Plastic utensils for food. Plastic utensils. Harm of plastic utensils

In the summer, plastic dishes are gaining popularity. It is quite convenient to transport food in it. As a rule, such things are used on long trips and on picnics. The undoubted advantage of such dishes is their low cost. It's no secret that in most cases it is disposable. dishes can tell a lot about its quality. After reading our article, you can easily determine what exactly the signs that are located at the bottom of a disposable plate or glass mean.

The history of the creation of plastic utensils

Today, disposable plastic tableware is quite familiar to us. We use it as a lunch box or take it with us on a picnic. Does everyone know exactly when it appeared? You can find this information in our article.

For the first time, plastic utensils were discovered in the United States of America in 1910. The disposable glass was the first to be created, and then they began to produce forks, plates, spoons and other items known to us today. The first dishes were made of thick paper. It only gained popularity in the 1950s. And it was at this time that paper began to be replaced by another material, namely plastic.

Plastic utensils in the USSR. Nowadays

In the Soviet Union, such dishes began to appear only in 1960, but until 1990 they were not popular. This was due to the lack of fast food establishments. It is worth paying attention to the fact that it is paper disposable tableware that is gaining popularity again. This is no coincidence, because quite often plastic food storage products do not meet quality standards. Paper, in turn, is a safe and environmentally friendly material.

To purchase utensils that are harmless to health, you need to know what the markings on plastic utensils mean. You can find out this and much more in our article.

Plastic utensils have a lot of positive qualities. The very first thing that consumers pay attention to is the low cost of such a product. It is easy to transport and does not need to be washed. It is known that plastic dishes are strong enough, but only if there is no excessive load on them. As a rule, due to its positive qualities, it is used at picnics, parties, or just take food in it to work or on a long trip. Labeling of plastic food utensils can tell a lot about its quality and recommendations for use. In order for disposable food containers to bring only benefits, you need to know how to use it correctly.

Today, many cafes and fast food restaurants use plastic disposable tableware because it is cheap, convenient and aesthetically pleasing. It should be noted that containers for reusable use are also created from this material. Many housewives use them to store bulk materials. Is plastic harmful? You can find this information in our article.

Harm and negative qualities of plastic and disposable tableware

Few people know, but if used improperly, any disposable container can cause irreversible harm to health. In order to prevent this from happening, you need to know what the labeling of plastic utensils means. The decoding of the markers is provided in our article.

Reusable and disposable tableware is harmful if it is used incorrectly. However, some doctors believe that it carries a certain danger under any circumstances. First of all, experts do not recommend reusing those containers that are intended for single use. On the second use, it releases a large amount of substances hazardous to health.

It is no secret that plastic is a material that is obtained by chemical means. It is for this reason that when exposed to different products, it can behave in completely different ways. For example, not every disposable cup can be used to drink warm tea. Labeling plastic utensils is a great way to find out how a particular container can be used.

It is known that plastic does not decompose well. This process takes more than ten years. For this reason, this material negatively affects our environment. To cope with such a problem, factories are opening in many cities that process material hazardous to nature. Unfortunately, there are very few such companies. It is for this reason that many fast food establishments prefer to use only paper utensils. It is more environmentally friendly and harmless.

Plastic marking. Polystyrene tableware

In order not to harm your health, you need to know what the markings on plastic dishes mean. The decoding, which is described in our article, is remembered quite simply. Such information will definitely come in handy for you at a picnic or a party, and will also allow you to maintain your health.

If there is a PS sign on plastic dishes, you can be sure that polystyrene is included in such containers. If used incorrectly, it is extremely hazardous to health. Plastic utensils with this mark can only be used for storing chilled foods. The thing is that when in contact with hot food, containers with polystyrene release styrene, which accumulates in vital organs. Over time, this can lead to the development of serious diseases. In such dishes it is also highly recommended not to store alcoholic beverages and heat food in the microwave.

Plastic tableware made of polypropylene

Is there a plastic Marking and its decoding, which is described in our article, will allow you to find out.

There is an opinion that disposable tableware should never be used in the microwave. However, it is not. On some plastic containers you can find a sign with the number 5 and the symbols PP. This marking indicates that the composition of the dishes includes polypropylene. It is in such a container that you can heat food in the microwave and pour hot tea into it. Few people know, but the dishes made of polypropylene are not deformed in contact with the contents, the temperature of which is not more than 100 degrees Celsius.

The only thing that should never be stored in such a container is alcohol. If alcohol was poured into polypropylene dishes, the plastic begins to release phenol, from the impact of which a person can completely lose his sight. A polypropylene container has a lot of positive qualities. It is known that it is quite durable and retains heat well. Today, plastic utensils are extremely popular. Labeling for the consumer is the main source of information that allows you to find out what this or that container is intended for.

