Risks/Dangers of Using Plastics to Store/Cook Foods and Beverages

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Risks/Dangers of Using Plastics to Store/Cook Foods and Beverages
« on: August 12, 2006, 10:23:53 AM » by MissusLeata

I've been hearing a lot recently about the dangers of plastic - plastic water bottles, plastic food containers, etc.

We are eliminating the water bottles and looking for alternatives. My questions are: Are there certain forms of plastic that are safer than others? How can one tell the difference? I thought I had read somewhere that the recycle number on the bottom of the container is a key to knowing which ones to use, but now I can't find the article. :-(

Any information would be very much appreciated. Thanks, in advance!

« Last Edit: August 12, 2006, 10:54:12 AM by healthybratt »
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Risks/Dangers of Using Plastics to Store/Cook Foods and Beverages
« Reply #1 on: August 12, 2006, 10:31:48 AM » by kittyninja

Good question! i was wondering the same thing. I've read the dangers and now been eyeing my plastic items. Someone else said they replaced their hubby's plastic water bottles with glass...not sure where to get convenient glass water bottles. What items have you found to replace that worked for you? I mean how bout kid's sippy cups?
Oh and i also read that the numbers on the bottom represented something...if i was correct it let you know how many times and item can be reused before the bad stuffstarts seeping in..so on the bottom of the water bottles they say 2-i use mine twice-wash in dishwasher once and then stop. I'll try to look into more info.

« Last Edit: August 12, 2006, 10:54:30 AM by healthybratt »
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Risks/Dangers of Using Plastics to Store/Cook Foods and Beverages
« Reply #2 on: August 12, 2006, 10:35:10 AM » by MissusLeata

For water bottles, we are using glass. We buy prepared drinks in glass bottles (like iced tea) and then re-use the bottles.

« Last Edit: August 12, 2006, 10:54:41 AM by healthybratt »
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Risks/Dangers of Using Plastics to Store/Cook Foods and Beverages
« Reply #3 on: August 12, 2006, 10:41:16 AM » by kittyninja

ok for starters http://www.plasticsmythbuster.org/numbers.asp
well anyways, we know it's not good for us so moving right along...

« Last Edit: August 12, 2006, 10:54:50 AM by healthybratt »
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Risks/Dangers of Using Plastics to Store/Cook Foods and Beverages
« Reply #4 on: August 12, 2006, 10:41:54 AM » by kittyninja

i have a problem with the metal lids though. after awhile they get "metally"...bleh...

« Last Edit: August 12, 2006, 10:55:02 AM by healthybratt »
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Re: Risks/Dangers of Using Plastics to Store/Cook Foods and Beverages
« Reply #5 on: August 12, 2006, 11:27:18 AM » by merryheart

Here are two good articles on plastics. Since researching the potential dangers of using and reusing plastics, I've tossed out the clear plastic water bottles that my husband I used every day, and replaced them with stainless steel bottles. I also just use a glass quart canning jar for myself at home. I love it - no 'plastic' taste, and easy to keep track of how much water I'm drinking. The s/s bottles are great though - for when you're on the go. My hubby takes 2 40 oz bottles to work with him every day. I bought them from Amazon.com. I think the brand is New Enviro.

I have a list on my fridge of the good and bad plastics, determined by the recycling code...
Good/Okay:
#1 & 2 (one use water bottles/ milk jugs)
#4 (most plastic wraps)
#5 (polypropolene, rubbermaid, etc)

Bad:
#3 (pvc)
#6 (styrofoam, disposable/take-out containers)
#7 (polycarbonate - sport bottles, some baby bottles/sippy cups)

Check out the links for more detailed info on the good/bad.

http://www.environmentalobservatory.org/library.cfm?refid=77083

http://leas.ca/On-the-Trail-of-Water-Bottle-Toxins.htm

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Re: Risks/Dangers of Using Plastics to Store/Cook Foods and Beverages
« Reply #6 on: August 12, 2006, 11:33:02 AM » by SHERRI REEL

Kittyninja,
Everything modern is bad in some way or another what is bad about plastic though?
And about the metal lids, on another thread someone said that they found plastic lids for ball jars,which my family uses for drinking glasses, my Gran used jelly jars for little hands because they are skinny.

