Plastic Task Force

Toxins, Endocrine Disruptors And Carcinogens That Migrate From The Molecules Of Different Plastic Containers To Their Contents

PET: Polyethylene Terephthalate

Used for: Soda Bottles, Water Bottles, Peanut Butter Jars, Cooking Oil Bottles

What migrates from plastic container to contents: Acetaldehyde

HDPE: High-Density Polyethylene

Used for: Milk Jugs, Detergent bottles, Plastic Bags, Yogurt Cups

What migrates from plastic container to contents: Antioxidants, BHT, Chimassorb 81, Irganox PS 800, Irganix 1076, Irganox 1010

PVC: Polyvinyl Chloride

Used for: Water Bottles, Salad Dressing Bottles, Detergent Bottles, Cooking Oil Bottles, Shampoo Bottles, Mouth Wash Bottles, Meat Wrap, Also: Babies’ Teething Rings, Pacifiers, Nipples and Toys (Barbie for example).

What migrates from plastic container to contents: Plasticizers (Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, Phthalates and the carcinogen, Diethyl Hexyphosphate)

LDPE: Low-Density Polyethylene

Used for: Produce Bags, Food Storage Containers

What migrates from plastic container to contents: Antioxidants, BHT, Chimassorb 81, Irganox PS 800, Irganix 1076, Irganox 1010

PP: Polypropylene

Used for: Bottle Caps, Drinking Straws

What migrates from plastic container to contents: BHT, Chimassorb 81, Irganox PS 800, Irganix 1076, Irganox 1010

PS: Polystyrene

Used for: Meat Trays, Foam Take-Out Food Containers & Cups (not in Berkeley!), Foam Packing Materials

What migrates from plastic container to contents: Styrene (traces found in nearly everyone’s body fat)

Other

Used for: Laminated Containers requiring properties of more than one type of resin

What migrates from plastic container to contents: Depends on plastics used. The label doesn't say.

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Other Fact Sheets:

Common misconceptions about plastic & plastic recycling + strategies for reducing environmental impact

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Plastics Task Force
Ecology Center
2530 San Pablo Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94702
Phone: (510) 548-2200
email: erc@ecologycenter.org
Open 11am-6pm Tuesday-Saturday