Glass or Plastic?
Due to the low cost of manufacturing and shipping, plastic containers are the primary choice of the bottled water industry, which in their thinking keeps the price down for the consumer. The problem with this is that scientists are finding that it not such a good deal for us because the hidden cost may be our health.
Studies have shown that chemicals called phthalates, which are known to disrupt testosterone and other hormones, can leach into bottled water over time. One study found that water that had been stored for 10 weeks in plastic contained phthalates, suggesting that the chemicals could be coming from the plastic bottle or even the cap. Although there are regulatory standards limiting phthalates in tap water, there are no legal limits for phthalates in bottled water — the bottled water industry waged a successful campaign opposing the FDA proposal to set a legal limit for these chemicals!
Plastic Recycling Codes
The following plastics are considered safest for water and food storage. Check all your plastic containers to make sure these symbols and the numbers 1,2,4 and 5 are on them. If these symbols and number are not present on plastic container or bottle, or you see another symbol and/or number do not drink or eat anything from this container.
Though the following numbers represent the safest plastics, this does not mean we have a complete understanding of all the possible health hazards plastics may present. So, the best practice would be to not drink from plastic bottles or store items in plastic, and never heat water or food items in them. Remember clean glass containers are always the best option.
Polyethylene terephthalate ethylene (PETE), code 1.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE), code 2.
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), code 4.
Polypropylene (PP), code 5.
ALWAYS AVOID ANY PLASTIC WITH THESE CODES
CODE (3) Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) leach phthalates which cause major problems with hormones and are toxic to them male reproductive system. It can be marked by code 3. If a water bottle, plastic wrap, shampoo container, cooking oil container, blood bag or meat wrapping has this mark or number or is not marked at all find a new brand!
CODE (6) – Polystyrene is used in Styrofoam products. It leaches styrene (a neurotoxin) when it comes into contact with hot, acidic, or fatty foods. This cup is used being used by many fast food and coffee shops to serve hot drinks in. What you may have thought was a caffeine buzz, was the neurotoxins being released into you coffee or tea. This chemical is also found in the most medicine and vitamin bottles, WOW, plastic cutlery, foam packaging and the cartons you may be get your eggs in. It’s marked with recycling code 6.
CODE (7) – Polycarbonate containers leach bisphenol-A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor associated with a long list of health concerns, including obesity. Baby bottles, “sippy” cups, ketchup bottles, syrups, window cleaners, 5-gallon water cooler bottles, reusable water jugs, and reusable beverage bottles are typically made out of this plastic. Products may be marked with recycling code 7 and/or the letters “PC.” It’s important to note some containers that aren’t made from polycarbonate may also be marked with a code 7 because the category also includes any plastic that doesn’t fit into the 1 to 6 recycling code categories.
May your life be blessed with health, peace and love.
Robert “Bobby” Morgan
Health Education Director
Creativ Health Institute
Union City, Michigan