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Re: Risks/Dangers of Using Plastics to Store/Cook Foods and Beverages
« Reply #7 on: August 12, 2006, 11:36:41 AM » by merryheart

Yes- those hard plastic lids for canning jars are great. You can get wide-mouth or regular. I found mine at the grocery store. And I don't know what kind of plastic they are made of, but since it is just the lid, it doesn't come in contact with the water anyway.

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Re: Risks/Dangers of Using Plastics to Store/Cook Foods and Beverages
« Reply #8 on: August 12, 2006, 11:40:14 AM » by kittyninja

Quote from: SHERRI REEL on August 12, 2006, 11:33:02 AM

i wasn't the original poster but i was just wondering that myself. i guess it has to do with what the plastic is made of and how it starts breaking down after awhile and seeping into whatever may be inside the plastic (?) dunno...still researching. i try not to buy hype until i have really researched and decided that it's worth my fretting over. Like the shampoo thing, I COMPLETELY agree-it just makes sense.
anywho, i'm just asking questions and making statements-much like everyone else on here.
oh and what about portability? i dunno about you guys but here in AZ we go EVERYWHERE with our water-even into the stores!

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Re: Risks/Dangers of Using Plastics to Store/Cook Foods and Beverages
« Reply #9 on: August 12, 2006, 11:49:50 AM » by healthybratt

Quote from: kittyninja on August 12, 2006, 11:40:14 AM

oh and what about portability? i dunno about you guys but here in AZ we go EVERYWHERE with our water-even into the stores!

Most good thermoses have glass linings.

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Re: Risks/Dangers of Using Plastics to Store/Cook Foods and Beverages
« Reply #10 on: August 12, 2006, 12:08:00 PM » by healthyinOhio

There are some new corn-based plastics being made. I guess I would consider that a "healthy" plastic. Perhaps, that is what the New Enviro is all about like merryheart suggested. Look for the corn label, I guess.

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Re: Risks/Dangers of Using Plastics to Store/Cook Foods and Beverages
« Reply #11 on: August 12, 2006, 05:56:39 PM » by queentea

I have a list on my fridge of the good and bad plastics, determined by the recycling code...
Good/Okay:
#1 & 2 (one use water bottles/ milk jugs)
#4 (most plastic wraps)
#5 (polypropolene, rubbermaid, etc)

Bad:
#3 (pvc)
#6 (styrofoam, disposable/take-out containers)
#7 (polycarbonate - sport bottles, some baby bottles/sippy cups)

Check out the links for more detailed info on the good/bad.

http://www.environmentalobservatory.org/library.cfm?refid=77083

http://leas.ca/On-the-Trail-of-Water-Bottle-Toxins.h

Quote

Where do you find the recycle code? I am looking at my water bottle and don't see one. there is a number by the bar code 123M-329-CO don't know what that means Huh

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Re: Risks/Dangers of Using Plastics to Store/Cook Foods and Beverages
« Reply #12 on: August 12, 2006, 06:17:45 PM » by WithLoveAndJoy

You find the recycle code this way.

If you turn over a bottle you will see the little triangular recycle symbol. Inside the symbol will be a number, that number is the recycle code.

Hope this helps Grin

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Re: Risks/Dangers of Using Plastics to Store/Cook Foods and Beverages
« Reply #13 on: August 12, 2006, 07:44:04 PM » by queentea

Thanks for the insight, I can see it now....when I squint, hold it up to the light, and move it around a bit! Shocked

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Re: Risks/Dangers of Using Plastics to Store/Cook Foods and Beverages
« Reply #14 on: August 13, 2006, 10:55:59 AM » by mexmarr

Ok, here is my question! What is worse, taking water with you in plastic and drinking it, or not drinking water at all? Huh

Personally, I wouldn't drink enough water if it wasn't convenientto carry with me. I have two 32 oz tupperware water containers that I carry around with me.

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Re: Risks/Dangers of Using Plastics to Store/Cook Foods and Beverages
« Reply #15 on: August 13, 2006, 09:46:19 PM » by WithLoveAndJoy

I would say that the most immediate risk would be to not drink the water at all. There are times when it is not feasible to not tote water in plastic, but if you use a conventional good rubbermade type jug/bottle and make sure that you don't use it for anything other than water (coffee and other acidic drinks can cause the plastic to break down some) then you should be fine.