What does the triangle of three arrows on plastic containers mean?

It is known what the markings on plastic utensils look like. In addition to numbers and letters, there is a triangle sign on it, which consists of three arrows. Not everyone understands what it means. Such a closed cycle of arrows indicates that the used dishes are subject to further processing. As a rule, a number is located inside the triangle, and below it are several letters. They can tell you about the material from which the dishes you have chosen are made.

Sign with cutlery

The labeling of plastic utensils is the first thing a consumer should pay attention to when buying. As we said earlier, if used incorrectly, containers can cause irreversible harm to health. Often on plastic dishes you can find a sign depicting cutlery. Such a marker indicates that food products can be stored in this container. If such a sign is crossed out, then you can be sure that the product is not intended for use in the kitchen.

To protect yourself and your loved ones, you need to know and remember what the labeling of plastic utensils means. The decoding, which is described in our article, will allow you to find out what is included in a particular container.

If you go on a picnic with plastic utensils, then in no case do not burn it after it is over. When burning, disposable containers release substances hazardous to health. Experts strongly recommend not to eat in those establishments that use plastic utensils. If you have no other choice, then be sure to pay attention to its quality. Labeling plastic utensils will allow you to find out if they are used correctly in a particular establishment. A similar situation is with. Often, with a great desire to save money, they use cheaper glasses that are not designed to store hot drinks.

As we said earlier, never reuse disposable tableware. This rule is not accidental, because in this case, the top layer on the surface of the plastic container is destroyed, and it begins to release life-threatening chemicals.

Gastroenterologists strongly discourage the use of plastic utensils. They emphasize that under any circumstances, part of the polymers still enters the human body. It is known that over time they accumulate and become causative agents of serious diseases. Experts strongly recommend not to use disposable containers, or at least pay attention to the recommendations for its use. Marking plastic utensils will allow you to find out what this or that container is suitable for. Doctors recommend already today to abandon the use of such kitchen items and use only those disposable containers that are made of thick paper.

Summing up

In the warm season, plastic dishes are especially popular. The marking of such containers is described in our article. We strongly recommend that you remember its decoding in order to maintain your health. Plastic utensils have a lot of positive qualities. It is cheap and compact. However, it also has several disadvantages. When used correctly, it will bring you only joy and will not ruin your picnic. Be healthy!

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Our designers will select dishes for free, taking into account your interior and layout. If necessary, they will offer an alternative replacement from a wide range of INMYROOM.

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Disposable tableware is very convenient!

To date, many have come to this conclusion, primarily because of the properties that it possesses. Disposable utensils (paper and plastic utensils) are unbreakable, light in weight, and do not require much space for storage, they are cheaper than glass ones.

Due to the fact that plastic utensils do not break and are easy to clean, sometimes they are used as reusable utensils, but few people thought about the harm that comes from disposable utensils.

Authoritative researchers have concluded that the reusable use of disposable tableware can lead to the appearance of malignant tumors, general fatigue and headaches. Allergies, asthma attacks, even mutagenic changes in the body may appear.

Consumer properties

Consumer properties of disposable tableware are those characteristics of disposable tableware that the consumer most often pays attention to when choosing dishes and which are the most important for its use.

• Safety of disposable food and drink utensils (i.e. it is important that they comply with hygienic and medical requirements).
• Aesthetic component: disposable tableware should have an attractive appearance: a variety of colors, the possible presence of patterns, the absence of various kinds of deformations and the presence of foreign materials, etc.
• Heat resistance characteristics (preservation of temperature and resistance properties when in contact with hot drinks and food).
• Availability of a possibility of application both for cold and for hot dishes and drinks.
• The ability to use disposable tableware for storing food in the refrigerator and for heating or cooking food in a microwave oven, etc.
• The presence of such a property as frost resistance (for certain categories of disposable tableware).
• Resistant to chemicals such as alkalis, acids and fats.
• The presence of such a property as thermostaticity (the ability to hold dishes with hot food or drink in your hands and not burn your hands).

• Strength, resistance to deformation.
• Elasticity.
• For items such as knives and forks, the presence of their primary properties is to cut and prick without deforming these cutlery.
• Sustainability.
• Availability of various shapes and sizes.
• Disposable tableware should have sufficient capacity, and at the same time be compact and light in weight.
• Environmentally friendly and easy to recycle.

These plates are not eaten twice

Experts say: plates, forks, spoons and cups made of polymeric materials cannot be used more than once.

This even applies to plastic water bottles. It is strictly forbidden to pour milk or alcoholic drinks there - you will get a poisonous mixture.

The main rule when choosing disposable tableware is to carefully read the label. Each branded product must have a label showing what the packaging is made of. If there is no marking, then it is better to take care of your health and purchase the product in glass containers.

