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Plastic has long become commonplace in every family. Modern children are exposed to it from birth, sipping milk heated in the microwave from plastic bottles. But can we afford such a careless attitude towards plastic? How safe is it really? Is it worth choosing plastic utensils for food products or use long-tested old dishes? If you're worried about plastic, then maybe use paper utensils? High-quality dishes from the manufacturer on the website http://bumposuda.ru

We addressed these questions to leading experts in the field Food Industry. You will read the answers received in this article.

What types of plastic are used in industry

There are now several types of plastic that can be used for different purposes. Plastic itself is not toxic, but to form the necessary qualities for each type of plastic, various chemical plasticizers, heavy metal salts, stabilizers and other substances are used. When they are exposed to direct sunlight, hot or cold temperatures, all the dangerous chemicals begin to be released into the product that is in plastic container.

Important

Each type of plastic has a marking that indicates its purpose. Using plastic for other than its intended purpose will lead to the release of toxic substances from it, which in small quantities can cause an allergic reaction, and in large quantities - poisoning the body and serious illnesses.

Types of plastic utensils for the kitchen

What markings should be on the plastic?

1. Melamine. Often not marked. This type plastic is used for utensils, which are sold on the market at every step. Plates and trays of various shapes and sizes with beautiful bright designs often tempt a passing housewife to purchase such an inexpensive miracle for her kitchen. And now in the kitchen the plate begins to diligently serve the hostess, going into the microwave to heat up food or into the refrigerator for storage.

But, not every housewife knows that cheap dishes from the market are VERY toxic. Melamine is banned in many countries. The poison that is released from this type of plastic under the influence of hot or cold temperatures causes stomach and liver disorders, weakens vision and causes skin diseases. Melamine trays can be used for sliced ​​bread or cold sandwiches.

Important

If you have melamine dishes in your home for a long time that have scratches or damage to the design caused by lead paint, you need to change them. The shelf life of such dishes is less than a year. It is not recommended to use this cookware for food products.

Manufacturers of high-quality plastic containers always put markings on their products, which determine the purpose of the container.

1. MarkingPP is our analogue of PP. The safest type of plastic utensils for food. PP plastic is used for the production of feeding bottles, food storage containers, disposable cups and even for the production of cling film. Such dishes are not afraid of either high or low temperatures and are approved for use in the microwave.

But, it is prohibited to store natural fats and alcoholic beverages in it. Fats and alcohols destroy the structure of plastic and substances that are released into products can cause a sharp deterioration in vision.

1. MarkingPS – our analogue of PS. Plastics with this marking are also often used to make food trays. Meat, fish, eggs are stored in it. Every housewife has more than once purchased packaging similar to foam plastic in the supermarket. PS plastic is intended for storing food in the refrigerator. In production, chemical elements are often added to this plastic that allow it to be formed into cups for disposable use. You can drink cold drinks from them.

But, this plastic does not tolerate high temperatures. But we often drink hot coffee from such cups early in the morning or during the cold season of the year on the street.

1. MarkingPET orPETE – our analogue of PET. This type of plastic is used for storing soft drinks. We often buy juices, water and other drinks for children in bottles made of this plastic. Disposable plastic tableware for food products is also made from this type of plastic. Vegetable oil can be stored in PET plastic bottles.

But, the shelf life of this plastic is one year. Do not buy products in stores with a long shelf life that is coming to an end, because the product contained in a bottle that is more than a year old is already saturated with chemicals harmful to the body. Dishes made from this plastic are also resistant to high temperatures and are intended for storing food at room temperature.

1. MarkingHDPE is our analogue of HDPE. Containers made from this type of plastic are widely used in the household chemicals industry.

But, plastic bowls, serving trays, mugs and other useful household items are often made from this type of plastic.

1. MarkingV orPVC is our analogue of PVC. This type of plastic is used to produce plastic pipes, floor coverings, containers for strong household chemicals.

But, in combination with various chemical additives, you can obtain cheap raw materials for the production of large-volume plastic bottles for storing water, edible fats, and disposable tableware. This type of plastic is the most dangerous for the body.

