Plastic is a common item in our life, it is an organic synthetic polymer material, which is very widely used. In the past many years, with the great convenience that plastics have brought to our production and life, the "white pollution" caused by waste plastics has become increasingly serious. If we can understand the composition and classification of plastics in detail, it can not only help us use plastic products scientifically, but also facilitate the sorting and recycling of plastics, and effectively control and reduce "white pollution".
No. 1 plastic PETE
mineral water bottles, carbonated beverage bottles.
Heat resistant up to 65°C and cold resistant down to -20°C. Can deform when filled with high-temperature liquids or heated, releasing substances that are harmful to human health. After 10 months of use, it releases a carcinogen called DEHP, which is released even faster at high temperatures.
Common misuse: Filling a plastic bottle with hot tea.
Suggestion: Do not use repeatedly and avoid filling with high-temperature liquids.
No. 2 plastic HDPE
Common uses: cleaning products, bath products, medicine bottles.
The surface hardness of the plastic is low and it is easy to scratch; Poor mechanical properties, easy aging, brittleness, deformation.
Common misuse: Fill a used bottle of solution with a new bath without cleaning it thoroughly.
Recommendation: If you want to reuse, clean it thoroughly, otherwise it is easy for bacteria to grow.
No. 3 plastic PVC
Common uses: raincoats, plastic bags, building materials.
Good plasticity and low price, but it cannot be packaged food; Harmful substances are easily produced in case of high temperatures, and harmful substances are also released during the manufacturing process.
Common misuse: Plastic bagged fritters
Recommendation: Avoid exposure to high temperatures; Don't use plastic bags for hot food.
No. 4 plastic LDPE
Common uses: plastic wrap.
It will melt when it exceeds 110°C; It is easy to dissolve harmful substances in case of grease.
Common misuse: Hot burgers wrapped in plastic wrap.
Recommendation: Do not wrap food in plastic wrap for heating; Avoid wrapping foods with grease on the surface.
No. 5 plastic PP
Common uses: microwave oven heating utensils, water cups.
With a high melting point of 167°C, PP5 plastic is the most stable and can be used directly in the microwave, and it is also the only plastic product that can be used in the microwave oven.
Common misuse: Unmarked crisper box into the microwave.
Recommendations:PP plastic is relatively safe, but be careful with colorants and try to choose colorless products.
No. 6 plastic PS
Common uses: bowls of instant noodle boxes, fast food boxes.
High temperatures release chemicals that are harmful to the human body. Contains acids and alkaline substances, which will decompose carcinogens.
Common misuse: Instant noodle boxes are used repeatedly.
Recommendation: Avoid containing high-temperature liquids; sorting and recycling; Reduce the consumption of such single-use products.
No. 7 plastic PC
Common uses: water cups, space cups.
Good transparency, heat resistance, low temperature resistance. However, it is easy to release trace amounts of toxic substances bisphenol A when heated. The state expressly stipulates that it is forbidden to produce baby bottles made of PC and other bottles containing bisphenol A, but adults can use them.
Common misuse: buy a bottle without looking at the label.
Suggestion: When choosing baby products, you need to see the logo clearly; Feeding bottles labeled as PSF also contain BPA, so avoid using them; Do not heat or direct sunlight.
Tackling plastic pollution, It has become a universal consensus of the international community