The PVC icon (PVC-polyvinyl chloride) or the number 3 in a triangle on the bottom of the bottle or plastic packaging warns the buyer about its toxicity.

In addition to harmless glass containers, there is harmless food-grade plastic, which is marked with letters:

• RE (PE)- polyethylene,
• PETF (PET) or PET (PET)- polyethylene terephthalate,
• RR (PP)- polypropylene.
• PS (PS)- means polystyrene (its code is the number 6).
• In addition, safety is confirmed image of a plate and fork, numbers 05 and 1.

Marking on disposable tableware - what does it mean?
Not all buyers know what the marking means and how such dishes can be used.

Dangerous plastic

We often underestimate the danger it can pose to our health. It turns out that there is a relatively safe and dangerous plastic. Since we still have no way out, it is worth taking care of choosing the lesser evil. Some types of plastic are really dangerous.

Information about the material used in the manufacture of the packaging is located on its bottom in the form of a graphic symbol consisting of three arrows forming a triangle. In the middle of the triangle are numbers from 1 to 7, indicating the type of material from which the packaging is made.

What are these numbers?

1 - PET (PET)

Such plastic is mainly used in the production of disposable beverage containers. Typical PET packaging is mineral water bottles. Such packaging, even after careful cleaning, can release toxic chemicals when reused. Never reuse this kind of material.

2 - HDPE (LDPE)

Low pressure polyethylene (high density) is used for the production of semi-rigid containers, it is one of the safest plastics and can be reused.

3 - PCV (PVC)

Polyvinyl chloride is very often used, for example, in the production of food packaging films. PVC is hazardous to health and can release toxins. When burned, PVC produces highly hazardous chemical compounds known as dioxins, which are often more dangerous than potassium cyanide.

4 - LDPE (HDPE)

The high pressure (low density) polyethylene used in many types of packaging (such as plastic bags) is considered recyclable and safer than many other plastics, but not as safe as plastics 2 and 5.

5 - PP (PP)

Reusable polypropylene is often found as a material for food containers. It belongs to the group of the safest plastics along with material 2 (HDPE).

6 - PS (PS)

Polystyrene is well known in the form of foam. PS releases toxins and should not be used as food packaging. It is also rarely used for this purpose due to the lower chemical resistance of polyethylene, but is present, for example, in lids for disposable coffee cups.

7 - OTHER (OTHER)

Never reuse plastic items marked 7. This group includes many types of harmful chemicals, including the highly toxic Bisphenol A (BPA), which can contribute to schizophrenia, depression, or Alzheimer's disease. In addition, eating foods that come into contact with BPA can lead to disorders of the nervous and endocrine systems, and even cancer. Never use such products in microwave ovens that allow BPA to penetrate deeper into food.

It is most often found in:

In order to avoid poisoning from packaged food, simple nuances should be taken into account.

First of all, it should be remembered that disposable tableware is disposable.

Currently, plastic is an integral part of our lives, and it will not be possible to get rid of it quickly in the kitchen. But you can try to minimize the harmful effects of plastic on our health. For this:

1. Use only plastics marked 2 (HDPE) and 5 (PP) for food storage.

2. Do not use other categories of plastic for food storage, but recycle it. Do not reuse PET bottles or microwave food in the food trays you bought them in (unless the packaging says they are suitable for this purpose).

2. Do not microwave food in packages containing bisphenol (Group 7), do not pour hot liquids into them, and do not wash in the dishwasher.

3. Use all plastic packaging in accordance with the instructions on them (recommendations for temperature, use of the dishwasher, etc.).

4. Do not buy mineral water in plastic packages that have been exposed to the sun, but it is best to buy drinks (including such as milk, kefir, yogurt) in glass containers.

Disposable packaging and utensils are designed to be used once. It is not worth leaving them in reserve for storing other products.
After use, the thin protective layer on the plastic is destroyed, and these dishes cannot be reused.

Always pay attention to the appearance of the package, its integrity, clarity of the inscription, expiration date.

Principle 1. Disposable tableware can be used strictly for its intended purpose
Each type of disposable tableware has an indication of what it is intended for: for cold, for hot, for cold drinks, for alcohol, etc. If you pour a hot drink into a glass intended for cold, the plastic begins to release toxic substances.

principle 2. Never leave the product in an open jar, even in the refrigerator. Either buy a smaller package or close tightly.

Principle 3. You can not store any products in disposable dishes, especially in used ones.
After using disposable tableware, the protective layer is destroyed, and when products, such as sugar, are stored in it, toxic substances pass into the product.

Principle 4. Meat and cheese are better not to take in the package.

Principle 5. Plastic dishes are not intended for ethanol-containing substances - alcohol.
Ethanol is an aggressive solvent. The toxic substances in the plastic begin to dissolve and end up in the drink.

Principle 6. The best option for disposable tableware is paper.