Important

If PVC containers are exposed to direct sunlight, then within a week the product stored in it will be poisoned by carcinogens.

You can easily find out that a container is made of PVC - just press the bottle with your fingernail and you will see a dented white mark from your nail on the container; other types of plastic do not leave a white mark.

1. MarkingLDPE is our analogue of MDV. This type of plastic is recognized as safe for the pharmaceutical and food industries. Various packaging and films are produced from it.

But However, it is not recommended to freeze food in this film; it is better to use special cling film for this purpose.

1. MarkingOTHER – Other. Dishes with this marking are highly durable and can withstand different temperatures, which is why they are often used in restaurants. This type of plastic is considered safe for the environment.

But, when dishes made from this plastic are damaged or after the expiration date, a carcinogen begins to be released from it, which can cause diabetes or hormonal imbalance in the body.

General rules for the use of plastic utensils

• For disposable tableware, use only those with the “glass, fork” symbol. If the icon is crossed out, this indicates that this dish cannot be used for storing food.
• If the dishes are damaged, do not use them; it is better to replace them with dishes made of a different material.
• Try to avoid cooking food in the microwave in plastic containers, even if the seller assured you that this can be done - your health comes first. Microwaves are also suitable for these purposes.
• You should also avoid using plastic to store food in the refrigerator.
• When going into nature, leave plastic bottles with drinks in the shade or cover them to protect from sunlight.
• Do not burn plastic dishes. As a result of combustion, a huge amount of toxic substances is released. Plastic must be disposed of in special trash containers.

Safe plastic utensils on airplanes

If there is an urgent need, you can use disposable plastic utensils; they will not harm you at once. you already know and know which type of plastic is not harmful to the baby.

If you have not yet decided whether to purchase plastic utensils for food products, then follow the advice of experts who do not recommend plastic utensils for regular use at home.

There is no point in writing about the fact that many people use plastic utensils - this known fact. We use it especially often in nature. It's really very convenient. Although one of my friends regularly uses such dishes for the holidays, when many guests come to her house. I repeatedly told her that it is not very beautiful, firstly, and, secondly, it can still be harmful. But she doesn’t like to wash mountains of dishes after the holidays, and she often organizes the holidays themselves. And, by the way, none of the guests had such utensils. festive table doesn’t bother you (or they are discreetly silent about it).

In addition to outdoor use, some housewives and homes use plastic products: salad bowls, glasses, food storage containers, etc. And I wondered: is plastic tableware harmful or is it better to give it up? Does it cause harm to health or is it just another “horror story”? Let's figure it out.

What kind of plastic is there?

Plastic is a material made from high molecular weight compounds, obtained by “cross-linking” synthetic or natural short molecules of a substance into longer chains. When damaged, exposed to other substances, heated or aged, these chains break and monomers of the main substance are released into our food or into the air. The most famous and commonly used types of plastic are polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polypropylene and polycarbonate.

Any of the listed types of plastic deteriorates in the following cases:

• With aging (it breaks down and releases decay products).
• For various damages (cracks and scratches).
• From heating.
• When exposed to alkaline substances.
• From contact with alcohol-containing liquids.
• From contact with fats.

Reusable plastic food products are recommended to be used for no more than a year. And that's provided that there isn't a single scratch on them.. Otherwise, throw it in the trash without regret. Disposable tableware should be used once and for no more than four hours.

Never Do not reuse disposable tableware!

How to understand that plastic is aging and is not suitable for further use? Very simple. The plastic becomes cloudy and difficult to wash, unpleasant to the touch, retains food odors or emits some of its own. If you notice even one small scratch on the plastic, throw it away! It is no longer suitable for use in the kitchen!

About the dangers of plastic and its components

Plastic itself is not harmful or toxic, which is why it is used to make tableware. But pure plastic is a fragile and unstable thing. different temperatures. Therefore, some stabilizers are added to it to make it stronger. Unfortunately, along with its strength, plastic becomes toxic.

