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In this Article

• How is plastic made and identified?
• What is polyethylene terephthalate (PET, PETE)?
• What is high-density polyethylene (HDPE)?
• What is polyvinyl chloride (PVC, vinyl)?
• What is low-density polyethylene (LDPE)?
• What is polypropylene (PP)?
• What is polystyrene (PS)?
• What is bisphenol A?
• What should I do when using plastics?
• Where can I find more information on plastics?
• Plastic Index

What should I do when using plastics?

Plastic is a part of our lives and will not be leaving anytime soon. Professor Fredrick S. vom Saal, a professor of biology at the University of Missouri, recommends using plastic items made with number 2 (high-density polyethylene) or 5 (polypropylene). When using the other plastics, follow these guidelines:

• Recycle, do not reuse: Use the product only for what it was intended for. Do not reuse bottles or microwave trays if they were not made to be reused.



• Keep the heat away from BPA: Do not warm bottles made with BPA in the stove or microwave, don't put boiling water in them, and do not place them in the dishwasher.

The key to using plastic safely is to use it as it is recommended.

Where can I find more information on plastics?

Polyvinyl Chloride Link:

http://www.besafenet.com/PVCDisposalReport_2-Column_R6.pdf

Bisphenol A Links:

House Energy and Commerce Committee
http://energycommerce.house.gov/Investigations/Bisphenol.shtml

National Toxicology Program
http://cerhr.niehs.nih.gov/chemicals/bisphenol/BPADraftBriefVF_04_14_08.pdf

Environmental Protection Agency
http://www.epa.gov/NCEA/iris/subst/0356.htm

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/news/releases/2007/bisphenol.cfm

American Chemistry Council
http://www.americanchemistry.com/s_plastics/index.asp

Plastic Alternative Links:

http://www.reusablebags.com/

BPA free bottles and sippy cups
http://www.newbornfree.com/