How to Identify Safe Plastic Bottles

Some plastic bottles are bad for your health.

Plastic bottles are made of polycarbonate, which contains bisphenol A, otherwise known as BPA, as one of the main ingredients. According to the DEA Health and Fitness Association, the National Toxicology Program has identified BPA as a possible toxin that can leach out into the liquids contained in plastic bottles. This is a concern for adults, as well as for infants and toddlers who drink out of baby bottles. However, there are ways to identify safe plastic bottles.

Instructions

1. Read the packaging for all plastic bottles that you are purchasing, and look for the words "BPA-free."

2. Turn over all new and used water bottles so that you can see the bottom easily. Look for a small, triangular shape that contains a number in the center. If the number is three, six or seven, avoid them, as they pose the greatest health risk for releasing BPAs into the liquid.

3. Always look for the numbers one, two, four or five, which are the least toxic plastics and the safest ones to use.

Tips & Warnings

• Plastic numbered one is safe when purchased new, such as a soda bottle. However, they should not be reused after consuming the liquid, as reuse increases the toxic risk.

• If you own a plastic bottle that is one of the bad varieties, throw it away in the trash, or recycle it. Do not place it in a fire to burn, since this releases the toxins into the air, which can be inhaled.

References

• "Natural Resources Defense Council";Plastic Water Bottles;February 2009
• "IDEA Health & Fitness Association";Are Plastic Bottles and Containers Safe?;Cathy Leman, RD, LD;January 2009