Various solvents and additives used for the production of plastic utensils and entering food under certain conditions (see above) release toxic substances that have extremely harmful effects. negative impact on our body.

The most common of them:

• Formaldehyde – negatively affects the central nervous system(CNS), reproductive function, affects internal organs, provokes allergies.
• Phthalates – lead to infertility.
• Methanol - the real poison. It affects the central nervous system, organs of vision, and causes chronic intoxication.
• Styrene – has a very strong effect on the central nervous system, disrupts metabolism, provokes malfunctions in the hematopoietic system, and has an extremely negative effect on blood vessels.
• Bisphenol A – gradually accumulates in the body, causes irreversible changes in the reproductive system and complications of pregnancy, increases the risk of diabetes and cancer.
• Vinyl chloride – poison, carcinogen, mutagen. Provokes the development of cancer of the brain, liver, lungs, and lymphatic system. And the longer a drink is stored in a plastic bottle, the more polyvinyl chloride it contains. A week after filling the bottle, the drink becomes harmful.

There is a myth that disposable and reusable plastic is coated with a special protective layer. Nothing like this! This is just a myth. There is no protective layer on such dishes. This fairy tale was invented by manufacturers of plastic tableware to reassure us, the consumers. A small scratch on such dishes can (and will) cause toxic substances to enter our food and then our bodies..

Another challenge: plastic recycling. As a result of such processing, it is generally impossible to understand the composition of the material. Manufacturers must mark and indicate on the bottom of the product what plastic the dishes are made of, but, unfortunately, not everyone does this. And you and I simply do not have the ability to understand and determine what we are holding in our hands and how safe it is.

The generally accepted markings of utensils in which food can be stored are forks and glasses. If the fork and glass are crossed out, it means that this product is strictly forbidden to be used for food products.

In addition, the dishes must indicate what products they can be used for: cold or hot, bulk or liquid, for freezing, for the microwave, etc.

Important! Plastic dishes marked "for microwave oven" and "for hot foods" - this is absolutely different ways use. You can only use utensils in the microwave that have the icon: wave oven or the word “microwave safe.” The marking “for hot foods” means that you can drink and eat hot food from this container, but under no circumstances should you cook or heat it in this container. Remember that when frequent use When using dishes for hot foods, the “aging effect” begins and it is advisable not to use such dishes many times.

Russian scientists have conducted a number of studies and claim that plastic utensils are absolutely safe, but only if used correctly and replaced in a timely manner .

Separately about plastic bottles

There is no doubt that a plastic bottle is very convenient and practical. Unlike glass, it will never break. And very often a disposable bottle turns into a reusable one. This is especially true for bottles with easy-to-drink necks, which mothers use to give their young children something to drink. The danger is that almost all plastic bottles are made of polyethylene terephthalate, which is practically unstable to shock loads, transmits ultraviolet light and oxygen well, significantly worsening the quality of the drink, and polyvinyl chloride, the dangers of which have already been mentioned above.

You will say that these bottles are reusable with special markings. Yes you are right. But you can’t put anything in them except water. . And mothers pour everything into them: juices, compotes, jelly, even dairy products.

There is a great way to check the safety of the container: press the bottle with your fingernail and look at the result. If it remains on the plastic white stripe, then it is better to throw away such a bottle - it may well harm your health.

How to use plastic utensils without harm?

No matter how much they scare us, we are unlikely to give up using plastic utensils. Because it is inexpensive, convenient and hygienic.

In order not to harm your health when using such utensils, it is enough to follow some important and simple rules:

• Always use utensils as labeled.
• Do not use regular plastic utensils in the microwave.
• Do not use disposable plastic packaging for storing or freezing food.
• Always use disposable tableware – once!
• Always crumple up disposable tableware after use (especially in food service areas).
• Never cook foods high in sugar, fat or acids in plastic containers (even if the label says so).
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages from plastic cups.
• When you come home from the store, remove the packaging film from the products.
• Try to buy baby food in glass or cardboard containers.
• Buy baby plastic bottles only with the “BPA-free” symbol, or it would be better to avoid using plastic in baby dishes altogether.
• Do not allow water to stagnate in the jug with a cleaning filter; change the water in it regularly. If the jug becomes cloudy, throw it away without hesitation.
• Do not wash reusable plastic dishes with brushes or hard brushes, or use cleaning powder.
• Never burn empty plastic bottles or other plastic products in a fire, stove or fireplace (used plastic is best disposed of in a special container).

