastic #2), low-density polyethylene (LDPE, plastic #4), and polypropylene (PP, plastic #5). Creating a mantra of “1”, “2”, “4”, “5” can help you remember the better plastics. Plastics that pose more danger and as such, should be used with caution especially in food and drink preparation and storage include polyvinyl chloride (PVC, V, plastic #3), polystyrene (PS, plastic #6), and plastic #7.
Regardless of the type of plastic a few guidelines are useful: first, glass is best for microwave use, second, avoid using plastic wraps in the microwave or on warm food, and third, avoid letting food in plastic containers get hot. This includes letting groceries sit in the car during hot summer months.
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