Explore the meaning of the symbol on the bottom of plastic cosmetics bottle

Plastic is everywhere. Looking around your home, how much plastic is there to notice? From food containers and household appliances to bags, children's toys, shower curtains, cosmetic packaging and water bottles, plastic has become an integral part of everyday life, especially in terms of safety, which has been shocking.

Public safety has been plagued by news about plastics, some of which are environmentally friendly and may be safe for children, while others contain harmful chemicals and cause dangerous pollution in the manufacturing process. People are told to recycle plastic cosmetic bottles and containers, but if we throw them away, what will it actually do to plastic?

To understand the ultimate location of these bottles, it is important to explore their origin. The plastic in their bodies is formed by chemically bonding oil and gas molecules together to make monomers. These monomers are then bonded together into long polymer chains to make millions of pieces of plastic.

These pellets are melted in a manufacturing plant and then re-moulded to produce the elastic material. Machines fill the bottles, then pack them, transport them, buy them, open them, consume them and unceremoniously throw them away. As if seduced by magic, the bottle is ready to be reborn into something entirely new.

In today's modern age, it's impossible to avoid plastic, but you can look for plastics that are safer for your home and the environment. For better health, many of us have stressed the importance of carrying a canteen with us wherever we go. People buy bottled water for a variety of reasons. Convenience, fashion, taste and so on. But do you know how many bottles are safe for you?

What does the plastic recycling symbol mean?

Have you ever considered logos with numbers or recycling symbols on the bottom of plastic cosmetic bottles and containers from plastic cosmetic packaging manufacturers ? You should be. They tell you what kind of plastic the product is made of. This is the key to becoming a better recycler, as not all plastics are created equal. Therefore, the more you know about plastics, the safer you will be for your home and the environment.

Some are safer than others, and the use of all plastics should be limited wherever possible. Now is the time to learn more about the various plastics you use, drink or eat every day, and what impact they have not only on you, your family, but also on the environment.

The number behind the plastic kettle

Each plastic container or bottle has a recycling sign on a scale of 1 to 7 within the triangle. You may not think of these symbols, but they can actually provide a wealth of information about the toxic chemicals used in plastics, the biodegradability of plastics, the possibility of leaching plastics, and the safety of plastics.

If you've been worried, knowing the differences between plastic types will help you make better decisions when choosing and recycling plastics. The following is information about the various recycling symbols and numbers. How do you know which plastic is safe for you? Find it here:

Plastics # 1 -- PETE or PET (polyethylene terephthalate)

PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic cosmetics bottles were invented by DuPont engineer Nathaniel Wyeth in the United States in 1973, and were invented by polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. This is the first plastic cosmetic bottle capable of withstanding the pressure of carbonated liquid.

PET or PETE is usually recycled into tote bags, furniture, carpets, paneling, fibers, and fleece. It is used to make containers of bottled water, fruit juices, soft drinks, mouthwashes, sports drinks and condiments for salad dressings, jellies, ketchup and jams. Polyethylene terephthalate is supposed to be safe, but it can actually leach the toxic metal antimony.

Plastic # 1 is for single use only. As a precautionary measure, the bottles should not be reused or heated and can only be recycled for re-use in new secondary products, such as fabrics, carpets or plastic wood. Some studies have found that water bottles left in a heat source for a long time release levels of antimony, a toxic chemical. Even if PETE doesn't contain BPA or phthalates, always make sure your kettle doesn't abuse the temperature.

Plastics # 2 -- HDPE (High Density Polyethylene)

It is considered a low-hazard plastic with a low risk of leaching. No. 2 plastic is the most commonly used plastic to be recycled, and recycling plastic is a relatively simple and cost-effective method. This type of plastic is very durable and does not break down in direct sunlight or in extreme heat or freezing.

It is used to make picnic tables, plastic planks, park benches, trash cans, truck bedspreads and other products that require weatherability and durability. Products made from HDPE are reusable and recyclable, such as the hard plastic used to make milk cans, detergents and oil bottles, children's toys and some plastic bags.

Some studies have shown that it can leach the endocrine disruptor nonylphenol (added to HDPE as a stabilizer), especially when exposed to ultraviolet light (such as sunlight) and other stabilizer chemicals that may have estrogen-mimics activity.

Plastics # 3 -- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Toxic chemicals can be found in polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a popular thermoplastic that has high levels of chlorine, up to 57%. A white, odorless, solid plastic that is brittle and can be found in the market as a pellet or white powder. It is usually available in powder form, and its high oxidation resistance and resistance to degradation allow it to be stored for a long time.

PVS plastics can be found in seasoning bottles, teething rings, toys, shower curtains, window cleaners and detergent bottles, shampoo bottles, edible oil bottles, transparent food packaging, wire jackets, medical equipment, wainboards, Windows, and pipes. The plastic carries the risk of releasing toxic breakdown products such as phthalates into food and drinks, and the manufacture of PVC is known to release highly toxic dioxins into the environment.

