Source: brightside.me

Do you know that there are risks with buying different types of plastics? Water bottle plastics are different depending on which brand you buy? Chances are that you have never learned what all this means. It is unlikely you know what the different type of plastics are and how they can impact your health.

But when you check bottled water for BPA know the law is on your side. Strong legislation means that every single kind of plastic comes with an indication of what specific type of plastic it is. It is important you know and understand what this means. This is because the type of chemicals contained in plastics can cause varying degrees of harm to your body.

Do-It-Yourself Bisphenol A Detection (BPA)

Check Bottled Water For BPA

Every plastic bottle will have one of the following graphic labels on its body, usually located at the bottom and underneath:

Now let's look at what all this coded jargon actually means so that you can always check bottled water for BPA....

PETE or PET

PET is one of the most common plastics used in many consumer products. It is he kind that you will find on most soft drinks, water bottles as well as other forms of packaging. It is good for single use applications; if you use it repeatedly then you are at serious risk of bacterial growth and leaching. Bottle refilling and putting it in the microwave is a no-no. Bottles made from PET plastic can release chemicals and heavy metals, which affect your hormonal balance. Also note that this type of plastic is very difficult to safely decontaminate and if you want to clean it properly then you will need to use chemicals that are harmful.

HDP or HDPE

HDPE is essentially the hard plastic used for oil bottles, detergents, toys, milk jugs, and some plastic bags. The HDPE plastic releases virtually no chemicals. Experts say that it is always better to choose HDPE when you buy bottled water. This is because they are probably the safest and as a result likely to contain the cleanest water you can buy.

PVC or 3V

When you check bottled water for BPA it will be easy to spot PVC plastic. Why? Because PVC is a type of plastic that most of us are familiar with. It is the pliable, soft, flexible plastic. PVC is in things like cooking oil bottles, clear plastic food wrapping, teething rings, toys and many other consumer products. You might be surprised to know that it releases 2 toxic chemicals. Both of which affect the hormones in your body. Experts suggest you should buy an alternative if possible.

LDPE

This type of plastic can not be used to make water bottles, this is despite the fact that there is no evidence that it releases chemicals into the water. However, this is not the case with food packaging.

Experts say that you should avoid eating food packaged in LDPE plastics because they are at risk of leaching chemicals.

PP

PP is code name for a white-colored or semi transparent plastic that is typically used to package things like yogurt cups and syrups. PP stands for "Polypropylene" and this type of plastic is both lightweight and tough giving it its excellent heat-resistance qualities. This means that this plastic doesn’t melt when heated and as a result it is relatively safe. Its strength also means that it has a good barrier against chemicals, grease and moisture.

PS

PS stands for "polystyrene" and it is a relatively lightweight, inexpensive plastic which has innumerable uses. You have most likely come across it in the form of a disposable styrofoam drinking cup. They appear in things like egg cartons, take away food containers, or disposable plastic cutlery. Note that PS plastic releases carcinogenic substances when heated and is totally unsuitable for long-term use as a drink or food container.

PC or non-labeled plastic or 'other plastics'

When checking bottled water for BPA remember that plastics that are not labeled fall under the PC (polycarbonate) category. In order words, "PC" is a catch-all term for all the remaining types of plastics. As a result, it does not conform to the standard reuse and recycling protocols. They are the most dangerous form of plastic you will encounter. Be weary because PC plastics often appear in food containers and sport water bottles. The biggest concern is the potential that harmful chemicals will leach from the plastic. Perhaps leach into your drink or food products. Note that polycarbonate containers are usually made with BPA (Bisphenol A).