Do the best you can and don't sweat the rest Roll Eyes

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Re: Risks/Dangers of Using Plastics to Store/Cook Foods and Beverages
« Reply #16 on: August 14, 2006, 08:04:53 AM » by heatheronthehill

Anyone know about those Nalgene bottles? I was thinking about getting a couple of those so we could wash them out and reuse them. I'm not sure what kind of plastic they are made of, but I hate to spend the money on them if they are going to leach chemicals into our water!

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Re: Risks/Dangers of Using Plastics to Store/Cook Foods and Beverages
« Reply #17 on: August 14, 2006, 08:26:20 AM » by WithLoveAndJoy

Here are a few links I found about Nalgene safety...of course your best bet is to do a little more research, but this should help you get started Grin

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/getaways/222673_gearjunkie05.html
http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2006/04/10/67942
http://www.nalgene-outdoor.com/technical/snewsbpa.pdf
http://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/200311/lol5.asp

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Re: Risks/Dangers of Using Plastics to Store/Cook Foods and Beverages
« Reply #18 on: August 14, 2006, 10:46:50 AM » by SC

I have a book written by Steve Meyerowitz called Water, The Ultimate Cure. It is just shy of 100 pages, but full of information on water, how it affects our bodies, the different kinds of water, filtration systems, and water storage.

He recommends glass for storage, but admits that glass isn't always possible. Here's how he breaks down the plastic storage options. Look at the bottom of the plastic container for a triangle made out of arrows. Inside that triangle is a number. What follows are his explanation of those codes and why they are important.

Plastic isn't always a solid. Sometimes water can be contaminated by its own container. The plastic taste is because elements from the container have leeched into the water/food.

Bottom Number	Material	Properties
1	PETE (or PET -- polyethylene terephthalate)	Clear, strong plastic, considered most inert. Thicker PETE bottles are firmer than others and more durable.
2	HDPE (high-density polyethylene)	flaccid and opac plastic that easily contaminates its contents.
3	PVC (polyvinyl chloride)	more sturdy; less likely to impart taste, not as widely used
7	Polycarbonate plastic	strong and rigid; most often used for 5 gal. water cooler jugs; highly inert; imparts no taste; used in baby bottles & food storage containers for more than 30 years.

I know some of this information seems to contradict previous posts. I would recommend further research of the materials if you are concerned as to their properties and your use of them.

« Last Edit: August 14, 2006, 11:01:00 AM by healthybratt »
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Re: Risks/Dangers of Using Plastics to Store/Cook Foods and Beverages
« Reply #19 on: August 14, 2006, 11:23:13 AM » by WithLoveAndJoy

SC, your knowledge never ceases to amaze and delight me. You are such a great help!

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Re: Risks/Dangers of Using Plastics to Store/Cook Foods and Beverages
« Reply #20 on: August 14, 2006, 02:57:19 PM » by mexmarr

Hi, HC, My water bottle has a 5 in the triangle. What does your book say about that?

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Re: Risks/Dangers of Using Plastics to Store/Cook Foods and Beverages
« Reply #21 on: August 14, 2006, 03:19:36 PM » by SC

Mr. Meyerowitz doesn't say in his book. However, in following the link queentea listed, I found a helpful pdf file that did have a more extensive list of codes. #5 is called PP or polypropylene. It is used in most Rubbermaid, deli soup, syrup and yogurt containers, straws and other clouded plastic containers as well as some baby bottles. Polypropylene is rugged and unusually resistant to many chemical solvents, bases and acids according to an article by Wikipedia. Click here to read that article.

Of course, there are opinions all over the place. Not being a scientist myself, I have taken the following approach. I don't cook foods in the microwave. If something is heated in the microwave, we use a regular dish instead of plastic. We don't save individual water bottles and use glass as often as possible. We use glass for our drink pitchers in the refrigerator. If we must use plastic containers, we look for something that is rigid, thick and strong -- preferably coded with a #1 on the bottom. However, for the time being, we are still purchasing our distilled water. It comes in jugs that are marked with a #2 (HDPE) on the bottom *sigh!*

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Re: Risks/Dangers of Using Plastics to Store/Cook Foods and Beverages
« Reply #22 on: August 14, 2006, 03:55:48 PM » by kittyninja

Quote from: healthybratt on August 12, 2006, 11:49:50 AM

Quote from: kittyninja on August 12, 2006, 11:40:14 AM

oh and what about portability? i dunno about you guys but here in AZ we go EVERYWHERE with our water-even into the stores!

Most good thermoses have glass linings.

