Revealing how to choose a plastic that is safe for the whole familys health

Synthetic plastics are everywhere. Plastic is found in children's toys, food containers, cosmetic bottles and household items. Some plastics are environmentally friendly and safe for children, while others contain many toxic substances and can pollute the environment during production.

It is almost impossible to avoid contact with synthetic resins, but you absolutely can choose one that is safe for home health and the environment. Therefore, you need to find out the information and codes on plastic to know which ones are safe.

What are synthetic resins and how do they harm your family?

Plastic is a synthetic (synthetic) substance and is used to make many products such as bottles, toys, and household goods. Plastic is lightweight and strong, and can be molded into a variety of designs and thicknesses.

Plastic is made of chemicals. The two main types of plastic chemicals that can affect pregnant women and babies are:

Bisphenol A (also known as BPA): BPA makes a plastic clearer and stronger. They are sometimes used as baby bottles, water bottles or metal cans;

Phthalates make plastics soft and supple. Medical items (such as tubes), shampoo bottles, food items, and makeup can contain this substance.

Exposure to these chemicals during pregnancy can cause fetal brain and behavioral health problems. If the baby is a boy, plastic can adversely affect the prostate gland. The prostate gland is a small gland near the bladder and the male "boy" helps protect sperm.

It is better to check the ingredients of any plastic item before buying them to use.

Read labels to limit harmful use of plastic and choose safe plastic

The following plastics are SAFE plastics that you and your family can safely use:

Number 1 is PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)

Number 2 is HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)

Number 4 is LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)

Number 5 is PP (Polypropylene).

You SHOULD NOT use synthetic resins numbered 3 (PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride), No.6 (PS Polystyrene), 7 (BPA resin, Polycarbonate and LEXAN) or PC (abbreviation for hazardous chemicals). called polycarbonate).

You should not reuse single-use plastics such as plastic bags, plastic water bottles, coffee cups, and straws. If reused, you can break the plastic's structure and release some of the chemicals. If you routinely carry water to school / work, you can replace it with a hard plastic or metal bottle instead. When you go to the market, after using the plastic bag, you should throw it away, not save it for reuse.

When breastfeeding, mothers should breastfeed their babies directly. If you have to give your baby formula or have to express breastmilk, you should change the plastic bottle to a glass bottle or choose the safe plastic described above.

When you let your child play with toys, choose one made of fabric or wood, not one with paint. If you choose to buy plastic toys for your baby, then carefully check whether it is safe plastic before buying. You should also not let your child play or suck on plastic electronic devices such as television remote or cell phones because they may be contaminated with chemicals.

When heating food in the microwave, you should not store food in plastic containers, for example in porcelain dishes.

For moms who use cosmetics, choose products that do not contain phthalate.

You should also wash your hands before eating and practice this good habit for your family.

Generally, plastic products numbered 2, 4 and 5 are safe plastics. However, whichever plastic you choose, remember not to expose them to high temperatures like a microwave oven. It is better to limit the use of synthetic resin as little as possible.