Harm of plastic utensils, packaging: how to use and not harm your health, labeling of non-harmful food plastic. Understanding together: the harm and benefits of plastic utensils Plastic utensils harm or benefit

In the summer, plastic dishes are gaining popularity. It is quite convenient to transport food in it. As a rule, such things are used on long trips and on picnics. The undoubted advantage of such dishes is their low cost. It's no secret that in most cases it is disposable. dishes can tell a lot about its quality. After reading our article, you can easily determine what exactly the signs that are located at the bottom of a disposable plate or glass mean.

The history of the creation of plastic utensils

Today, disposable plastic tableware is quite familiar to us. We use it as a lunch box or take it with us on a picnic. Does everyone know exactly when it appeared? You can find this information in our article.

For the first time, plastic utensils were discovered in the United States of America in 1910. The disposable glass was the first to be created, and then they began to produce forks, plates, spoons and other items known to us today. The first dishes were made of thick paper. It only gained popularity in the 1950s. And it was at this time that paper began to be replaced by another material, namely plastic.

Plastic utensils in the USSR. Nowadays

In the Soviet Union, such dishes began to appear only in 1960, but until 1990 they were not popular. This was due to the lack of establishments fast food. It is worth paying attention to the fact that it is paper disposable tableware that is gaining popularity again. This is no coincidence, because quite often plastic food storage products do not meet quality standards. Paper, in turn, is a safe and environmentally friendly material.

To purchase utensils that are harmless to health, you need to know what the markings on plastic utensils mean. You can find out this and much more in our article.

Plastic utensils have a mass positive qualities. The very first thing that consumers pay attention to is the low cost of such a product. It is easy to transport and does not need to be washed. It is known that plastic dishes are strong enough, but only if there is no excessive load on them. As a rule, due to its positive qualities, it is used at picnics, parties, or just take food in it to work or on a long trip. Labeling of plastic utensils for food products can tell a lot about its quality and recommendations for use. In order for disposable food containers to bring only benefits, you need to know how to use it correctly.

Today, many cafes and fast food restaurants use plastic disposable tableware because it is cheap, convenient and aesthetically pleasing. It should be noted that containers for reusable use are also created from this material. Many housewives use them to store bulk materials. Is plastic harmful? You can find this information in our article.

Harm and negative qualities of plastic and disposable tableware

Few people know, but if used improperly, any disposable container can cause irreversible harm to health. In order to prevent this from happening, you need to know what the labeling of plastic utensils means. The decoding of the markers is provided in our article.

Reusable and disposable tableware is harmful if it is used incorrectly. However, some doctors believe that it carries a certain danger under any circumstances. First of all, experts do not recommend reusing those containers that are intended for single use. On the second use, it releases a large amount of substances hazardous to health.

It is no secret that plastic is a material that is obtained by chemical means. It is for this reason that when exposed to different products, it can behave in completely different ways. For example, not every disposable cup can be used to drink warm tea. Labeling plastic utensils is a great way to find out how a particular container can be used.

It is known that plastic does not decompose well. This process takes more than ten years. For this reason, this material negatively affects our environment. To cope with such a problem, factories are opening in many cities that process material hazardous to nature. Unfortunately, there are very few such companies. It is for this reason that many fast food establishments prefer to use only paper utensils. It is more environmentally friendly and harmless.

Plastic marking. Polystyrene tableware

In order not to harm your health, you need to know what the markings on plastic dishes mean. The decoding, which is described in our article, is remembered quite simply. Such information will definitely come in handy for you at a picnic or a party, and will also allow you to maintain your health.

If there is a PS sign on plastic dishes, you can be sure that polystyrene is included in such containers. If used incorrectly, it is extremely hazardous to health. Plastic utensils with this mark can only be used for storing chilled foods. The thing is that when in contact with hot food, containers with polystyrene release styrene, which accumulates in vital organs. Over time, this can lead to the development serious illnesses. In such dishes it is also highly recommended not to store alcoholic beverages and heat food in the microwave.

Plastic tableware made of polypropylene

Is there a plastic Marking and its decoding, which is described in our article, will allow you to find out.

There is an opinion that disposable tableware should never be used in the microwave. However, it is not. On some plastic containers you can find a sign with the number 5 and the symbols PP. This marking indicates that the composition of the dishes includes polypropylene. It is in such a container that you can heat food in the microwave and pour hot tea into it. Few people know, but the dishes made of polypropylene are not deformed in contact with the contents, the temperature of which is not more than 100 degrees Celsius.

