Have you ever wondered if the plastic boxes for storage of food and water in your home are safe to use? Checking underneath the plastic container for the number within a recycling triangle is a simple way to find out if the plastic containers in your house are safe for you, your family and the environment. This is because all plastics are categorized by a number one through seven, representing a different type of resin.
Plastics number three and six are particularly harmful. The number three resin (PVC)–typically used in cling wraps for meat– interferes with hormonal development and its manufacture and incineration release dioxin, a potent carcinogen and hormone disruptor. The number six resin — Polystyrene — can leak a dangerous human carcinogen called styrene into food. While your diecast car displays can be manufactured with this type of plastic, your food containers cannot. A quick check at home can reveal whether or not you own these types of plastics. If you do, it is a good idea to throw them out and purchase new safe plastic containers.