Principle 7. Often the composition of plastic dishes includes melamine, which is especially abundant in bright multi-colored dishes intended for children. In its normal state, it is not dangerous, but if you put something hot on a plate, medanin begins to release toxins that enter the human body with food.
Paper is cellulose. Even if its particles enter the body, nothing terrible will happen.

Plastic bottles impair potency

While disposable cups are usually thrown away, convenient plastic bottles often remain in use.

In them by no means can't pour milk, since fats in it are able to dissolve some polymers, alcoholic drinks, kvass, compote. Polymers tend to "age" under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, high temperatures, so over time they begin to release substances harmful to humans.

Scientists from the Department of Epidemiology at HSPH and Harvard Medical School have come to the conclusion that plastic bottles are not as harmless to health as is commonly believed.

The constant consumption of drinks from plastic bottles increases the body's levels of the chemical bisphenol A, which affects sex hormones, by more than two-thirds, says Associate Professor Karin H. Michels.

This substance, which itself resembles the female hormone estrogen, is used in the production of food and drink packages and jars, as well as baby bottles. The study found that the levels of bisphenol A in the urine of subjects who drank all drinks from plastic bottles for a week increased by 69.

Heating plastic bottles, which parents do when they want to warm milk for their babies, introduces the chemical into the liquid contents in dangerous amounts. "This is a concern, as children may be particularly susceptible to bisphenol A, which can lead to disruption of the hormonal glands," says Michels. Previous research has shown that high BPA intake is associated with birth defects, growth problems, and an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Many families have plastic dishes in everyday life: salad bowls, plates, mugs, etc. are very convenient to use, easy to clean and do not break. But few of us think about the safety of such a comfortable type of dishes and containers in the kitchen as plastic. But they are in contact with the products that are eaten. Housewives always read the composition of products, but very rarely pay attention to the composition and quality of packaging and containers for storing food and drinks.

In this article, we will try to figure out whether food-grade plastic is harmful and whether dishes made from this material pose a health hazard.

Types of plastic

Plastic is a material made on the basis of synthetic or natural macromolecular compounds and is characterized by a wide range of applications. The most common types of plastic are:

• PVC,
• polyethylene,
• polypropylene,
• polystyrene
• polycarbonate.

All polymers are obtained by polymerization - i.e. "crosslinking" of short molecules of a substance into longer chains. Upon heating, damage, aging, contact with other substances, these chains break and monomers of the main substance enter the air or food.

How long can plastic utensils be used

Absolutely all types of plastics are subject to destruction when:

• aging (they break down, releasing decay products)
• damage (cracks, scratches)
• heating to critical temperatures (see below)
• exposure to alkaline detergents
• contact with alcohols
• contact with fats.

Reusable plastic products for food can be used for their intended purpose no more than 1 year(provided that their integrity is maintained - without cracks and scratches). Disposable tableware should not be stored with food for more than 3-4 hours after packaging, the more used the second time.

How to determine that plastic is aging? It becomes cloudy, absorbs odors, is poorly washed, unpleasant to the touch. These products can no longer be used. Even if there are only a couple of scratches on the plastic, it is no longer suitable for food purposes.

Harm of plastic

Polymers are inert by nature and non-toxic, which is why they are used for the production of dishes - they do not get into food products. But!!!

• By itself, pure plastic is brittle and unstable to high and low temperatures. And in order to give it proper properties, stabilizers are added: the plastic becomes stronger, but also more toxic.
• Solvents, technological additives and intermediate substances of production and products of chemical decomposition of the polymer, under certain conditions, get into food and have a toxic effect on the body.

Depending on the type of plastic (see table below), certain toxic substances may be released:

• Formaldehyde has a carcinogenic, mutagenic and allergenic effect, negatively affects the reproductive system, affects internal organs and the central nervous system (see).
• Phthalates - increase systolic pressure, lead to infertility.
• Methanol is the most dangerous poison, affects the organs of vision and the central nervous system, causes chronic intoxication.
• Vinyl chloride is a neurotropic poison with carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic effects.
• Styrene is a dangerous carcinogen. It has a negative impact on the reproductive system, affects the central and peripheral nervous system, disrupts metabolism and the hematopoietic system.
• Bisphenol A - accumulates in the body, causing irreversible changes in the reproductive system, increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, as well as the likelihood of oncology. Causes various complications of pregnancy.
• Vinyl chloride - is released during the aging process from a polyvinyl chloride bottle, refers to neurotropic poisons and carcinogens, mutagens and teratogens. When ingested, it turns into chlorepoxyethylene and can provoke the development of cancer of the lungs, brain, liver, lymphatic and hematopoietic systems. The longer the drink bottle is stored (and often this period is 12 months), the more PVC will be in the contents, and the beginning of this migration begins as early as a week after the bottle is filled at the factory.