Summarize

Of course, it is best to give up plastic utensils. But we understand perfectly well that in practice this is very problematic. Well, you can’t go to nature with porcelain or ceramic plates, right? Plastic ones are much more convenient and practical. Although we are in Lately We increasingly buy disposable cardboard plates and glasses when going outdoors. Forks and spoons remain plastic, since there is no other alternative yet.

For the child, I specially take an ordinary spoon from home and, if possible, do not let him eat or drink from plastic dishes. I don't use it at home at all plastic containers for food storage, glass only.

There are so many harmful factors around us that negatively affect our health. So why not reduce this number at least a little. Watch not only what you eat, but also what you eat from, and be healthy!

Elena Belokonova

American scientists say: 80% of “plastic” substances found in the human body come there mostly from dishes. But if it says “food grade plastic”, it must be harmless! However, there are many nuances, and the main thing is that food plastic comes in different forms. How it can be used depends on what substances it contains. Unfortunately, this is not written on the labels, and, accordingly, this rule is rarely observed.

Photo by Getty Images

Dishes

An irreplaceable thing at the dacha and especially at a barbecue picnic. In some fast food cafes, soups and main courses are served in plastic bowls and plates. But often such dishes are made from polystyrene (PS). When heated, it forms carcinogenic styrene, which accumulates in the liver and kidneys and can even lead to cirrhosis. Dishes marked PS can only be used for cold dishes! The only plastic that is suitable for hot food is polypropylene (PP).

Glasses

Alcohol is a solvent, so if you pour it into a plastic cup or glass, you get a solution of ethanol with stinol, phenol and formaldehyde. This leads to problems with vision, kidneys and reproduction. Tea and coffee can only be poured into glasses marked PP, but only when the drink has cooled down a little. Polypropylene can withstand temperatures no higher than 75 degrees.

Bottles

Most often they are made from PET plastic. Rospotrebnadzor advocates banning the sale of beer in PET bottles, since under the influence of alcohol, phthalates are released from plastic into the drink. They affect hormonal balance, men produce female hormones, sexual activity decreases, and women develop endometriosis and infertility.

1. Ideally, avoid plastic altogether. Buy disposable paper tableware, glass containers for storing food, drinks in glass, and carry a reusable flask of water with you.

2. Pour only water into disposable plastic cups.

3. Do not reuse disposable tableware and PET water bottles.

4. Do not store foods containing acid (tomatoes, fruit salads) in plastic containers. Don't put hot food in there.

5. Wash the containers carefully, without damaging the surface layer, with baking soda diluted with water to a mushy state.

In Austria, Ireland, Australia, China, Bangladesh and other countries, the use of plastic bottles is completely prohibited

Marking

1. PET(E)/PET – polyethylene terephthalate: bottles for drinks, containers for bulk food products. The best plastic for bottles.

2. PEHD (HDPE)/HDPE – polyethylene low pressure: for packaging milk, bags. May release formaldehyde.

3. PVC/PVC – polyvinyl chloride: packaging of water and products by small enterprises. Contains the carcinogen vinyl chloride, which can penetrate into food and the human body. It's better not to use it.

4. PELD (LDPE)/LDPE – polyethylene high pressure: bags, flexible packaging. May release formaldehyde.

5. PP/PP – polypropylene: dishes for hot dishes, cling film. Withstands temperatures up to 75 degrees.

6. PS/PS – polystyrene: disposable tableware. Does not withstand heat. You cannot eat or drink hot foods, drinks or alcohol from it.

7. O(ther)/Other – a mixture of plastics or polymers not listed above. It is better not to use for food products.

Wide range of dishes

Plastic dishes are available at prices starting from 250 rubles. More than 60,000 pieces of furniture and interior design. 390+ brands of beautiful and designer furniture.

