via HealthyFoodAdvice

Modern life has brought numerous dangers, as everything around us is polluted and may potentially threaten our well-being. When it comes to our health, it is significantly affected by the food and drinks we consume.

Water is of critical importance, so we are all advised to drink at least two liters of filtered water during the day. Moreover, we are advised to avoid greasy, sugary and salty foods, and focus more on natural and organic fruits and vegetables.

However, most of you are not aware of the consequences of the use of plastic containers. Namely, the companies that produce our foods and beverages are more concerned about their financial profit, than the production of healthy and safe products for customers.

Therefore, it is of high importance to learn the meaning of the writings on the bottom of plastic bottles, as they indicate how dangerous they can be.

Plastic bottles are constantly around us, we buy water bottles when we go to work when we go on a walk, we buy some for our children in school, we get several when we go on a trip. However, these bottles are harmful to our health, and it is indicated by the triangle found on every bottle’s bottom.

Here is a list of the compounds of plastic bottles, as well as their properties:

1. PET or PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate)

This one releases cancer-causing mixes, as well as substantial metals antimony and EPA synthetic substance. Furthermore, this substance also intervenes with the hormone capacity.

2. HDP sometimes HDPE (High Density Polyethylene)

This plastic is a better option, as it is not likely to release chemicals into the water and it is usually used for making the plastic containers of certain food products.

3. V or PVC,  sometimes called 3V (Vinyl)

It releases two dangerous elements, whose combination affects the hormonal capacity. It is the most commonly used plastic in the production of bottles.

4. LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene)

Low density polyethylene is most found in squeezable bottles, shopping bags, clothing, carpet, frozen food, bread bags, and some food wraps. Curbside recycling programs haven’t been known to pick up this plastic, but more are starting to accept it. Plastic #4 rests among the recycling symbols considered to be safe.

5. PP (Polypropylene)

This plastic is also safe, and it is usually white or transparent, and it can be found in the containers of syrups and yogurt.

6. PS (Polystyrene)

This kind of plastic discharges STYRENE inside the water, which is a dangerous cancer-causing substance. It is often used for a single- use coffee glasses and fast-food containers.

7. Other, Miscellaneous

All of the plastic resins that don’t fit into the other categories are placed in the number 7 category. It’s a mix bag of plastics that includes polycarbonate, which contains the toxic bisphenol-A (BPA). These plastics should be avoided due to possibly containing hormone disruptors like BPA, which has been linked to infertility, hyperactivity, reproductive problems, and other health issues.

8. PC (or no label)

It discharges the concoction BPA and it is undoubtedly the most dangerous one. It is commonly used in the production of sports bottles, nourishment stockpiling, as well as baby food containers.

Therefore, only HDPE, LDPE, and PP are not dangerous to your health, as they do not release harmful chemicals into the water.

On the other hand, the use of the others can seriously endanger your health, so in order to prevent these consequences, it is advisable to use only glass water bottles.