Poisonous plastic bottles - How do you know the product you are purchasing is in a safe container?

In recent months, the discovery of harmful toxins in children’s products has prompted many parents to take a closer look at what they purchase for their little ones. The latest to be hit with controversy are polycarbonate baby bottles containing potentially harmful bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical linked to endocrine disruption (it mimics estrogen in the body), cancer and neurological and behavioural damage in fetuses and children. Look for glass bottles or a BPA-free label.

With all the concentration on baby bottles, very little attention has been payed to regular plastic containers. A few retail chains have removed certain plastics, however it is still up to the consumer to ensure they are not purchasing products in poisonous containers. Here is some helpful information to assist you in that determination.

Plastics 101

Do you know the difference between a 1 and a 7 when it comes to plastics? Most plastic containers are imprinted with a code (check the bottom, and look for a number inside a recycling symbol) that indicates the type of plastic used, which could determine what you buy. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer, and never heat plastic in the microwave.

Safe bets so far

2 HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (HDPE) Primarily used for cereal box liners, bleach and detergent containers, garbage bags and margarine containers.


4 LOW DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (LDPE) Found in most plastic bags, plastic wraps and squeezable containers.

5 POLYPROPYLENE (PP) Items such as straws, yogurt and ketchup containers, some baby bottles and food storage containers are often made of it.


Controversial plastics

1 POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE (PET, PETE) Used for a variety of containers, from water bottles to peanut butter jars, this plastic has been reported to leach trace amounts of a chemical called antimony trioxide. Animal tests have shown that this substance may be toxic to human reproduction or development.

3 POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (V, VINYL, PVC) This plastic is used in toys, plastic food wrapping, cooking oils, shower curtains and various construction materials. PVC can leach di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) or butyl benzyl phthalate (BBzP), depending on how it is manufactured. Recently, a Private Members Bill was passed in the House of Commons requiring the Ministers of Health and Environment to complete a reassessment of such chemicals, due to allegations that they can cause certain types of cancer and asthma and act as endocrine disruptors.

6 POLYSTYRENE (PS) Primarily used for take-out food containers, plastic cutlery and disposable cups and bowls. Long-term exposure to styrene, a component of polystyrene, has been found to have effects on the central nervous system including headaches, fatigue, weakness and depression.

7 OTHER The code 7 can be attributed to a number of different plastics, namely those that don’t fit into the previous six categories. Category 7 plastics include the latest bio-plastics, which are made of biodegradable resources such as potato starch and sugar cane. However, this category also includes polycarbonate plastics, which contain bisphenol-A (BPA).