The only thing that should never be stored in such a container is alcohol. If alcohol was poured into polypropylene dishes, the plastic begins to release phenol, from the impact of which a person can completely lose his sight. A polypropylene container has a lot of positive qualities. It is known that it is quite durable and retains heat well. Today, plastic utensils are extremely popular. Labeling for the consumer is the main source of information that allows you to find out what this or that container is intended for.

What does the triangle of three arrows on plastic containers mean?

It is known what the markings on plastic utensils look like. In addition to numbers and letters, there is a triangle sign on it, which consists of three arrows. Not everyone understands what it means. Such a closed cycle of arrows indicates that the used dishes are subject to further processing. As a rule, a number is located inside the triangle, and below it are several letters. They can tell you about the material from which the dishes you have chosen are made.

Sign with cutlery

The labeling of plastic utensils is the first thing a consumer should pay attention to when buying. As we said earlier, if used incorrectly, containers can cause irreversible harm to health. Often on plastic dishes you can find a sign depicting cutlery. Such a marker indicates that food products can be stored in this container. If such a sign is crossed out, then you can be sure that the product is not intended for use in the kitchen.

To protect yourself and your loved ones, you need to know and remember what the labeling of plastic utensils means. The decoding, which is described in our article, will allow you to find out what is included in a particular container.

If you go on a picnic with plastic utensils, then in no case do not burn it after it is over. When burning, disposable containers release substances hazardous to health. Experts strongly recommend not to eat in those establishments that use plastic utensils. If you have no other choice, then be sure to pay attention to its quality. Labeling plastic utensils will allow you to find out if they are used correctly in a particular establishment. A similar situation is with. Often, with a great desire to save money, they use cheaper glasses that are not designed to store hot drinks.

As we said earlier, never reuse disposable tableware. This rule is not accidental, because in this case on the surface plastic container collapses upper layer, and it begins to release life-threatening chemicals.

Gastroenterologists strongly discourage the use of plastic utensils. They emphasize that under any circumstances, part of the polymers still enters the human body. It is known that over time they accumulate and become causative agents of serious diseases. Experts strongly recommend not to use disposable containers, or at least pay attention to the recommendations for its use. Marking plastic utensils will allow you to find out what this or that container is suitable for. Doctors recommend already today to abandon the use of such kitchen items and use only those disposable containers that are made of thick paper.

Summing up

In the warm season, plastic dishes are especially popular. The marking of such containers is described in our article. We strongly recommend that you remember its decoding in order to maintain your health. Plastic utensils have a lot of positive qualities. It is cheap and compact. However, it also has several disadvantages. When used correctly, it will bring you only joy and will not ruin your picnic. Be healthy!

Tableware made of food grade polypropylene designed for use in the temperature range from -25 to +110 °C. It can store hot and cold food. Food placed in it can be heated in a microwave oven, cooked in a steam oven (steamer), stored in a refrigerator or freezer. Such dishes can be washed in a dishwasher, you can boil water in it using an electric boiler.

Polypropylene is a modern, high-quality and environmentally friendly polymeric material. Its use makes it possible to realize the dream of dishes with lines of any complexity, which are chemically neutral and do not interact with food.

The conditions for obtaining this material are similar to those in which polyethylene is produced. However, compared with it, polypropylene has a number of advantages:

• resistance to corrosion and cracking;
• hardness and resistance to abrasion;
• chemical resistance - reacts only with strong oxidizing agents, absolutely neutral in relation to food;
• the maximum temperature for using polypropylene dishes is +110 °C.

Range

The company "Tehosnastka" offers a wide range of environmentally friendly tableware made of food grade polypropylene. In our catalog you will find:

• spoons, forks and knives;
• plates and bowls;
• funnels;
• picnic and travel sets;
• sets for drinks and brewing tea and herbs;
• dishes, microwave lids and other utensils made of antimicrobial plastic.

Our advantages:

• fast processing and execution of orders;
• delivery of purchases by courier in Moscow, transport companies or mail to the regions, pickup is also possible;
• guaranteed product quality and manufacturer's prices;
• promotions and discounts for regular customers.

Disposable tableware is very convenient!

To date, many have come to this conclusion, primarily because of the properties that it possesses. Disposable utensils (paper and plastic utensils) do not break, have no big weight, and it does not require much space to store, it is cheaper than glass.

