.jpg)
The SPI Resin Identification Coding System is a set of symbols placed on plastics to identify the polymer type the container is made from. This system was developed by the Society of the Plastics Industry(SPI) in 1988, and is used internationally; however this practice is still voluntarily by manufacturers to include on their packaging. The primary purpose of the codes is to allow efficient separation of the different polymer types when recycling.
The concern over dangerous plastics centres mainly around the additive Bisphenol A (BPA), which is used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It can be found in hard plastics like toys, disposable eating utensils, food storage containers, clear plastic and reusable drink bottles, and the white enamel lining of cans. It's true that it is used extensively and that it should absolutely be avoided as BPA (BisphenolA) has been linked to a variety of health problems.
So how do you know which containers are safe and which ones are not? Here is a breakdown of each:
Recycling Code: Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE),Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and Polypropylene (PP),are considered safe and are identified by the Recycling Code numbers 1, 2, 4 and 5 respectively.
The dangerous and/or harmful plastic containers to avoid are made of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polystyrene (PS)or Polycarbonate (PC). They contain a variety of undesired additives including Bisphenol A (BPA) and are known to leach harmful chemicals into their contents. They are identified by the Recycling Code numbers 3, 6 and 7 respectively.
Don't forget to share with your friends and colleagues
You can leave your comments below, in the Comment Section. We like to have a healthy debate here. Please avoid profanity, personal attacks and rouse racial and religious sensitivity. The views of the commentators are not shared by Both Coin. The bottomline is, comment sensibly with relevance to the article.
.jpg)
