Make Your Actions Count to Decrease Cancer Riskīesides looking for numbers 1, 2, 4, and 5, there are other smart steps to take to avoid possible cancer causes. BPA, which is found in the lining of canned goods and some plastic containers, may increase cancer risk. 7 - this category includes materials that contain chemicals such as bisphenol A, also known as BPA. There are definite health concerns related to this material, especially if it is heated in the microwave or hot liquid is placed in it. 6, is used in styrofoam trays, cups, and so forth. 3, polyvinyl chloride, is found in a number of cling wraps and some squeeze bottles. 5, is used to make yogurt containers, straws, and healthier baby bottles, among other items.Īvoiding Cancer Causes: Know the Bad Numbers, TooĪvoiding these numbers to cut cancer risk can be equally important. 4 is low density polyethylene and is found in many grocery store bags, plastic wraps, and cling wraps. This type of plastic is often milky colored and used in milk jugs, water jugs, and shampoo bottles. But as intended, it's a pretty safe product." Greene, "However, if you were to microwave in it or potentially even leave it in the sun for a long time or re-use it multiple times so that the chemicals started leaching out, it could be problematic. "PET is the stuff used in most single use water bottles and if you use it and if you're not overheating it, it's probably pretty safe and there aren't any health issues known with it," says Dr. Some people may worry about the safety of these water bottles in terms of cancer risk, but these concerns are generally unfounded. 1 is PET, or polyethylene, and is generally used to make single serving plastic water bottles among other products. The "good" numbers to look for are 1, 2, 4, and 5. "There are seven different recycling symbols for plastics," explains Alan Greene, MD, an attending pediatrician at Packard Children's Hospital in Palo Alto, Calif., author of Raising Baby Green and founder of "The first six are for specific kinds of plastic and the last one, 7, is ‘other' - all the other recyclable plastics lumped together in a grab bag."
WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF CHEWING ON PLASTIC CODE
There are some plastics that do pose a danger though, so knowing the difference is important to identify possible cancer causes.Īll plastics are not the same, so it's crucial to determine the type of products you're using by looking at the recycle code number found on the bottom of the item.
The good news is that many plastic products do not cause an increased cancer risk. Many people work hard to reduce their cancer risk by eating healthy foods and exercising regularly, but how many of us consider the effect that using plastic bottles and containers may have on our health?