Most good thermoses with glass linings...i broke Undecided

kinda on the klutzy side

« Last Edit: August 14, 2006, 04:10:43 PM by kittyninja »
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Re: Risks/Dangers of Using Plastics to Store/Cook Foods and Beverages
« Reply #23 on: August 14, 2006, 03:57:37 PM » by SC

I heard Mike Pearl describe how to make a goat skin container once, but I don't think we'll go that route! Shocked

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Re: Risks/Dangers of Using Plastics to Store/Cook Foods and Beverages
« Reply #24 on: August 21, 2006, 11:54:01 AM » by Christal

What about plastic freezer bags like ziploc? Is this as bad as plastic wrap? Should I be reusing them?

Also, what would be an alternative for storing my home baked bread in the fridge that doesn't take up much room. I have a rubbermaid bread container but it is long and hard to manage for the kids. In the past I just used old bread bags from store bought bread but that probably isn't good.

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Re: Risks/Dangers of Using Plastics to Store/Cook Foods and Beverages
« Reply #25 on: October 08, 2006, 03:42:09 PM » by anynomouse

Does the book say that ...
Polycarbonate plastic strong and rigid; most often used for 5 gal. water cooler jugs; highly inert; imparts no taste; used in baby bottles & food storage containers for more than 30 years.
Is a "safe" plastic? I just remember hearing about bad baby bottles that they stopped making a few years back.
The reason I ask is we have a reverse osmosis water tank that takes the 5gal water jugs and I want to be sure that is not leaking xenoestrogens or other things into my water.
I would love to research, but I have so little time....that is why this forum is so great, we can all share what we have had the time to learn

thanks

Quote from: SC on August 14, 2006, 10:46:50 AM

Bottom Number	Material	Properties
1	PETE (or PET -- polyethylene terephthalate)	Clear, strong plastic, considered most inert. Thicker PETE bottles are firmer than others and more durable.
2	HDPE (high-density polyethylene)	flaccid and opac plastic that easily contaminates its contents.
3	PVC (polyvinyl chloride)	more sturdy; less likely to impart taste, not as widely used
7	Polycarbonate plastic	strong and rigid; most often used for 5 gal. water cooler jugs; highly inert; imparts no taste; used in baby bottles & food storage containers for more than 30 years.

I know some of this information seems to contradict previous posts. I would recommend further research of the materials if you are concerned as to their properties and your use of them.

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Re: Risks/Dangers of Using Plastics to Store/Cook Foods and Beverages
« Reply #26 on: April 21, 2008, 10:12:38 PM » by ShannaC

Okay, I have been trying to get rid of more plastic storage containers and use glass. But what about all the plastic kid plates/cups that I'm assuming most of us use for our kids. Do you guys use glass for your kids? Any input?

Also, I'm out of this stage but have any of you used glass bottles for babies? How was that? Just thinking about them breaking... Undecided

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Re: Risks/Dangers of Using Plastics to Store/Cook Foods and Beverages
« Reply #27 on: April 22, 2008, 08:23:27 AM » by ladyhen

I have used glass (okay, Corelle) plates and bowls with most of my children. Didn't know early on, so changed our methods midstream. It wasn't too hard to teach the children to keep their plate on the table and to be careful with their cup. 'Course, ours were taught to sit at the table to eat and drink, too, so we didn't have anyone walking around with a cup. Paper cups were taken outside sometimes. Never used baby bottles, so I don't know about that. Plenty of people were raised on glass bottles, though, so evidently babies can be taught.

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Re: Risks/Dangers of Using Plastics to Store/Cook Foods and Beverages
« Reply #28 on: April 22, 2008, 08:32:57 AM » by ndmomof6

Quote from: ShannaC on April 21, 2008, 10:12:38 PM

I've used glass bottles for my babies. (They were acturally MINE from when I was a baby...my mom saved everything! Roll Eyes

) I never had any problems with them getting broken.

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Re: Risks/Dangers of Using Plastics to Store/Cook Foods and Beverages
« Reply #29 on: May 28, 2008, 11:17:41 AM » by mommie

we do filtered water from the store...any ideas of a container for filling it up in...Right now we got rid of our 3 and 5 gallon jugs for the water cooler and bought some camping water jugs from walmart that are made of #2 I think. Figured at least it was better than the #3 and #7...but any other ideas besides dragging glass jars to the water store

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