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Health Hazard Myths of Plastic Bottles

According to plastics manufacturers and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), several concerns regarding the safety of plastic bottles or food containers are unfounded.

  1. Freezing Water

    • Freezing water in plastic bottles will not release dioxins into the water. The FDA has stated: "We have seen no evidence that plastic containers or films contain dioxins and know of no reason why they would."

    Microwave Use

    • The FDA has found no evidence that using plastic in a microwave oven is dangerous to the contents if the container is used according to the instructions on the packaging.

    Six-Pack Rings

    • Federal law mandates that the plastic rings that hold six-packs of plastic bottles together must be made of material that is 100 percent photodegradable, meaning it can be broken down by light.

    Phthalates

    • Phthalates are additives found only in plastic materials made of vinyl or PVC. Plastic bottles or food packages do not contain phthalates.

    Recycling Number

    • The numbers located on the bottom of plastic bottles or containers are for recycling purposes only and do not indicate how a container should be used.

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