Plastics

Plastic is made by combining toxic synthetic chemicals together. The belief is that these chemicals are bonded so tightly that the toxicity does not rub off onto that with which it comes in contact. The reality is that the bonding process, called polymerization, is never 100% perfect. It is virtually impossible for plastic to stay contained, not leaching into food, air, water, and you.

Unsafe plastics are those which contain the highly toxic chemicals like BHA. This chemical and others have not only been known to cause cancer, but have been shown in recent studies to disrupt the endocrine system of both animals and humans. In essence they are hormone disruptors and therefor have an effect on virtually every bodily function. Such an effect is often times permanent. Toxic chemicals are most readily released when these plastics are heated, scratched, scarred or used. Do not use unsafe plastics in the microwave or dishwasher and be sure to discard those which appear damaged.

Unsafe Plastics (AVOID)
#3, #6, #7

Safe Plastics
#1, #2, #4, and #5
This includes Handiwrap and Glad plastic which contain #4 only