Safe plastic is plastic that does not release harmful chemicals. Polypropylene and polyethylene are considered safe for food and drink packaging, but can still leak if reused or heated. Independent auditing organizations test products for safety, and it is possible to choose alternatives like glass or metal. Follow manufacturer recommendations for safe use.
Safe plastic is plastic that does not leach chemicals known to be harmful to human health. People may also use the term “safe plastic” to refer to plastics that won’t warp or break down in conditions like heat. It is important to use safe plastic for health and safety, and to avoid using plastics for purposes for which they are not designed, as they may not hold up very well. More data on plastics and health is being discovered all the time, so it is wise to check regularly to confirm that plastics that are considered safe are still recognized as safe.
The concern with plastic is that a variety of chemicals are added to plastics during processing, and these chemicals could leach out. Leaching can occur under any condition with some plastics and chemicals, while others only leach when stressed, such as when plastics are reused numerous times, heated, bent, or used to contain caustic materials. Chemicals of greatest concern include bisphenol-A (BPA), phthalates, and benzene, which are added to harden, plasticize, or remove other traits from plastics.
Polypropylene and polyethylene are generally recognized as safe plastics for things like food and drink packaging. However, these plastics can leak if they are reused over and over again or, in the case of thin plastics, if the plastic is heated. When used to store food or drinks, leaching is a big concern because the chemicals leach directly into things people consume, which can create a serious health risk.
Manufacturers can choose to voluntarily label plastic safe, but people don’t necessarily have to take manufacturers at their word. Products such as plastics are regularly tested by independent auditing organizations to confirm that they contain what their manufacturers say they do, and these results are made publicly available as a service to safety-conscious individuals. It is also possible to choose containers made of alternatives, such as glass or metal, for especially concerned people.
If a plastic is recognized as safe, people should follow the recommendations for use. For example, if a water bottle says it should be recycled after use, it shouldn’t be reused, otherwise it may start to leak. Similarly, if a plastic product has specific recommendations on temperature ranges, they should be followed for safety. Those unsure about safe uses can contact the manufacturer for more information about the plastic.
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