There is no protective layer in disposable plastic, however, as in reusable plastic - this is a myth that is designed to console our minds. Just a scratch on the dishes can already cause the plastic components to migrate into the food.

Cons of recycled plastic

Another downside is the spread recycling of plastics. In this regard, it is not always possible to identify the composition of the material and the release from it. Therefore, it is so important when buying plastic packaging or products in it to pay attention to the inscription on the bottom - this is a mandatory attribute of certified products. However, not all manufacturers label the goods as expected, and not all goods on the shelves of Russia are certified. Which creates an even bigger problem for the consumer when choosing plastic products.

Some research by scientists on the dangers of plastic

Russian scientists say that certified plastic utensils are absolutely safe, but only if used correctly and replaced in a timely manner.

American researchers claim that the presence of about 80% of "plastic" substances in the human body is the result of the use of building and finishing materials made of plastic, as well as its use in everyday life, and most of all in dishes.

Substance diethylhexyl phthalate, which is used to soften plastics, is associated with an increased risk of:

• the development of obesity
• cardiovascular disease,
• and infertility in boys.

So, children with obesity had an increased level of this substance in the blood. Despite the fact that in the last decade the impact of diethylhexylphthalate on the body of expectant mothers has decreased by about 50%, these risks still exist.

Phthalates:

• They lead to an increase in systolic pressure: after a survey of more than 3,000 children who were constantly in contact with plastic products, an increase in the level of phthalates in the urine by 3 times and an increase in blood pressure were found.
• During their study, the team looked at data from nearly 800 women and their children. It has been confirmed that if the mother's body was exposed to phthalates in the first trimester of pregnancy, the born boys had a higher risk of developing infertility. Boys may be born with a shorter anogenital distance, which is directly related to infertility and poor sperm quality.
• There is no safe level of exposure to phthalates for pregnant women. In order to completely eliminate this substance, one should not only refuse to use plastic dishes in everyday life, but also not use products packed in plastic packaging.
• Phthalates will still surround a person - they are in wallpaper, personal care products, medical devices and almost everywhere, but in this form they are less dangerous.

Bisphenol A:

• In 2015, scientists from the Saudi Arabian Science Campus conducted a study that proved the harmful effects of bisphenol A on the liver of experimental rats and their offspring. The work focuses on the fact that the presence of bisphenol A in the body can cause genetic damage to DNA.
• Bisphenol A scientists attributed to the "multi-stage" carcinogen, which accumulates in the body and has a negative effect both in the body and in offspring. Empirically, the danger of certain concentrations of a substance was clarified. It turned out that even very low concentrations can lead to harmful effects on the health of a person and his children (see).
• Studies that were conducted at several foreign institutes with the participation of the US Environmental Protection Agency showed that out of 204 experimental samples of food products (canned food), 73% of them contained the presence of bisphenol A (released from resins that cover the inner layer of metal cans ). At the moment, alternative coatings are being developed that could replace epoxy resins. But in any case, glass is considered the most environmentally friendly container for preservation.
• Australian scientists conducted an experiment - examined the urine of volunteers, including pregnant women and children who drink bottled water (which is sold in large bottles). Bisphenol A was found in 95% of them. Yes, under normal conditions, plastic does not release chemical elements into the water, but if the water is heated even a few degrees above room temperature, the “migration” of chemistry from the plastic into the water begins.

Tritan bottles

Tritan is a heat-resistant transparent polymer developed by the American company Eastman in 2007. Billed as a "healthy, ultra-safe" plastic. Literally immediately after the presentation, a line of baby bottles was released from tritan, which quickly spread throughout the world. Currently, tritan is used by many American companies for the manufacture of industrial products, utensils, including 19-liter bottles for water. The material is in high demand in third world countries, where consumers are more concerned about the price of goods than about their own safety.

Eastman was founded by Dr. Andrew Weil, who promotes alternative medicine, including urine therapy. In 2014, chemicals used to manufacture plastics leaked from the facility, polluting water in West Virginia and depriving 300,000 people of drinking water for a month.

The popularity of tritan abroad is more likely due to the lack of alternatives than the sound safety of plastic. Consumers categorically refused to use polycarbonate bottles that emit Bisphenol A, and in the PET container market, demand exceeds supply by 3 times. Companies are forced to buy expensive materials suitable for bottle blowing. Tritan is not seen as a competitor to PET in the US, and companies with access to PET are buying it. Tritan is used only by companies that, due to lack of supply, are unable to purchase PET.

Eastman has repeatedly claimed to have thoroughly tested the safety of Tritan, but the methods used in the studies were not up to business standards. In 2008, Eastman partnered with Sciences International, a science company that lost a high-profile lawsuit. They conducted research for the tobacco industry and misinformed consumers about the side effects of new types of cigarettes for 2 years, which led to several deaths.