Warranty for cookware

We choose only reliable partners and carefully monitor quality. Plastic utensils are covered by a manufacturer's warranty and INMYROOM's own quality control system.

Help in selection

Our designers will select tableware for free, taking into account your interior and layout. If necessary, they will offer an alternative replacement from the wide range of INMYROOM.

Fast and high-quality delivery in Moscow

We deliver purchases 7 days a week. Please check with your manager for the exact cost and delivery time in Moscow. Delivery to other regions of the Russian Federation and CIS countries is possible.

Easy returns and exchanges

You can return the dishes within 7 calendar days from the date of receipt in Moscow.

Warehousing service

We offer storage in our own warehouse if you have ordered dishes from us and the repairs have not yet been completed. Check the rates with the INMYROOM manager.

Plastic utensils are used by many families: salad bowls, plates, mugs, etc. are very convenient to use, easy to clean and do not break. But few of us think about the safety of such a comfortable type of dishes and containers in the kitchen as plastic. But they come into contact with foods that are eaten. Housewives always read the ingredients of products, but very rarely pay attention to the composition and quality of packaging and containers for storing food and drinks.

In this article we will try to figure out whether food-grade plastic is harmful and whether dishes made from this material pose a health risk.

Types of plastic

Plastic is a material made on the basis of synthetic or natural high-molecular compounds and characterized by a wide range of applications. The most common types of plastic are:

• polyvinyl chloride,
• polyethylene,
• polypropylene,
• polystyrene
• polycarbonate

All polymers are obtained by polymerization - i.e. “linking” short molecules of a substance into longer chains. When heated, damaged, aging, or in contact with other substances, these chains break and monomers of the main substance enter the air or food.

How long can plastic utensils be used?

Absolutely all types of plastics are subject to destruction due to:

• aging (they break down, releasing decay products)
• damage (cracks, scratches)
• heating to critical temperatures (see below)
• exposure to alkaline detergents
• contact with alcohols
• contact with fats.

Reusable plastic food products can be used for their intended purpose no more than 1 year(provided their integrity is maintained - without cracks or scratches). Disposable tableware should not be stored with food for more than 3-4 hours after packaging, especially to be used a second time.

How can you tell if plastic is getting old? It becomes cloudy, absorbs odors, is difficult to wash, and is unpleasant to the touch. Such products can no longer be used. Even if there are only a couple of scratches on the plastic, it is no longer suitable for food purposes.

The harm of plastic

Polymers are inert in nature and non-toxic, which is why they are used for the production of tableware - they do not end up in food products. But!!!

• Pure plastic itself is fragile and unstable to high and low temperatures. And to give it the proper properties, stabilizers are added: the plastic becomes stronger, but also more toxic.
• Solvents, technological additives and intermediate substances of production and products of chemical decomposition of polymers under certain conditions enter food and have a toxic effect on the body.

Depending on the type of plastic (see table below), certain toxic substances may be released:

• Formaldehyde has carcinogenic, mutagenic and allergenic effects, negatively affects the reproductive system, affects internal organs and the central nervous system (see).
• Phthalates - increase systolic blood pressure and lead to infertility.
• Methanol is a dangerous poison, it affects the organs of vision and the central nervous system, causing chronic intoxication.
• Vinyl chloride is a neurotropic poison with carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic effects.
• Styrene is a dangerous carcinogen. It has a negative effect on the reproductive system, affects the central and peripheral nervous system, disrupts metabolism and the functioning of the hematopoietic system.
• Bisphenol A accumulates in the body, causing irreversible changes in the reproductive system, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes, as well as the likelihood of cancer. Causes various pregnancy complications.
• Vinyl chloride - released during the aging process from a polyvinyl chloride bottle, is a neurotropic poison and carcinogen, mutagen and teratogen. When ingested, it turns into chlorepoxyethylene and can provoke the development of cancer of the lungs, brain, liver, lymphatic and hematopoietic systems. The longer a bottle of drink is stored (and often this period is 12 months), the more polyvinyl chloride will be in the contents, and this migration begins within a week after the bottle is filled at the factory.

