Resin Identification Code
According to this system, a number is engraved on the bottom of plastic bottles and food containers. This number shows what type of plastic these products are made of. It is better to be aware of the dangers these plastics cause. The numbers are in the middle of a clockwise triangle close arrows.
Code Number 1- Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE)
#PETE is commonly used to make bottles of soft drinks, water, mouthwash, sports drinks, and spice containers, as well as containers for tomato sauce, salad dressing, jelly, and jam. But during the production of these products, the toxic metal antimony is released.
In a study that examined 63 brands of drinking water bottles in Europe and Canada, it was observed that the concentration of antimony in these bottles is more than 100 times the normal level found in underground water. Also, this research showed that a bottle of water on the food shelf of a store or refrigerator has a higher dose of antimony. The reason can be the release of more antimony from PETE in the water bottle due to exposure to sunlight, high temperature and different PH levels.
Bromine compounds have also been found inside these bottles. Bromine causes nervous system disorders and can cause several psychological symptoms such as acute paranoia and other psychotic symptoms. Learn more about this material.
Code Number 2- High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
High-density polyethylene is a low-risk plastic. It is often used for bottles of milk, and fruit juices, as well as bottles of detergents and shampoos. #HDPE, like most plastics, releases estrogenic chemicals. In a study, 95% of all plastic products that were tested had estrogenic activity. This means that these plastics are potentially disrupting human hormones. They can even change the structure of human cells and create risks for babies and children. In this particular study, even products that are claimed to be free of harmful conventional plastics such as bisphenols have also been tested. The result of this test has been declared positive for the release of other estrogenic chemicals in them.
Code number 3- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Plastics of this type are either hard or flexible. They are used in sheet plastic wrappings, small packages, food and meat packaging, plastic toys, tablecloths, and medicine packaging. #PVC contains toxic chemicals such as #DEHP, which is used as a phthalate.
Phthalate is one of the aphrodisiac chemical groups that develop female tendencies in many male species. These chemicals, in turn, disrupt the endocrine systems of animals. They also cause testicular cancer, and infertility in several species, including polar bears, deer, whales, and oysters. Scientists believe that phthalates have similar undesirable patterns in humans. If your home contains soft and flexible plastic flooring such as children’s play flooring, they are likely made of toxic PVC. PVC floors are related to chronic diseases such as allergies, asthma and autism.
Code Number 4- Low Thickness Polyethylene (LDPE)
Another less dangerous plastic is called low-thickness polyethylene. This plastic is used for bread bags, newspapers, fresh produce, household waste and frozen foods, as well as in milk boxes and cups for hot and cold drinks. Since this type of plastic does not contain bisphenol A (#BPA), it may carry the risks of estrogenic chemical saturation, similar to HDPE (Code Number 2).
Code Number 5 — Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic used to make containers for yoghurt, prepared foods, medicines, and takeout containers. It is assumed that polypropylene has a high tolerance to heat and probably chemicals will not be released from it. But a study showed that in the laboratory, #PP plastics release at least two chemicals. There is a small amount of this substance in the formula of biodegradable tableware so that these products can form.
Code Number 6- Polystyrene (PS)
Polystyrene is an aromatic synthetic polymer of styrene monomer (a petrochemical substance) that is used in cups, plates, bowls, take-out food containers, etc. #PS releases styrene in food, which can damage the nervous system and possibly lead to cancer. Temperature plays an important role in determining the amount of styrene released by polystyrene containers. This means that using those products made from PS for hot foods and drinks may release a large amount of this substance.
Code Number 7- Other
This symbol is used for a combination of plastics that are not mentioned in the above resin codes. It is a bit difficult to detect the toxins in this code, but there is a possibility of BPA or another type of chemical substance from the bisphenol category called “#BPS” exists in this group.
“Bisphenol S” and “Bisphenol E” are endocrine disruptors. Dysfunction of these glands and hormones causes changes in puberty, people’s mood, metabolism and reproductive processes. Exposure to bisphenol compounds in early life causes chromosomal disorders in the developing fetus, which can lead to spontaneous abortion and genetic damage. But evidence shows that these chemicals also affect adults and children and can cause a reduction in sperm quality, premature puberty, reproductive and disorders, cancer and heart diseases.
