What you should know about plastic bottles | Lifestyle.INQ

OCTOBER 27, 2022

More food and beverages are being packed in plastic, which is lighter than glass and, if it breaks, is less likely to cause major injuries.

 

But warnings have also been issued about the health hazards posed by certain kinds of plastic and the need to choose “food grade quality” material.

 

How do we know that the packaging of the things we eat or drink is the right kind of plastic?

 

In an article carried by Baba Mail, healthy-holistic-living. com says the information we need is at the bottom of the bottle: “If you flip over your plastic bottle, you are likely to see letters marked on or close to its base. Some common ones include PET, PVC, HDP and PP,” says the website, which likewise explains what each label means.

 

PET or PETE is the most commonly used material in packaging and consumer products, especially for water and soft drink bottles. The plastic is intended for single use and is difficult to decontaminate. Repeated use increases the risk of leach and bacteria. Metals and chemicals released by the material may tamper with the body’s hormonal balance.

 

HDP or HDPE, a harder type, is often used for milk jugs, detergent bottles, oil bottles, toys and some bags. According to healthy-holistic-living.com, experts claim HDP is the safest kind of plastic for bottled water because it barely releases any chemicals.

 

PVC or 3V is a highly toxic plastic that is soft and flexible but is generally used for food wrapping, oil bottles, teething rings, toys and blister packaging. It releases chemicals that may have serious health consequences. Experts suggest using an alternative.

 

LDPE does not release chemicals into the water but is not used for bottled water. Healthy-holistic-living.com warns that LDPE, which is found in food packaging, may still release highly dangerous chemicals in the foods we eat.

 

PP, a white or semi-transparent type of plastic, is used in yogurt cups and syrup packing.  The material, polypropylene plastic, is tough, lightweight and heat-resistant. It will not melt easily if heated. It is a safe type of plastic that can also block out moisture, grease and chemicals.

 

PS stands for polystyrene, a type of inexpensive and lightweight plastic that is used for a range of products like disposable styrofoam drinking cups, egg cartons, plastic picnic cutlery, and takeout “clamshell” food containers. But PS should be for short-term use only, since it can release dangerous carcinogenic substances when heated.

 

PC or non-labeled plastic “is potentially the most dangerous plastic.” It is a catch-all category for polycarbonate materials and “other” plastics, which contain chemicals that are likely to leach into food or drink. Use of the material include sports water bottles and food containers. It is highly discouraged to reuse or recycle this type of plastic.

 

Healthy-holistic-living.com  points out that these kinds of plastics are also used in everyday items that may not directly affect our health like water pipes, signs, clothing, furniture, shower curtains, textiles, stationery, insulation, diapers, medical equipment, etc.

 

Free movies

 

Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) and General Trias City have signed a memorandum of agreement that allows senior citizens and persons with disabilities to watch one regular movie for free on Monday or Tuesday at Movieworld’s six theaters at Robinsons Place Gen Trias.

 

The agreement was signed by RLC senior vice president and general manager Arlene G. Magtibay and Gen. Trias Mayor Antonio A. Ferrer.

 

Send letters to The Consumer, Lifestyle Section, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 1098 Chino Roces Ave. cor. Mascardo and Yague Sts., 1204 Makati City; fax 8974793/94; or e-mail [email protected]

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