Due to the fact that plastic utensils do not break and are easy to clean, sometimes they are used as reusable utensils, but few people thought about the harm that comes from disposable utensils.

Authoritative researchers have concluded that the reusable use of disposable tableware can lead to the appearance of malignant tumors, general fatigue and headaches. Allergies, asthma attacks, even mutagenic changes in the body may appear.

Consumer properties

Consumer properties of disposable tableware are those characteristics of disposable tableware that the consumer most often pays attention to when choosing dishes and which are the most important for its use.

• Safety of disposable food and drink utensils (i.e. it is important that they comply with hygienic and medical requirements).
• Aesthetic component: disposable tableware should have an attractive appearance: a variety of colors, the possible presence of patterns, the absence of various kinds of deformations and the presence of foreign materials, etc.
• Heat resistance characteristics (preservation of temperature and resistance properties when in contact with hot drinks and food).
• Availability of a possibility of application both for cold and for hot dishes and drinks.
• The ability to use disposable tableware for storing food in the refrigerator and for heating or cooking food in a microwave oven, etc.
• The presence of such a property as frost resistance (for certain categories of disposable tableware).
• Resistant to chemicals such as alkalis, acids and fats.
• The presence of such a property as thermostaticity (the ability to hold dishes with hot food or drink in your hands and not burn your hands).

• Strength, resistance to deformation.
• Elasticity.
• For items such as knives and forks, the presence of their primary properties is to cut and prick without deforming these cutlery.
• Sustainability.
• Availability of various shapes and sizes.
• Disposable tableware should have sufficient capacity, and at the same time be compact and light in weight.
• Environmentally friendly and easy to recycle.

These plates are not eaten twice

Experts say: plates, forks, spoons and cups made of polymeric materials cannot be used more than once.

This even applies to plastic water bottles. It is strictly forbidden to pour milk or alcoholic drinks there - you will get a poisonous mixture.

The main rule when choosing disposable tableware is to carefully read the label. Each branded product must have a label showing what the packaging is made of. If there is no marking, then it is better to take care of your health and purchase the product in glass containers.

The PVC icon (PVC-polyvinyl chloride) or the number 3 in a triangle on the bottom of the bottle or plastic packaging warns the buyer about its toxicity.

In addition to harmless glass containers, there is harmless food-grade plastic, which is marked with letters:

• RE (PE)- polyethylene,
• PETF (PET) or PET (PET)- polyethylene terephthalate,
• RR (PP)- polypropylene.
• PS (PS)- means polystyrene (its code is the number 6).
• In addition, safety is confirmed image of a plate and fork, numbers 05 and 1.

Marking on disposable tableware - what does it mean?
Not all buyers know what the marking means and how such dishes can be used.

Dangerous plastic

We often underestimate the danger it can pose to our health. It turns out that there is a relatively safe and dangerous plastic. Since we still have no way out, it is worth taking care of choosing the lesser evil. Some types of plastic are really dangerous.

Information about the material used in the manufacture of the packaging is located on its bottom in the form of a graphic symbol consisting of three arrows forming a triangle. In the middle of the triangle are numbers from 1 to 7, indicating the type of material from which the packaging is made.

What are these numbers?

1 - PET (PET)

Such plastic is mainly used in the production of disposable beverage containers. Typical PET packaging is mineral water bottles. Such packaging, even after careful cleaning, can release toxic chemicals when reused. Never reuse this kind of material.

2 - HDPE (LDPE)

Polyethylene low pressure(high density) is used for the production of semi-rigid containers, it is one of the safest plastics and can be reused.

3 - PCV (PVC)

Polyvinyl chloride is very often used, for example, in the production of food packaging films. PVC is hazardous to health and can release toxins. When burned, polyvinyl chloride produces very hazardous chemical compounds, known as dioxins, which are often more dangerous than potassium cyanide.

4 - LDPE (HDPE)

The high pressure (low density) polyethylene used in many types of packaging (such as plastic bags) is considered recyclable and safer than many other plastics, but not as safe as plastics 2 and 5.

5 - PP (PP)

Reusable polypropylene is often found as a material for food containers. It belongs to the group of the safest plastics along with material 2 (HDPE).

6 - PS (PS)

Polystyrene is well known in the form of foam. PS releases toxins and should not be used as food packaging. It is also rarely used for this purpose due to the lower chemical resistance of polyethylene, but is present, for example, in lids for disposable coffee cups.

