from the list FILES section: Plastics

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In addition to PVC (polyvinyl chloride), also avoid using the following

plastics with food, as a precaution: #6 PS (polystyrene) and polycarbonate

(often indicated by the #7). These plastics have also exhibited the ability

to leach questionable chemicals into foods they come into contact with,

especially fatty foods and particularly at higher temperatures.

By the numbers

Often found on the bottom of plastic bottles, other containers, and shopping

bags, the numbers and letters shown with the chasing-arrows " recycling "

symbol mean the following:

#1 PETE or PET (polyethylene terephthalate): used for most clear beverage

bottles.

#2 HDPE (high density polyethylene): used for " cloudy " milk and water jugs,

opaque food bottles.

#3 PVC or V (polyvinyl chloride): used in some cling wraps (especially

commercial brands), some " soft " bottles.

#4 LDPE (low density polyethylene): used in food storage bags and some " soft

bottles.

#5 PP (polypropylene): used in rigid containers, including some baby bottles

and some cups and bowls.

#6 PS (polystyrene): used in foam " clam-shell " -type containers, meat and

bakery trays, and in its rigid form, clear take-out containers, some plastic

cutlery and cups. Polystyrene may leach styrene into food it comes into

contact with. A recent study in Environmental Health Perspectives concluded

that some styrene compounds leaching from food containers are estrogenic

(meaning they can disrupt normal hormonal functioning). Styrene is also

considered a possible human carcinogen by the World Health Organization's

International Agency for Research on Cancer.

#7 Other (usually polycarbonate): used in 5-gallon water bottles, some baby

bottles, some metal can linings. Polycarbonate can release its primary

building block, bisphenol A, another suspected hormone disruptor, into

liquids and foods. In 1998, the Japanese government ordered manufacturers

there to recall and destroy polycarbonate tableware meant for use by

children because it contained excessive amounts of bisphenol A. Other

sources of potential bisphenol A exposure include food can linings and

dental sealants.

Unfortunately, many plastic products are not labeled with a number or

initials. When in doubt, you can call the manufacturer directly. On food

products, there is usually a toll-free question/comment number listed.

More on Plastics:

A Shopper's Guide to Plastics and Food

A Shopper's Guide to Plastics and Food: Solutions to the Plastic Problem