No protective layer in disposable plastic, however, as in reusable, no - this is a myth that is designed to console our minds. Just a scratch on the dishes can cause plastic components to migrate into the food.

Cons of recycled plastic

Another negative point- spreading recycling plastics In this regard, it is not always possible to identify the composition of the material and the releases from it. That is why it is so important when purchasing plastic packaging or products in it to pay attention to the inscription on the bottom - this is a mandatory attribute of certified products. However, not all manufacturers label their products as expected and not all products on Russian shelves are certified. What else creates big problem for the consumer when choosing plastic products.

Some research by scientists about the dangers of plastic

Russian scientists say that certified plastic tableware is absolutely safe, but only if correct use and timely replacement.

American researchers claim that the presence of about 80% of “plastic” substances in the human body is the result of the use of construction and finishing materials made of plastic, as well as its use in everyday life, and most of all - in dishes.

Substance diethylhexyl phthalate, which is used to soften plastics, is associated with an increased risk of:

• development of obesity,
• cardiovascular diseases,
• as well as infertility in boys.

Thus, obese children had increased levels of this substance in the blood. Despite the fact that in the last decade the impact of diethylhexyl phthalate on the body of expectant mothers has decreased by about 50%, these risks still exist.

Phthalates:

• Lead to an increase in systolic pressure: after examining more than 3,000 children who were constantly in contact with plastic products, a 3-fold increase in the level of phthalates in the urine and an increase in blood pressure were found.
• For their study, the team looked at data from nearly 800 women and their children. It has been confirmed that if the mother's body was exposed to phthalates in the first trimester of pregnancy, boys born had a higher risk of developing infertility. Boys may be born with a shorter anogenital distance, which is directly related to infertility and poor quality sperm.
• There is no safe level of exposure to phthalates for pregnant women. To completely eliminate this substance, you should not only stop using plastic utensils in everyday life, but also not eat foods packaged in plastic packaging.
• Phthalates will still surround a person - they are in wallpaper, personal care products, medical devices and almost everywhere, but in this form they are less dangerous.

Bisphenol A:

• In 2015, scientists from the scientific campus Saudi Arabia a study was conducted that proved bad influence bisphenol A on the liver function of experimental rats and their offspring. The work focuses on the fact that the presence of bisphenol A in the body can cause genetic damage to DNA.
• Scientists have classified Bisphenol A as a “multi-stage” carcinogen that accumulates in the body and has a negative effect both in the body and in offspring. The danger of certain concentrations of the substance was determined experimentally. It turned out that even very low concentrations can lead to harmful consequences for the health of humans and their children (see).
• Studies that were carried out in several foreign institutes with the participation of the US Environmental Protection Agency showed that out of 204 experimental samples of food products (canned food), 73% of them contained the presence of bisphenol A (released from the resins with which the coating is coated). inner layer metal cans). At the moment, alternative coatings are being developed that could replace epoxy resins. But in any case, glass is considered the most environmentally friendly container for preservation.
• Australian scientists conducted an experiment - they examined the urine of volunteers, including pregnant women and children, who drink bottled water (which is sold in large bottles). Bisphenol A was detected in 95% of them. Yes, under normal conditions plastic does not release chemical elements into the water, but if the water is heated even a few degrees higher room temperature, the “migration” of chemistry from plastic into water begins.

Tritan bottles

Tritan is a heat-resistant transparent polymer developed by the American company Eastman in 2007. Billed as a “healthy, ultra-safe” plastic. Literally immediately after the presentation, a line of baby bottles was released from Tritan, which quickly spread throughout the world. Currently, Tritan is used by many American companies for the manufacture of industrial goods, tableware, including 19-liter water bottles. The material is in high demand in third world countries, where consumers are more concerned about the price of goods than about their own safety.