7 - OTHER (OTHER)

Never reuse plastic products marked with the number 7. This group includes many types of harmful chemical substances, including the highly toxic bisphenol A (BPA), which can contribute to schizophrenia, depression, or Alzheimer's disease. In addition, eating foods that come into contact with BPA can lead to nervous and endocrine systems and even cancer. Never use such products in microwave ovens that allow BPA to penetrate deeper into food.

It is most often found in:

In order to avoid poisoning from packaged food, simple nuances should be taken into account.

First of all, it should be remembered that disposable tableware is disposable.

Currently, plastic is an integral part of our lives, and it will not be possible to get rid of it quickly in the kitchen. But you can try to minimize the harmful effects of plastic on our health. For this:

1. Use only plastics marked 2 (HDPE) and 5 (PP) for food storage.

2. Do not use other categories of plastic for food storage, but recycle it. Do not reuse PET bottles or microwave food in the food trays you bought them in (unless the packaging says they are suitable for this purpose).

2. Do not microwave food in packages containing bisphenol (Group 7), do not pour hot liquids into them, and do not wash in the dishwasher.

3. Use all plastic packaging in accordance with the instructions on them (recommendations for temperature, use of the dishwasher, etc.).

4. Do not buy mineral water in plastic packages that have been exposed to the sun, but it is best to buy drinks (including such as milk, kefir, yogurt) in glass containers.

Disposable packaging and utensils are designed to be used once. It is not worth leaving them in reserve for storing other products.
After use, the thin protective layer on the plastic is destroyed, and these dishes cannot be reused.

Always pay attention to the appearance of the package, its integrity, clarity of the inscription, expiration date.

Principle 1. Disposable tableware can be used strictly for its intended purpose
Each type of disposable tableware has an indication of what it is intended for: for cold, for hot, for cold drinks, for alcohol, etc. If you pour a hot drink into a glass intended for cold, the plastic begins to release toxic substances.

principle 2. Never leave the product in an open jar, even in the refrigerator. Either buy a smaller package or close tightly.

Principle 3. You can not store any products in disposable dishes, especially in used ones.
After using disposable tableware, the protective layer is destroyed, and when products, such as sugar, are stored in it, toxic substances pass into the product.

Principle 4. Meat and cheese are better not to take in the package.

Principle 5. Plastic dishes are not intended for ethanol-containing substances - alcohol.
Ethanol is an aggressive solvent. The toxic substances in the plastic begin to dissolve and end up in the drink.

Principle 6. The best option for disposable tableware is paper.

Principle 7. Often the composition of plastic dishes includes melamine, which is especially abundant in bright multi-colored dishes intended for children. In its normal state, it is not dangerous, but if you put something hot on a plate, medanin begins to release toxins that enter the human body with food.
Paper is cellulose. Even if its particles enter the body, nothing terrible will happen.

Plastic bottles impair potency

While disposable cups are usually thrown away, convenient plastic bottles often remain in use.

In them by no means can't pour milk, since fats in it are able to dissolve some polymers, alcoholic drinks, kvass, compote. Polymers tend to "age" under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, high temperatures, so over time they begin to release substances harmful to humans.

Scientists from the Department of Epidemiology at HSPH and Harvard Medical School have come to the conclusion that plastic bottles are not as harmless to health as is commonly believed.

The constant consumption of drinks from plastic bottles more than two-thirds increases the body's levels of the chemical bisphenol A, which affects sex hormones, says Associate Professor Karin H. Michels.

This substance, which in itself resembles female hormone estrogen, is used in the production of packaging and jars for food and drinks, as well as baby bottles. The study found that the levels of bisphenol A in the urine of subjects who drank all drinks from plastic bottles for a week increased by 69.

Heating plastic bottles, which parents do when they want to warm milk for their babies, introduces the chemical into the liquid contents in dangerous amounts. "This is a concern, as children may be particularly susceptible to bisphenol A, which can lead to disruption of the hormonal glands," says Michels. Previous studies have shown that high level Bisphenol A consumption leads to birth defects, growth problems and an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes, the article notes.

Plastic has become an integral part modern life. It is used to produce bags, bottles, water pipes, dishes and food containers. This ensures constant contact of the plastic with the food and drinking water which, according to many experts, negatively affects human health.

Currently, five main types of plastic are widely used for the production of household items - these are polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyethylene and polypropylene. Moreover, the latter is officially recognized as safe for humans and is allowed for use in all countries of the world, in particular in Russia, the European Union and the United States.

