People generally use the same plastic bottles of water or juice, many times, not knowing that it can be toxic. However, some containers are intended for single use only.
There is a triangle with a number in the middle at the bottom of each plastic bottle, and below it is the symbol that tells you how hazardous the plastic is you hold in your hands. If the bottle is intended for single use you should not use it several times. Here are the meanings for each tag.
BE OBLIGATED TO DISPOSE THESE BOTTLES AFTER USE
Many of the bottles for mineral and plain water and carbonated drinks are labeled PET (often PETE) (with no. 1 in the triangle). It is important to know that they are intended exclusively for single use. There is a possibility that with every following filling of water to emit heavy metals such as antimony, a chemical compound EPA, which hinders the action of hormones. Such bottles can release carcinogen matter.
THIS PLASTIC IS SAFE
You will recognize it by the signs HDP (or HDPE), LDPE and PP, or numbers 2, 4 and 5. LDPE is kind of plastic that, unfortunately, is not generally used for making bottles, but only for bags for packaging groceries. HDP is a good choice, and that PP is mainly used for yogurt cups and comes in white color.
AVOID THIS PACKAGING ABSOLUTELY
It is the plastic with indication PVC (sometimes 3V), PS and PC (often without indication) or numbers in triangle – 3, 6 and 7.
PVC emits two dangerous chemicals that interfere with the functioning of hormones in the body. Despite this fact it is still used in the manufacture of bottles.
PS releases a carcinogenic substance – STIREN into water. It is regularly used for disposable plastic coffee cups or packaging for fast food.
PC (or no indication – No. 7) is the worst plastic for packaging foods because it releases the dangerous chemical BPA. Unfortunately, it is used for packaging for babies, bottles for athletes and containers for preparing of food.