BPA has been banned from being used in sippy cups and baby bottles in several states including Wisconsin, Minnesota, Connecticut and the city of Chicago. These No. 7 plastic bottles are made with polycarbonate and are also used in some water cooler jugs. Some polycarbonate bottles still contain BPA, some do not. Check your state's laws regarding No. 7 polycarbonate plastic bottles. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has expressed concern about the chemical's affect on children and infants. The chemical may also disrupt some of the bodily functions of adults
Styrofoam is a petroleum based plastic that is made with styrene. The Environmental Protection Agency has classified styrene as a possible carcinogen because of its negative health effects on the skin, eyes, upper respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract. Chronic exposure affects the central nervous system. The toxic chemical leeches out of Styrofoam into food and beverages, causing symptoms such as depression, headache, fatigue, and weakness and can cause minor affects on kidney function and blood.
Polyvinyl chloride, also known as PVC, is extremely toxic. It is found in personal care products such as soap, shampoo and deodorants. Exposure to PVC has been linked to an increased risk of developing brain cancer, reproductive issues, hormonal imbalances, tumors, and allergies in children. PVC has also been linked to dioxins. Dioxins are highly toxic compounds produced in the manufacturing process. Exposure to dioxins have been linked to endometriosis, immune system dysfunction, reproductive problems and cancer.
There are some plastics that are considered safe to use. Plastic No. 1 is called "polyethylene terephthalate" or "PETE"; it is considered safe for single use. It is generally used for water bottles. Do not reuse PETE bottles. Plastic No. 2 is called "high-density polyethylene" or "HDPE"; it is used for milk jugs, juice bottles and toys. These are safe to refill. Plastic No. 4 is called "low-density polyethylene" or "LDPE"; it is used for grocery store and dry cleaner bags. Polypropylene or PP, plastic No. 5, is used for syrup bottles and yogurt containers.