But some scientists do not warn consumers against the constant use of dishes and other household items made of polypropylene. According to them, the negative impact of this plastic on the human body does not appear immediately, but after decades. They are sure that potentially polypropylene can cause many serious diseases up to oncology.

To establish the truth in this matter, it is necessary to study in more detail what polypropylene is, how this material is obtained and what properties it has. In addition, it is important to find out how to properly use polypropylene products - what they are suitable for and what they are not.

Production

Polypropylene is obtained by heating and subsequent compression of synthetic raw materials. material itself High Quality produced at high pressure, which ensures the strength and complete safety of the plastic. Such polypropylene is used for the manufacture of plastic dishes, packaging for yogurt, processed cheese, semi-finished products and other food products.

It has high temperature resistance, withstanding up to 150℃. Therefore, such a plastic container can be placed in a microwave oven without transferring food to glass or ceramic dishes. Cups made of high quality polypropylene are suitable for drinking hot tea, coffee and other drinks.

The only restriction concerns only alcohol. The fact is that when interacting with an alcohol-containing liquid, polypropylene can release a toxic substance - formaldehyde. The amount of this substance is extremely small to cause significant harm to a person, but in some people it can provoke a serious allergy.

Polypropylene obtained at medium and low pressure is forbidden to be used for the production of dishes and food containers.

This is due to the fact that low-quality polypropylene manufacturing technologies require the obligatory presence of a catalyst - nickel, which can cause significant damage to human health.

Harm

Speaking about the dangers of polypropylene, most people are wondering how serious the harm of plastic utensils to humans is? And this is no coincidence, because thousands of people daily use plates, forks and cups made of polypropylene during lunch breaks, snacks in inexpensive cafes, street stalls and picnics.

In the course of numerous studies, it has been found that plastic dishes are not as safe as glass or ceramic ones. It turned out that polypropylene is able to actively interact with fats, in particular with vegetable and butter, releasing phenol and formaldehyde dangerous to humans into food.

In addition, according to some reports, toxic substances from plastic can penetrate food under the influence of high temperature and prolonged contact with food. But does this mean that the use of plastic utensils and containers is unhealthy?

According to the results of numerous studies, during which scientists injected high doses of polypropylene dust into the stomach of rats, there was no negative effect of plastic on the body of experimental animals.

Only prolonged inhalation of the pores formed when polypropylene was heated above 200℃ irritated the mucous membranes of the eyes and respiratory organs in rats. Thus, plastic utensils are not harmful to humans if consumers do not violate the rules for its operation.

But utensils made of polypropylene are not the most durable and safe. The highest positive properties possesses plastic tableware made of polycarbonate raw materials. So household items made of polycarbonate can withstand very high temperature and are 200 times stronger than glass.

In addition, polycarbonate is inert material and therefore does not react with food or drink. Eg mineral water can be stored in polycarbonate bottles for 1 year without losing its useful properties.

But more details about polycarbonate will be discussed in another article, and here the issue of the safety of polypropylene for human health, in particular polypropylene water pipes. This topic is extremely relevant, since in our time there is a widespread replacement of obsolete metal pipes on modern plastic.

Many people are afraid of this trend, because they do not believe in the safety of polypropylene pipes and are afraid for their health and the health of their loved ones. Others easily agree to the installation of plastic pipes in their houses and apartments, while not being interested in the basic rules for their operation.

To begin with, it is important to emphasize that the safest way to use polypropylene pipes is to provide cold water. This is explained by the fact that when interacting with low temperatures, such pipes do not emit dangerous toxins, which means they do not affect water quality.

Some otherwise the situation is with hot water and central heating systems. The fact is that with prolonged heating, plastic can release toxic substances such as phenol and formaldehyde. However, for this, the temperature of the water in the pipes must be extremely high, while in reality it rarely exceeds 75℃.

Therefore, the harm of plastic pipes is considered greatly exaggerated, since they do not have a noticeable effect on the human body. But this is true only for quality products, and low-grade polypropylene pipes can cause serious harm to health and significantly reduce life expectancy.

To avoid such consequences, you need to know how to choose polypropylene pipes in the store and on the construction market, and always follow these rules. Here are a few of the most important ones:

1. Buy only high quality plastic pipes from well-known manufacturers which are guaranteed not to contain harmful chemical compounds;
2. You should refuse to purchase if the product has a too strong chemical smell;
3. After installing the pipes in the toilet, bathroom or kitchen, it is necessary to ventilate this room well for 2-3 days.

