CHEMICAL LEACHING FROM PLASTICS

Recycle symbol numbers	What is it?	Common Uses	Evidence of Leaching?
	PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate)	Single-use bottled beverages including water and soft drinks, peanut butter container, squeezable bottles, eg with honey	No known risk if used as intended, ie only once. Some concern over possible leaching with extended use. To reduce landfill, dispose of in recycling bin and use a refillable water bottle instead.
	HDPE (high-density polyethylene)	Milk and juice containers, yoghurt cartons, supplement bottles, margarine tubs	No known risk and recycles readily.
	PVC (polyvinyl chloride)	Clear food packaging, eg refillable rice container, lunchboxes and kids’ backpacks	Increasing concern over potential leaching of phthalates- chemicals linked to child development problems. Does not recycle well. Avoid where possible.
	LDPE (low-density polyethylene)	Bread bags, frozenfood bags, squeezable bottles, eg with honey or mustard, microwavesafe clingwrap	No known risk and can be recycled.
	PP (polypropylene)	Dishwasher- and microwave-safe containers, takeaway containers, ready-to-eat fruit containers, kids’ cups, sauce bottles, yoghurt cartons, margarine tubs	PP has a high melting point and therefore is considered safe for heating food in the microwave and can go in the dishwasher. No known risk of chemical leaching and can be recycled.
	PS (polystyrene)	Meat trays, cups and plates, Styrofoam cups	Concern over leaching of chemicals such as styrene, a possible carcinogen, particularly on long storage (after a year) and when used for hot liquids or foods. More difficult to recycle. Avoid where possible.
	Other — anything other than the six above and can be a combination of resins used; includes PC (polycarbonate)	Most baby bottles (unless labelled BPAfree), sippy cups, children’s hard plastic plates and bowls	PC contains bisphenol-A (BPA) that has been shown to leach into contents. BPA has been linked to health problems including cancer and child development issues. While not all plastics with number 7 contain BPA, often you won’t know. Best to avoid them all.