Who would have thought that the label under the plastic bottle is also so exquisite! I was so ignorant that I hadn't noticed the significance of that little number for more than 30 years. It turns out that they represent different plastic materials and uses. Today, I will tell you about this knowledge.
The No. 1 plastic is PET polyethylene terephthalate. This material is most commonly found in clear bottles such as mineral water bottles, beverage bottles, and oil drums, and is also known as PET bottles. However, since it can only withstand temperatures of 70 degrees, it is only suitable for warm or cold drinks. If you put a high-temperature item, it will deform and release harmful substances, and it will also release carcinogens after ten months of use, which is harmful to the human body.
The No. 2 plastic is HDPE high-density polyethylene. This material is mainly used in cleaning products, medicine bottles and bath products, etc., and common white medicine bottles and skin care bath products are made of this plastic. If you want to reuse such containers, you need to clean them thoroughly.
However, such containers are generally not easy to clean, especially products such as dish soap, which can easily leave the previous substance and become a breeding ground for bacteria, so it is not recommended to reuse.
The third plastic, also known as PVC polyvinyl chloride, is often seen in our lives as building materials such as pipes, chair covers, slippers and sandals. PVC is very malleable, so it is more versatile and inexpensive.
However, this plastic cannot be used to hold food and can only withstand high temperatures of around 80 degrees. When exposed to high temperatures, harmful substances are produced and even released during the manufacturing process.
No. 4 plastic is made of PE polyethylene. The most common application is plastic wrap, and people are used to heating food covered with plastic wrap in the microwave because it keeps the food hydrated and makes it taste better. However, it should be noted that in addition to the plastic wrap specially used in the microwave oven, the general plastic wrap will be hot melted at more than 110 degrees, and the fat in the food will also dissolve the harmful substances in the plastic wrap. So it's best to remove the plastic wrap before putting it in the microwave.
No. 5 plastic is also known as PP polypropylene. The most common use is for microwave ovens or disposable lunch boxes. It is the only plastic material that can be put in the microwave oven and can be thoroughly cleaned and reused. However, it should be noted that although the body of some crisper boxes is made of No. 5 PP material, the lid is made of different grades of plastic, so it cannot be heated in the microwave together.
No. 6 plastic is also known as PS polystyrene. The most common use is for disposable foam lunch boxes and fresh food packaging boxes. When the temperature is high, it releases chemicals that are harmful to the human body, and it cannot be used to contain strong acids or alkaline substances, so avoid using fast food boxes to pack hot food.
No. 7 plastic, also known as PC polycarbonate. Its most common use is to make kettles, drinking glasses, and baby bottles, among other things. It can be drop-proof, but avoid high-temperature operations such as sun exposure and steaming, because PC glue will release bisphenol A when heated, and if a small amount of bisphenol A is not converted into a plastic structure, it may seep into food or drink, which will have adverse effects on the human body.
These are the meanings of the plastic bottle bottom labels, by recognizing these numbers, we can better choose plastic products, reduce the harm to the body, and make life healthier and safer.