Benefit

Of course, products made of polypropylene have and useful properties. So disposable plastic tableware is highly hygienic and helps to avoid the transmission of many dangerous diseases. In addition, it does not beat and has a minimum weight, so it is convenient to take it with you on any trip.

Polypropylene pipes also have a whole list of positive qualities that provide them with such a high popularity. Among them, the following useful properties should be noted:

• Low price. Polypropylene pipes are much cheaper than their metal counterparts;
• Ease and speed of installation. It is not necessary to use a welding machine to connect plastic pipes;
• Light weight. The low weight greatly facilitates the delivery and installation of polypropylene pipes;
• Corrosion resistance. Plastic pipes are absolutely not subject to rust;
• Hygiene. In plastic pipes, there is almost no plaque;
• Reliability. Despite the popular belief about the fragility of plastic structures, polypropylene pipes are very reliable and can last at least 30 years;
• Resistant to temperature fluctuations. Such pipes are not afraid of a sharp change in temperature.

Conclusion

From the foregoing, the conclusion suggests itself that even the experts themselves find it difficult to say what exactly polypropylene is harmful to health. Negative influence This material has not yet been proven per person, so in almost all countries of the world it is used for the production of dishes and water pipes.

Those who doubt whether polypropylene is harmful or not can be recommended to protect themselves and their loved ones from contact with plastic as much as possible. To do this, all objects made of polypropylene can be replaced with products made from more environmentally friendly materials, and plastic pipes can be replaced with modern metal pipes made of copper or stainless steel.

Hello.

Today I would like to talk about the dangers of plastic dishes. Many of us use such utensils to store or transport food. Plastic utensils are very easy to use, cheap and in many cases considered to be much more effective than iron or glass utensils.

In our active time, where you need to "spin like a squirrel in a wheel" in order to achieve something in life, it is not always possible to store food in iron or glass dishes (it takes up a lot of space, has a lot of weight and size). People are increasingly using plastic dishes, which are very practical and light, allowing you to carry food or eat comfortably.

The level of sales of plastic tableware is increasing every year. A large number of disposable tableware is produced for various purposes: cups, plates, food storage containers, etc. Manufacturers claim that their products do not harm human health if the instructions for use are followed. Unfortunately, few of us know these instructions. And in vain...

What is plastic? The plastic itself is brittle. polymeric material, is considered non-toxic and does not harm human health. But manufacturers, in order to improve its durability and strength, add special chemical components that, under certain conditions, are harmful to health.

There are different types of plastic utensils. It happens with the material: polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride. Depending on the composition of the plastic, the product is used for different purposes.

On such dishes, it must be indicated under what conditions it can be used. The manufacturer puts a special sign on his product, which indicates for what purposes it can be used. The most common signs are: "fork with a glass", "snowflakes", "plates under the shower", etc. . Such labels inform the consumer that the product is suitable for contact with food and that some treatment of the plastic is permitted (eg washing with water or hot/low temperature).

The manufacturer also indicates the type of plastic. Most often, this is a number in a triangle that indicates what material the plastic container is made of. Check out the marking table:

PLASTIC LABELING CHART

1. Polyethylene terphthalate (PET) is marked with a number "1" .
2. Low pressure polyethylene (HDPE or HDPE) is marked with a number "2" .
3. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC or PVC) is marked with a number "3" .
4. High pressure polyethylene (LDPE or LDPE) is marked with a number "4" .
5. Polypropylene (PP) is marked with a number "5" .
6. Polystyrene (PS) is marked with a number "6" .
7. A mixture of different plastics (OTHER) is marked with a number "7" .

Most often, the marking sign is placed on the bottom of the dishes. If you want to buy plastic dishes, then be sure to look for the number in the triangle. Let's take a closer look at what harm plastic can cause. different kind when used incorrectly:

HARM OF PLASTIC CUTLERY

1. Polyethylene terphthalate (PET) .

This material is considered environmentally friendly among the rest. Manufacturers produce disposable cups, plates, jars, boxes, bottles from it. The shelf life of such containers is a year. Unfortunately, this material has weak protective characteristics. It lets in ultraviolet rays, air, which leads to a decrease in the shelf life of products.

