By Jessica Duncan, Edited with the assistance of ChatGPT, a language model developed by OpenAI.

On an average day, you might brush your teeth with a plastic toothbrush, slip on a polyester (plastic-based) T-shirt, brew coffee from a plastic pod, drive a car filled with plastic components, drink water from a plastic bottle, and carry your groceries home in a plastic bag. Plastic is everywhere. It’s a fundamental part of modern life—saving lives in hospitals, keeping food fresh, and enabling technological innovation. But alongside its benefits, plastic also comes with serious health and environmental concerns.

What Is Plastic?

“Plastic” is a broad term used to describe synthetic materials made from a wide range of organic polymers. These polymers are engineered for durability, flexibility, and affordability, but not all plastics are created equal. Some are relatively safe, while others pose significant health risks—especially when used to store, cook, or consume food and drinks.

Low-Risk Plastics

Some plastics are generally considered to be safer for everyday use, particularly when it comes to food contact. These include:

• #1 PET or PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
• #2 HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
• #4 LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
• #5 PP (Polypropylene)

These plastics are found in products such as milk jugs, yogurt tubs, plastic bags, wipes, trash liners, cereal box liners, prescription bottles, and polyester fabrics. Although these types are not known to cause significant health issues, studies show that under certain conditions (especially heat), even these plastics may leach small amounts of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Still, they are widely accepted at recycling drop-off sites in places like Lucas County.

High-Risk Plastics

Other plastics pose a greater threat to both your health and the environment. These include:

#3 PVC or V (Polyvinyl Chloride/Vinyl)

Used in: window frames, pipes, credit cards, shampoo bottles, clear food packaging, children’s toys, and wire coatings.

PVC is one of the most toxic plastics. According to Greenpeace, it’s the most environmentally damaging plastic due to its toxic production, use, and disposal. PVC releases harmful chlorine-based chemicals, which have been linked to cancer, birth defects, hormonal disruptions, and learning disabilities. These chemicals can settle on plants, be eaten by livestock, and make their way into the human food chain. PVC is generally not recyclable.

#6 PS (Polystyrene/Styrofoam)

Used in: takeout containers, cups, egg cartons, packaging materials, and building insulation.

Polystyrene can leach styrene, a potential neurotoxin that can accumulate in body fat. Heating or storing hot food in Styrofoam increases the risk of chemical leaching. The production of Styrofoam releases more than 50 different chemical byproducts, many of which are toxic to humans and the environment. Additionally, it often contains brominated flame retardants, which are suspected of contributing to hormone disruption and other health issues.

#7 O (Other Plastics)

Used in: water cooler bottles, DVDs, sunglasses, food containers, electronics cases, and more.

This catch-all category includes plastics that don’t fit into the other six. Many #7 plastics contain BPA or BPS, potent endocrine disruptors that may interfere with mood, growth, reproductive development, and even increase the risk of cancers, obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. When possible, it's best to avoid #7 plastics.

How to Reduce Your Risk

Completely avoiding plastic can feel overwhelming, but reducing your exposure—especially in food preparation and storage—is both possible and beneficial. Here are seven practical steps to help protect your health:

1. Never heat or microwave food in plastic containers. Heat increases the release of harmful chemicals.
2. Avoid BPA by steering clear of plastic wraps, disposable water bottles, and plastic food containers. Choose glass, stainless steel, or ceramic alternatives.
3. Check for BPA-free labels. While not foolproof, this can help reduce exposure.
4. Avoid #3 plastics (PVC) to reduce contact with phthalates.
5. Look for “phthalate-free” labels on plastic toys, bottles, and other products.
6. Air out new plastic items (like synthetic rugs, toys, or inflatable mattresses) to allow volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to dissipate.
7. Steer clear of plastics labeled #6 and #7 as much as possible.

The Bottom Line

Like many innovations, plastic offers both benefits and risks. It has transformed modern life—but not without consequences. Being informed about the types of plastics you use daily can help you make smarter, safer choices for your health and the planet. Reducing plastic use where you can—especially in the kitchen—is a great place to start.