Eastman was founded by Dr. Andrew Weil, who promotes alternative medicine, including urine therapy. In 2014, chemicals used to make plastic leaked from a facility that contaminated water in West Virginia and displaced 300,000 people. drinking water for a month.

The popularity of Tritan abroad is more likely due to the lack of alternatives than the announced safety of plastic. Consumers categorically refused to use polycarbonate bottles that emit Bisphenol A, and in the PET container market, demand exceeds supply by 3 times. Companies are forced to buy expensive materials suitable for bottle blowing. Tritan is not seen as a competitor to PET in the US, and companies with access to PET are buying it. Tritan is used only by those companies that, due to lack of supply, are unable to purchase PET.

Eastman has repeatedly claimed to have thoroughly tested the safety of Tritan, but the methods used in the studies did not meet business standards. In 2008, Eastman began collaborating with Sciences International, a scientific company that lost a high-profile trial. They conducted research for the tobacco industry and for 2 years misinformed consumers about the side effects of new types of cigarettes, which caused several deaths.

Meanwhile, Tritan contains the synthetic estrogen triphenyl phosphate, or TPP, which is more harmful than Bisphenol A. But Eastman did not test Tritan as a single element, but divided it into several components. CHP was not included in the list of factors analyzed, although it is the most dangerous component of Tritan.

Eastman conducted another study using breast cancer cells, and the first results were positive for estrogenic activity. A company scientist reported the results for the presence of synthetic estrogens as negative, although they were positive. This was stated by Michael Denison, a professor of toxicology at the University of California at Davis, who assessed Eastman's report on the safety of Tritan as an independent expert.

In parallel, the company PlastiPure was engaged in research on tritan, which was also looking for a safe alternative to polycarbonate. As a result, it was found that Tritan components are more dangerous to human health than Bisphenol A. Different types tritan (and there are as many as 5 of them produced) emit harmful chemical substances under the influence of ultraviolet light.

In 2010, Eastman began marketing campaigns claiming that Tritan does not contain synthetic estrogens. In early 2010, Philips Avent, a leader in baby bottles and sippy cups, decided to see if they could do their own independent research on Tritan, but for unknown reasons abandoned the idea. In the same year, Nestlé tested Tritan and discovered that it contained extremely harmful leached synthetic estrogen, but by agreement with the manufacturer did not make these results public.

Today, Eastman is conducting legal proceedings with independent laboratories that provide evidence of the dangers of Tritan.

Characteristics of the main types of plastic

The table shows:

• Comparative characteristics of plastics used for food products and potential risks associated with their use - these data do not mean that all food in plastic and utensils made from it are deadly, but harm, unfortunately, cannot be ruled out (the likelihood of which increases significantly with improper use or recycling of disposable products) .
• average temperature softening plastic- this is the temperature at which the destruction of the polymer begins and the active release of toxic substances into food and air.
• The digital designation is located in a triangle of arrows- you should look for it at the bottom.

Name	Designation, softening point	Where is it used?	What might stand out?
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET, number 1) The most environmentally friendly polymer, but nevertheless, when recycled or improperly used, it can emit harmful substances	from 245 C	Disposable “soft” bottles for water and drinks, oils, sauces, beer, disposable tableware	Phthalates and formaldehyde
High-density polyethylene (HDPE, number 2) and low-density (LDPE, number 4) containing melamine-formaldehyde resins	High density polyethylene from 80C low from 60 C	Packaging for dairy products, reusable tableware, baby bottles, food film, grocery bags	Formaldehyde and methanol, which are released during photoaging (prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light)
Polyvinyl chloride (number 3, PVC)	from 75 C	Disposable bottles and caps for them, food film, containers, but more often - bottles for household chemicals	Vinyl chloride, formaldehyde, bisphenol A
Polypropylene (PP, number 5). Relatively safe and most common. There are high, medium and low pressure; only 1 type is allowed for food packaging.	from 140 C	Jars, containers and food containers, glasses, can be colored. Reusable dishes.	Formaldehyde, especially in contact with fatty foods and alcohol
Polystyrene (PS, number 6)	from 90 C	Disposable glasses, trays for packaging products (similar to polystyrene foam), jars for dairy products, forks, spoons, disposable knives, disposable containers	Styrene and formaldehyde
Polycarbonate (PC or PC)	from 220 C	Reusable and disposable bottles, including children's, plastic tableware, plastic parts of pacifiers, inner layer of metal cans	Bisphenol A
Melamine (Melsazh, Melamin, M). Prohibited for the food industry!	Melamine melts at 350 C.	Dishes that look very similar to porcelain	Formaldehyde
Mixtures of plastics (number 7). This includes polycarbonate, polyamide and other types of plastics		Water bottles, packaging	Bisphenol A, formaldehyde and others, summing up the negative effects

