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Discover the meaning of the codes on plastic packaging, so that you are protected from various kinds of diseases, such as cancer or liver disorders.
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET / PETE)
Note the code on the plastic packaging that you purchased. If there is a triangle with a number in it, then the plastic is named polythylene. Usually found on the packaging of mineral water, a bottle of soy sauce, cooking oil, and chili sauce.
The characteristics that are easily recognizable from PET / PETE is a clear, strong, solvent-resistant, watertight and gas, as well as easy if the software is at a temperature of 80 degrees Celsius. When used repeatedly, especially for storing hot water, the polymer coating on the bottle will melt and emit carcinogenic substances that can cause cancer. Therefore, get rid of right away when once this package is at a temperature of 80 degrees Celsius.
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
This plastic types are marked with a triangle with the number two in it. HDPE is usually contained in detergent bottles, bottled juice, oil, and some dairy products packaging. The characteristics of HDPE that you can recognize is semi-flexible, chemical resistant, and damp.
Although known to be quite safe from chemical reactions, however HDPE may change if the software is at a temperature of 75 degrees Celsius. HDPE is recommended for one time use only, since the release of the compound antimony trioxide continue to increase over time. These compounds can lead to skin irritation, respiratory problems, menstrual disorders and even can cause miscarriage for pregnant women.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Plastic with the logo of a triangle, and it numbered three are strong and hard enough, but it could turn out to be soft if it is at a temperature of 80 degrees Celsius. PVC is widely used as a clothing material, piping, roofing, and others. As a building material, PVC is relatively inexpensive, durable, and easily assembled.
PVC contains hazardous components consisting of vinyl chloride monomer VCM), phthalate esters (DEHP, DIDP), Pb compounds, and semi karbazid (SEM) that should not be used to store food and beverages, because it contains substances Diethylhydroxylamine (DEHA) which can damage kidney and liver organs.
Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
Picture a triangle and are numbered four, the type of plastic is commonly called LDPE. Commonly used as plastic food wrap, and plastic supermarket bags. The nature of plastic is strong, flexible, water-resistant, its surface is not clear and may turn out to be soft if it is at a temperature of 70 degrees centigrade.
LDPE has good protection capability against chemical reaction and being one type of plastic that is often used to wrap food and beverages.
Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene be found on the plastic with the image of the triangle numbered 5. Plastic is usually found in a box of food, or medicine bottles. Bottles made of PP resistant to chemicals, heat and oil, but will soften at a temperature of 140 degrees Celsius.
Polypropylene is the best type of plastic used as packaging for food and beverages, it can prevent the occurrence of chemical reactions, and quite resistant to heat.
Polystyrene (PS)
Polystyrene is also known as styrofoam. This type of packaging has the properties of rigid, opaque, is susceptible to grease and solvents, is quite malleable and turn into soft if it is at a temperature of 95 degrees Celsius heat.
Styrofoam containers can be found as frozen food packaging, dishes ready, it can even be made as a plate, fork, and spoon plastic coffee packaging. Styrofoam is known to secrete a substance styrene when heated especially when using a microwave. Styrene substances can cause brain damage, interfere with the reproductive system, to the nervous system. Highly recommended untu avoid this type of packaging as packaging of food or beverage.
7. Polycarbonate
Marked with a triangle and is numbered 7. The plastic is a type of plastic polycarbonate (PC) with characteristics not easily broken, light, and crisp. Basically, polycarbonate is quite safe, and is often used in gallons of drinking water, even baby bottles, as long as you do not scratch and does not show signs of damage.
Therefore, basically polycarbonate start is not recommended as the packaging of food or drink, because it contains residues of bisphenol A (BPA) which is very dangerous for the body. The number of chemicals that will be issued depending on the air temperature at the time.