Dioxins are formed when PVC is burned through waste incineration, car or home fires. Dioxins are known human carcinogens and persistent organic pollutants, which are considered to be one of the most toxic chemicals.

Plastics # 4 -- LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene)

Low density polyethylene (LDPE) is a thermoplastic made from petroleum and can be found to be translucent or opaque. It is soft, tough but brittle, and is considered less toxic than other plastics, and relatively safe to use. However, it is not usually recycled, and this is changing in many communities today as more and more recycling programs prepare to dispose of this material. LDPE plastics are used in plastic lumber, landscaping panels, trash bin linings and floor tiles during recycling.

Products made with LDPE plastic can be reused, but are not always recyclable. If necessary, contact your local collection service provider to find out if they accept LDPE plastic items for recycling. LDPE is found in juice and milk cartons (as a waterproof inner and outer layer), most plastic food bags and certain packaging materials. Grocery store bags, plastic wrap and trash bags. LDPE is one of the safer plastics, but by using reusable bags, you can recycle them and reduce waste, especially when you're shopping for things like groceries.

This is commonly found in shrink wrap, dry-cleaning clothing bags, extrudable bottles, and other types of plastic bags used for packaging. In fact, most plastic grocery bags used in most stores today are made of LDPE plastic. In addition, some clothing and furniture use this type of plastic.

Plastics 5: Polypropylene (PP)

Polypropylene is used for similar purposes to polyethylene, but is usually harder and more heat resistant. It is commonly used in containers filled with hot food, and has a simple chemical structure (many CH3 methyl groups - one carbon and three hydrogen molecules), making it very soft.

Ketchup, yogurt, cheese, margarine, syrup, takeout, medicine containers, straws, bottle caps, Rubbermaid products and other opaque plastic containers (including baby bottles) for food containers are all made of polypropylene (PP). The plastic can also be used for a variety of purposes, such as disposable diapers and sanitary pads, thermal vests, home appliance parts, and many car parts (bumpers, carpets, fixtures).

PP is considered one of the safer plastics, but make sure you recycle whenever possible. Although it has been shown to be leachable as a plastic additive, such as the stabilizer olamide, it is relatively stable. PP laboratory appliances are generally considered safe plastics for use in food and beverage when used in scientific experiments (PP1), and an earlier study suggested that heated PP may be associated with exposure of workers in PP factories and with occupational asthma (PP2). This type of plastic is microwave-safe and dishwasher-safe, and a better alternative is to use glass containers to heat food and wash the plastic by hand instead of using a dishwasher.

Plastics # 6 - PS (polystyrene)

Polystyrene (PS) is a petroleum-based plastic that can be either hard or used as polystyrene foam because polystyrene is a weak base with an ultra-light structure that decomposes easily and is easily dispersed throughout the natural environment. Large numbers of Marine species are ingesting this plastic, with incalculable consequences for their health. For polystyrene products, recycling is rarely applicable.

Egg containers made from Styrofoam, disposable cups and bowls, takeaway food wrappers, peanut wrappers, and bike helmets are some of the examples of products made from Styrofoam, including disposable cutlery and razors, compact discs and DVD cases. Polystyrene is known to leach, which can seriously damage your nervous system and has been linked to cancer in food. Using # 6 plastic for hot food and drinks, such as hot coffee in a polystyrene cup, is probably the worst idea.

Because styrene is classified by the EPA and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a possible human carcinogen, prolonged exposure to small amounts of styrene can cause neurotoxicity. Such as fatigue, tension, difficulty sleeping, hematology; Low platelet and hemoglobin values, with cellular inheritance; Chromosomal and lymphatic abnormalities, and carcinogenic effects. To avoid polystyrene contamination, wrap restaurant leftovers in your own glass or stainless steel containers. It's also best to avoid Styrofoam cups and plates in favor of stainless steel, glass, or bamboo, and take your silverware to a fast food restaurant rather than a plastic store.

Plastics 7 -- Others (BPA, Polycarbonate and Lexan)

Plastic # 7 is also known under various trade names, including Lexan, Makrolon and Makroclear. Its properties include ease of molding, temperature resistance, stiffness, strength, and optical clarity, and it is estimated that more than 300 million tons of plastic are produced worldwide, almost all of which are made from petroleum.

Plastic # 7 can be found in sunglasses, iPod cases, computer cases, nylon, 3 - and 5-gallon water bottles, and bulletproof materials, and then recycled into plastic wood and other custom products. Intrauterine exposure to bisphenol compounds in early life is a major concern, which can lead to chromosomal errors in the developing fetus that can lead to spontaneous abortion and genetic damage. But the evidence is also very strong that these chemicals also affect adults and children, resulting in reduced sperm quality, early puberty, stimulation of breast development, disruption of the reproductive cycle and ovarian dysfunction, cancer and heart disease. Other health problems.