Are ABS plastic and San plastic harmful or not?

These types of plastic not used for food products. SAN plastic is a styrene copolymer, the same as ABS plastic. It is a rigid, heat-resistant plastic of several classes, which is mainly used for industrial and domestic purposes, but not for products in contact with food and drinks. In the temperature range from -40 C to +80 C, both types of plastic do not change their properties and do not emit environment chemical elements. In addition, they can withstand short-term heating up to 105 C. But they cannot be used for food products.

Marking

Plastic that is used for the production of utensils and products that come into contact with food (food plastic) is subject to certification and undergoes mandatory examination for compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards.

Manufacturers of food-grade plastic are required to label their products accordingly. There are generally accepted markings for plastic utensils - fork and glass. But the crossed out fork and glass indicate that the product cannot be used for food.

The product may indicate what products it is intended for (cold, hot, bulk, liquid), where it can be used (in a microwave oven, for freezing, etc.).

Plastic for hot foods and microwaves

Now there are effective ways polymerization and purification of plastic, which made it possible to develop heat-resistant types of plastic. On the bottom of such containers it is written “for hot foods”. Such containers are used to fill machines for preparing hot drinks and are often used in catering.

Plastic marked “for hot foods” and for “microwave oven” are different products:

• Only those containers can be used in a microwave oven, which are marked with the “stove with waves” icon or labeled “microwave.”
• Marking for hot products- this means you can drink hot tea or eat hot soup, but do not cook or reheat in the microwave.

When utensils for hot food are repeatedly used, an “aging effect” occurs: under the influence of oxygen and heat, long polymer molecules break down into short pieces, which end up in food.

Separately about plastic bottles

A plastic bottle (for soft drinks, dairy products) is a very practical and convenient container, which in everyday life, as a rule, turns from disposable to reusable. It especially often happens that caring mothers pour compote, juice, i.e. into a baby water bottle with a convenient nozzle on the neck for drinking. used repeatedly.

Plastic bottles are mainly made from polyethylene terephthalate, which:

And polyvinyl chloride- a polymer that is quite dangerous due to the release of vinyl chloride and bisphenol A.

Are there safe bottles that can be used multiple times?

Yes, these are reusable PET bottles, but you can’t put anything in them except water.

In addition, there is a “home” way to identify dangerous containers: press the bottle with your fingernail. If a white streak remains, the plastic may pose a health hazard.

How to use dishes and other plastic products so that they are safe for health

Plastic food utensils are unlikely to leave most people's everyday use. It is hygienic, inexpensive, lightweight and convenient. To prevent harm to health, you should follow the safety rules:

If possible, give up plastic dishes altogether and replace them with ceramic, porcelain or glass, especially for children: the safest feeding bottles are made of glass. Yes, they are fragile, but today you can find products on sale with a special silicone braid that will not break if accidentally dropped.

There are also environmentally friendly disposable tableware made from reed, bamboo, eggshells, cardboard. It is not only safe for health, but also does not pollute the environment, but, of course, it is more expensive.

To summarize, we note: when a person develops cancer, hardly anyone understands its causes, and all efforts are directed toward treatment. Of course, this is correct - in the fight against the disease of roads every day. But it is important to understand that none of us is immune from cancer. So why increase the likelihood of its development and voluntarily introduce carcinogens into the body? Think about this and don’t put your life at unnecessary risk!