Meanwhile, Tritan contains synthetic estrogen triphenyl phosphate, or CHP, which is more harmful than Bisphenol A. But Eastman did not test Tritan as a single element, but split it into several components. CHP was not included in the list of analyzed factors, although it is the most dangerous component of Tritan.

Eastman has done another study involving breast cancer cells, and already the first results were positive for estrogenic activity. The company's researcher released the results for synthetic estrogens as negative, although they were positive. This was told by Michael Denison, professor of toxicology at the University of California at Davis, who evaluated the Eastman Tritan safety report as an independent expert.

In parallel, PlastiPure was also researching tritan, also looking for a safer alternative to polycarbonate. As a result, it was found that the components of tritan are more dangerous to human health than Bisphenol A. Different types of tritan (and there are as many as 5 of them) release harmful chemicals when exposed to ultraviolet radiation.

In 2010, Eastman began marketing campaigns claiming that Tritan did not contain synthetic estrogens. In early 2010, Philips Avent, a leader in baby bottles and non-spill cups, wanted to see if they could do their own research on tritan, but for unknown reasons abandoned the idea. In the same year, Nestlé researched tritan and found extremely harmful leached synthetic estrogen in it, but, in agreement with the manufacturer, did not publish these results.

Today, Eastman is pursuing litigation with independent labs that provide evidence of the dangers of tritan.

Characteristics of the main types of plastic

The table shows:

• Comparative characteristics of plastics used for food products, and the potential risks associated with their use - these data do not mean at all that all food in plastic and utensils made from it are deadly dangerous, but, unfortunately, harm is not excluded (the probability of which increases many times with improper use or recycling of disposable products) .
• Average softening temperature of plastic- this is the temperature at which the destruction of the polymer begins and the active release of toxic substances into food and air.
• The digital designation is in a triangle of arrows- it should be sought at the bottom.

Name	Designation, softening point	Where is used	What might stand out
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET, number 1) The most environmentally friendly polymer, but nevertheless, when recycled or misused, it can release harmful substances	from 245 С	Disposable "soft" bottles for water and drinks, oils, sauces, beer, disposable tableware	Phthalates and formaldehyde
Polyethylene of high (HDPE, number 2) and low density (LDPE, number 4) containing melamine-formaldehyde resins	High density polyethylene from 80C low from 60 C	Packaging for dairy products, reusable tableware, baby bottles, food film, food bags	Formaldehyde and methanol, which are released during photoaging (with prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light)
Polyvinyl chloride (number 3, PVC)	from 75 С	Disposable bottles and caps for them, food film, containers, but more often - bottles for household chemicals	Vinyl chloride, formaldehyde, bisphenol A
Polypropylene (PP, number 5). Relatively safe and most common. There are high, medium and low pressure, only 1 type is allowed for food packaging.	from 140 С	Jars, containers and food containers, glasses can be colored. Reusable tableware.	Formaldehyde, especially in contact with fatty foods and alcohol
Polystyrene (PS, number 6)	from 90 C	Disposable cups, food packaging trays (similar to Styrofoam), jars for dairy products, forks, spoons, disposable knives, disposable containers	Styrene and formaldehyde
Polycarbonate (PC or PC)	from 220 С	Reusable and disposable bottles, including baby bottles, plastic tableware, plastic parts of pacifiers, the inner layer of metal cans for canned food	Bisphenol A
Melamine (Melsage, Melamine, M). Prohibited for the food industry!	Melamine melts at 350 C.	Dishes that look very similar to porcelain	Formaldehyde
Mixtures of plastics (number 7). This includes polycarbonate, polyamide and other types of plastics.		Water bottles, packaging	Bisphenol A, formaldehyde and others, summing up the negative effect

ABS plastic and San plastic is harmful or not?

These types of plastic not used for food. SAN plastic is a styrene copolymer, the same as ABS plastic. It is a rigid, heat-resistant plastic of several classes, which is mainly used for industrial and domestic purposes, but not for products that come into contact with food and drinks. In the temperature range from -40 C to +80 C, both types of plastic do not change their properties and do not emit chemical elements into the environment. In addition, they withstand short-term heating up to 105 C. But they cannot be used for food products.

Marking

Plastic, which is used for the production of utensils and products in contact with food (food grade plastic), is subject to certification and undergoes a mandatory examination for compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards.

Manufacturers of food grade plastics are required to label their products accordingly. There is a generally accepted marking of plastic utensils - a fork and a glass. But the crossed-out fork and glass indicate that the product cannot be used for food products.

The product may indicate for which products it is intended (cold, hot, bulk, liquid), where it can be used (in a microwave oven, for freezing, etc.).

