List of Safe Plastic Bottles

Plastic bottles are widespread and convenient. However, some plastic bottles can leach harmful chemical substances, which may affect the body. Certain types of plastic bottle do not leach chemicals. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves several plastic bottle containers for healthful consumption.

Polyethylene Terephthalate

• Polyethylene terephthalate, which is usually abbreviated as PET or PETE, is typically the material for soft drinks, sports drinks and water bottles. PET containers also hold ketchup, salad dressing, peanut butter and similar foods. These containers are recyclable, and are known not to leach any carcinogenic or endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

High-Density Polyethylene

• High-density polyethylene, or HDPE, is in bottles of milk, water, juice and yogurt. This is also the plastic in margarine tubs. HDPE is also known not to leach chemicals that contribute to the growth of cancer cells in the body. HDPE is also recyclable material.

Low-Density Polyethylene

• Low-density polyethylene, abbreviated as LDPE, is used for squeezable plastic bottle containers. LDPE is harmful during production but does not leach cancer causing chemicals or release disrupting hormones once production is completed. LDPE is not recyclable like PETE and HDPE.

Polypropylene

• Polypropylene (PP) is also hazardous or harmful during production. It is used for bottling some ketchup and bottled yogurt. Once production is over, PP does not leach harmful chemicals but is not widely recyclable as other plastics.