Top Plastic Types to Avoid

Plastic is everywhere in our life, from food-storage to toys to care products bottles.  Plastic is pervasive; it would be quite difficult to avoid all plastic in our daily life. But you can minimize the negative effects by learning which types to avoid.

3 plastic types to avoid

#3 PVC. Polyvinyl chloride is a type of plastic used widely in toys, shower curtains, vinyl flooring and wallpaper. The problem with PVC is that it often contains phthalates, which can leach out and enter the body, leading to hormonal problems and increasing cancer risks.  Phthalates are also used as solvents in some shampoo, nail polish and hairspray.

#6 Polystyrene. This is what we often call Styrofoam. This plastic made of petroleum byproducts is used for meat trays, fast food containers, mushroom trays and disposable coffee cups. Besides being a skin, eye and nose irritant, this plastic can be stored in body fat and could lead to cancer in production workers.  Styrofoam is also very costly to recycle, so very few installations exists. On top of that, as it’s so light, it is easily carried by wind and contributes heavily to water pollution.

#7 Polycarbonate and “other” plastic category. #7 plastic category comprises many plastics. One of them is polycarbonate with added BPA, used many plastic products including reusable food containers.  BPA, also found in the lining of canned foods, can cause endocrine system disruptions, neurological problems, cancer, early puberty, obesity and chemotherapy resistance. Even trace amounts could trigger toxic effects, especially in children.

How do you reduce plastic use in your home?