Plastic for hot food and microwave

Now there are effective methods of polymerization and purification of plastic, which made it possible to develop heat-resistant types of plastic. On the bottom of such containers is written "for hot products." Such containers are filled with devices for preparing hot drinks, it is often used in public catering.

Plastic labeled "for hot products" and for "microwave oven" are different products:

• Only those containers can be used in the microwave oven, which are marked with a “wave oven” icon or signed “for a microwave oven”.
• Hot food labeling- this means you can drink hot tea or eat hot soup, but do not cook and reheat in the microwave.

With repeated use of dishes for hot food, an “aging effect” occurs: under the influence of oxygen and heat, long polymer molecules break up into short pieces, which fall into food.

Separately about plastic bottles

A plastic bottle (from soft drinks, dairy products) is a very practical and convenient container, which, as a rule, turns from disposable into reusable in everyday life. It especially often happens that caring mothers pour compote, juice into a bottle of baby water with a convenient nozzle on the neck for drinking. are used repeatedly.

Plastic bottles are mainly made from polyethylene terephthalate, which the:

and PVC- a polymer that is quite dangerous due to the release of vinyl chloride and bisphenol A.

Are there safe bottles that can be used multiple times?

Yes, these are refillable PET bottles, but nothing but water can be poured into them.

In addition, there is a “home” way to identify dangerous containers: you should press the bottle with your fingernail. If a white streak remains, the plastic may pose a health hazard.

How to use dishes and other plastic products so that they are safe for health

Plastic food utensils are unlikely to make it out of most people's daily routine. It is hygienic, inexpensive, lightweight and comfortable. To prevent harm to health, you should follow the safety rules:

If possible, give up plastic dishes altogether and replace them with ceramic, porcelain or glass ones, especially for children: the safest feeding bottles are made of glass. Yes, they are fragile, but today on sale you can find products in a special silicone sheath that will not break if accidentally dropped.

There is also an environmentally friendly disposable tableware made of cane, bamboo, eggshell, cardboard. It is only safe for health, but also does not litter the environment, but, naturally, is more expensive.

Summing up, we note: when a person develops an oncological disease, hardly anyone understands its causes, and all forces are directed to treatment. Of course, this is correct - every day in the fight against the disease is expensive. But it is important to understand that none of us is immune from cancer. So why increase the likelihood of its development and voluntarily introduce carcinogens into the body? Think about it and do not expose your life to unjustified risk!

It makes no sense to write about the fact that many people use plastic utensils - this is a well-known fact. Especially often we use it in nature. It's really very convenient. Although one of my friends regularly uses such dishes for the holidays, when many guests come to her house. I repeatedly told her that it is not very beautiful, firstly, and, secondly, it can still be harmful. But she does not like to wash mountains of dishes after the holidays, and she often arranges the holidays themselves. And, by the way, none of the guests are embarrassed by the presence of such dishes on the festive table (well, or they are delicately silent about this).

In addition to being used outdoors, some housewives use plastic products at home: salad bowls, glasses, food storage containers, etc. And I wondered: is plastic utensils harmful or could it be better to refuse them? Is it harmful to health or is it just another "horror stories"? Let's figure it out.

What is plastic?

Plastic is a material made from macromolecular compounds, obtained by "crosslinking" synthetic or natural short molecules of a substance into longer chains. When damaged, in contact with other substances, heated or aged, these chains break, and the monomers of the main substance enter our food or air. The most famous and commonly used types of plastic are polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polypropylene and polycarbonate.

Any of the listed types of plastic deteriorates in the following cases:

• During aging (it breaks down and releases decay products).
• With various damages (cracks and scratches).
• From heating.
• When exposed to alkaline substances.
• From contact with alcohol-containing liquids.
• From contact with fats.

Reusable plastic food products are recommended to be used for no more than a year. And that's assuming there's not a single scratch on them.. Otherwise, throw it in the trash without regret. Disposable tableware should be used once and no more than four hours.

Never Do not reuse disposable tableware!

How to understand that plastic is aging and not suitable for further use? Very simple. Plastic becomes cloudy and poorly laundered, unpleasant to the touch, retains food odors or exudes some kind of its own. If you notice at least one small scratch on the plastic, throw it away! It is no longer suitable for use in the kitchen!

About the dangers of plastic and its components

By itself, plastic is not harmful and non-toxic, which is why it is used for the production of dishes. But pure plastic is fragile and unstable to various temperatures. Therefore, some stabilizers are added to it to make it stronger. Unfortunately, along with durability, plastic becomes toxic.

Various solvents and additives used for the production of plastic tableware and ingested under certain conditions (see above) emit toxic substances that have an extremely negative effect on our body.