Also, the manufacturer can add additional chemical components (dicols, phthalates or other toxic substances) to improve the reliability of their products. That's when such plastic can harm human health. The main rule is do not reuse PET containers, because they are lost over time protective properties and release of toxic substances.

Also, when heated, formaldehyde is released, so you can not heat dishes made of polyethylene terephthalate (for example, in a microwave).

Low pressure polyethylene (HDPE).

Get it at low pressure. This material is part of various cans, bottles, films. Mostly rigid containers. May be reused. It is safe to say that it belongs to the safest plastics. It has high hardness, high strength, excellent chemical resistance to fats, acids and alkalis. Melting point: +129-135. It has greater fragility, less water absorption, vapor permeability.



2. High density polyethylene (LDPE) .

The material is very light and durable. Various plastic packaging (flexible), bags, films, storage containers are made from this material. detergents, and some plastic bottles (for vegetable oil). For others, it is considered environmentally friendly due to its characteristics. Used for food contact. The melting point is about 110 degrees. It is resistant to tearing and deformation. Has resistance to influence of sunshine.

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3. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC or PVC) .

Very resistant to acids, various oils, solvents.

Very common dishes made of this material. They make bottles for water, and is also part of some films for packaging. They also make caps for plastic bottles (vegetable oil for example). It is forbidden to use dishes containing polyvinyl chloride for long-term storage of any products.

To create color or impact resistance, manufacturers add additional additives: plasticizers, softeners, pigments, and so on. It is these additives that are dangerous to humans.

If the conditions of use are not observed, hazardous substances are released - phthalates, dioxide, bisphenol A, heavy metals and vinyl chloride (this is a very toxic substance that can be very harmful to health). Scientists have proven that when used improperly, vinyl chloride is released, which penetrates into food.

Polyvinyl chloride products must not be heated. When burned, toxic substances (very dangerous for humans) are released. There may be hormonal disorders, decreased immunity, oncological diseases or infertility.



4. Polypropylene (PP).

Polypropylene is used for the manufacture of food packaging film, yogurt cups, plates, spoons, lids for various containers, baby bottles, hot food containers. The material withstands high temperatures (up to +100 C), so you can drink hot tea or coffee.

You can not drink alcohol from polypropylene, because formaldehyde and phenol are released. These substances accumulate in the body and destroy the liver and kidneys. Visual impairment, work impairment gastrointestinal tract(possible ulcer).

Experts also prohibit the use of such dishes for storing fat. Upon contact with fat, the protective walls of the plastic are destroyed and formaldehyde and other toxic substances are released. It is forbidden to heat products from polypropylene above 100 degrees.



5. Polystyrene (PS).

Manufacturers use this type of plastic to create egg containers and cups. Do not heat polystyrene cookware, because hazardous toxic substances are released. Hot food is highly discouraged.

The advantage of polystyrene is its resistance to cold, so it can be used for cold food.

Improper handling may release a carcinogen - styrene. Suffering reproductive function person. Do not drink alcohol or hot tea from such containers. The dishes are intended exclusively for cold food. It is advisable to minimize the use of this type of plastic in your life.

6. Mix of different plastics (OTHER) .

A mixture of various plastics or polymers not listed above. Packaging marked with this number cannot be recycled and ends its life cycle at the landfill.

Many manufacturers use combinations of different plastics. Used for making baby bottles, water bottles.

Very often there is such a component as polycarbonate. In case of improper handling of dishes (very long-term use), a toxic element is released from polycarbonate - bisphenol A. Bisphenol A disrupts physiological processes in the body, metabolism is disturbed, and hormonal imbalance occurs. It is not recommended to use plastic utensils marked OTHER.

You and I got acquainted with the main types of materials that are used to create plastic dishes, we learned what danger they pose. Unfortunately, nowadays it is almost impossible to do without plastic dishes. Therefore, it is necessary to minimize the harm from their use. Experts recommend the following:

TIPS FOR USE OF PLASTIC TABLEWARE

1. It is necessary to strictly use plastic utensils for their intended purpose.
2. It is forbidden hot water pour into a plastic container.
3. Do not purchase dishes if you see that they were made a year ago (the longer they are stored, the more chemistry you will receive).
4. It is advisable for the child to use only glassware.
5. Give up plastic bottles for feeding babies (better buy a glass bottle).
6. Do not store food in plastic containers.
7. Buy water in glass containers at the store.
8. Disposable containers are strictly forbidden to be reused.
9. Do not store food in plastic bags in the refrigerator.