The most common of them:

• Formaldehyde - negatively affects the central nervous system (CNS), reproductive function, affects internal organs, provokes the appearance of allergies.
• Phthalates - lead to infertility.
• methanol - the real poison. It affects the central nervous system, organs of vision, causes chronic intoxication.
• Styrene - has a very strong effect on the central nervous system, disrupts metabolism, provokes malfunctions in the hematopoietic system, and has an extremely negative effect on blood vessels.
• Bisphenol A - gradually accumulates in the body, causes irreversible changes in the reproductive system and pregnancy complications, increases the risk of diabetes and cancer.
• Vinyl chloride - poison, carcinogen, mutagen. It provokes the development of cancer of the brain, liver, lungs, lymphatic system. And the longer the drink is stored in a plastic bottle, the more polyvinyl chloride it contains. A week after filling the bottle, the drink becomes harmful.

There is a myth that disposable and reusable plastic is covered with a special protective layer. Nothing like this! This is just a myth. There is no protective layer on such dishes. This fairy tale was invented by manufacturers of plastic dishes to reassure us consumers. A small scratch on such dishes can (and will) cause poisonous substances to enter food, and then into our body..

Another problem is the recycling of plastics. As a result of such processing, it is generally impossible to understand the composition of the material. Manufacturers must label and indicate on the bottom of the product what plastic the dishes are made of, but, unfortunately, not everyone does this. And you and I simply do not have the opportunity to understand and determine what we are holding in our hands, how safe it is.

The generally accepted labeling of dishes in which food can be stored is a fork and a glass. If the fork and glass are crossed out, then this product is strictly forbidden to be used for food products.

In addition, the dishes should indicate for which products it can be used: cold or hot, bulk or liquid, for freezing, for microwaves, and so on.

Important! Plastic utensils labeled "microwavable" and "hot food" are completely different uses. In the microwave, you can only use dishes that have an icon: a wave oven or it says "for a microwave oven." The marking “for hot products” indicates that you can drink and eat hot from this dish, but in no case cook or heat it up in this dish. Remember that with frequent use of dishes for hot products, the “aging effect” begins and it is advisable not to use such dishes repeatedly.

Russian scientists have conducted a number of studies and claim that plastic utensils are absolutely safe, but only with proper use and timely replacement .

Separately about plastic bottles

There is no doubt that a plastic bottle is very convenient and practical. Unlike glass, it will never break. And very often a disposable bottle turns into a reusable one. This is especially true of bottles with easy-to-drink necks that mothers use to drink their young children. The danger is that almost all plastic bottles are made of polyethylene terephthalate, which is practically unstable to shock loads, transmits ultraviolet and oxygen well, significantly worsening the quality of the drink, and polyvinyl chloride, the dangers of which have already been mentioned above.

You will say that these bottles are refillable with special labels. Yes you are right. But nothing but water can be poured into them. . And mothers pour everything into them: juices, compotes, kissels, even dairy products.

There is a great way to test the safety of a container: press the bottle with your fingernail and look at the result. If a white strip remains on the plastic, then it is better to throw away such a bottle - it may well harm your health.

How to safely use plastic utensils?

No matter how much they scare us, it is unlikely that we will refuse to use plastic utensils. Because it is inexpensive, convenient and hygienic.

In order not to harm your health, using such dishes, it is enough to follow some important and simple rules:

• Always use utensils as labeled.
• Do not use regular plastic utensils in the microwave.
• Do not use disposable plastic packaging to store or freeze food.
• Always use disposable tableware - once!
• Always crumple disposable utensils after use (especially in food service areas).
• Never cook foods high in sugar, fat or acids in plastic containers (even if the label says so).
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages from plastic cups.
• When you come home from the store, remove the packaging film from the products.
• Try to buy baby food in glass or cardboard containers.
• Buy plastic baby bottles only with the “BPA-free” badge, and it’s more correct to completely abandon plastic in baby dishes.
• Do not allow water to stagnate in a jug with a cleaning filter, change the water in it regularly. If the jug is cloudy, throw it away without hesitation.
• Do not wash reusable plastic utensils with brushes or hard brushes, do not use scouring powder.
• Never burn empty plastic bottles or other plastic products in a fire, stove or fireplace (used plastic is best thrown into a special container).

Summarize

Of course, it is best to refuse plastic utensils. But we are well aware that in practice this is very problematic. Well, you won’t go to nature with porcelain or ceramic plates, right? Much more convenient and practical plastic. Although we have recently been increasingly buying disposable cardboard plates and glasses, leaving for nature. Forks and spoons remain plastic, as there is no other alternative yet.

For a child, I specially take an ordinary spoon from home and, if possible, do not let him eat and drink from plastic dishes. At home, I don’t use plastic containers for food storage at all, only glass ones.

There are so many harmful factors around us that negatively affect our health. So why not reduce this number a little. Watch not only what you eat, but also what you eat from, and be healthy!

Elena Belokonova