Know the Code and Plastic Materials Manufacturers

It IS not easy for us to recognize a variety of plastic fabric. But no need to rush discard all plastic containers for fear of danger. There is still a safe plastic packaging, really.

Experts in the world have agreed to create a code to identify the maker of plastic materials. The goal of course to enable customers to identify safety hazards and containers made of plastic. This code is a number that is usually placed at the posterior packing in a triangular sign.

According to FPI Executive Director Henk Wibowo, codes were first issued in 1988 by The Society of Plastic Industry in the United States. Furthermore, many developing countries.

How to read the code?
Triangles indicate that plastic packaging is recycled. Then, the code numbers on the triangle intertwined with the letter which is on the bottom. "Numbers and letters indicate the type of plastic composition," said Henk. Until now, there are seven codes on plastic containers commonly used:

• Figures 1 - PET
This means that the plastic polyethylene terephthalate is composed dad. Packaging with this figure means that contain 30% PET. Usually these containers with clear or transparent material. Generally used for mineral water bottles, juice bottles, plastic or glass.

Plastic packaging with code 1-PET for single use only. We're not allowed to use it repeatedly. This material is not either to save some food and hot drinks "The heat will cause the polymer layer on the bottle migrate into food or drink," said Arif Hartoyo, expert in Food Technology from the Institute Pertanian Bogor (IPB).

• 2-HDPE
Plastic packaging material is made by high sensity polyethylene (HDPE). Plastic raw material is safe because it does not react to food or beverages. This material is strong, hard, opaque, and are more resistant to high temperatures so commonly used in stained white milk bottle milk, Tupperware, gallons of drinking water, and folding chairs.

Even so, the packaging is also not to be used repeatedly. For compound antimony trioxide to increase steadily over time and it is dangerous to our health.

• 3-V.
This is the abbreviation of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) containing in-2-ethyl-heksiladipat (DEHA), which can react with food. The content of DEHA easily migrate at a temperature of 15 degrees Celsius. This material is dangerous and difficult experience recycling. Usually this type used for plastic wrap (cling wrap)

• 4-LDPE
If you find this sign in the plastic, which means this material is made from low density polyethylene. This material is made from petroleum. Strong in character, somewhat translucent, flexible, and somewhat greasy surface. At temperatures below 60 degrees Celsius, very resistant to chemical compounds. Although a power protection against steam, water well, but less good for other gases such as oxygen.

• 5-PP
Packaging is made of polypropylene. Used in transparent bottles but not very clear or cloudy. Plastics of this type of character is stronger, lighter, with a low vapor permeability. So this kind of safe plastic for food packaging and beverage. "Plastics of this type are also resistant to fats and stable to high temperatures," said Arif.

• 6-PS
It is the mark of this packaging made from polystyrene (PS) or so-called polymer
aromatic. When meeting with the food or beverage, these materials can release styrene material. This material should be avoided as dangerous to the health of the brain, interfering with the female hormone estrogen which results in the problem of reproduction, growth and nervous system. It is better to directly burn when we find it.

• 7-other
This means that this material is composed of plastic materials other than the six mentioned above. Contents include styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC) and nylon.

The content contained on the SAN ordinary foods and beverages such as sports drink bottles, auto parts, household equipment, computers, electronic equipment, and plastic packaging.

23.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Plastic Chemicals Make Boys "waving?"

Chemicals contained in plastic suspected influence brain development in baby boys and causing them to be more feminine. Researchers concluded from the University of Rochester, USA.

According to experts, a baby boy in the womb too often exposed to phthalates, toxic chemicals, tend to be more feminine. Phthalates long been known to disrupt hormone testosterone. Several types of phthalates are also similar to the female hormone, estrogen. The experts also suspect that some cases of babies born with abnormalities of the genital organs caused by these hazardous chemicals.

Phthalates are widely used as plastic softeners and help stabilize fragrance in baby care products. Phthalates among others, used to lotion, shampoo, baby powder, toys, cosmetics, and food packing. There are several types of phthalates used by industry, as well as in textiles, adhesives, coatings and flooring materials.

In his research, Dr. Shanna Swan and her team perform tests on the urine of pregnant women about to give birth to examine the level of exposure to phthalates. Then, the volunteers who gave birth to 74 baby boys and 71 female infants were observed until their child was seven years old.

The children were then questioned about the type of game they like or favorite playmate. The results are found, boys who when in the womb have higher levels of phthalates tend to prefer a soft game. They do not like toy cars or cap pistol and avoid the games that "rough" like wrestling.

Although these children an early age, some experts say it is not impossible they will grow into a more feminine men.

Meanwhile, the Institute of Plastic Supervision at European Council for Plasticiser and Intermediates of the opinion that the results of this study is too early to conclude.

"We need more scientific evidence before making a balanced assessment," said Tim Edgar, representatives of these institutions.

23.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Plastic Chemical Linked Menstrual Disorders

Research that revealed the adverse effects of chemicals bisphenol A (BPA) in plastics continue to emerge. Most recently, BPA is thought to cause menstrual disorders due to hormonal abnormality known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

In this syndrome the female body produces male hormones (androgens) excessively so that more face-haired and pimply. Women with this syndrome also experience menstrual disorders, and even stopped altogether.

In women with PCOS syndrome, found levels of chemicals with high levels of BPA in their blood. Previous studies showed that male mice exposed to BPA in the womb and suckle with plastic bottles containing BPA will experience a disruption of the testes.

Results were further increasing the length of the adverse effects of chemicals on BPA. BPA itself can be found in many plastic products, including baby bottles and food packaging. Bottles with BPA content is usually marked with the number 7 inside the recycling symbol.

Hormonal active substances such as natural hormones CPA working as an anti-estrogen and androgen. In fact, in small quantities, BPA can affect the sexual development, such as early puberty.

Research on the safety of BPA continued. In January 2010, the Food and Drug Administration and other U.S. health agencies poured funds up to 30 million U.S. dollars to conduct short-and long-term research to clarify the impact of BPA on human health.

The current data is new comes from experiments on animals in laboratories, which showed the emergence of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hyperactivity, and sexual dysfunction after the animals were exposed to BPA in the long term.

In the research by a team from the University of Athens Medical School, compared with BPA levels in blood were 71 women who have PCOS syndrome with 100 healthy women.

BPA levels in the blood in women who suffer from PCOS were 60 percent higher than in healthy women. BPA levels are also known to 30 percent higher in obese women with PCOS syndrome. The higher levels of BPA, the higher the level of male hormones.

23.13 | 0 komentar | Read More

Free Baby of the Hidden Toxins

At an early age, as far as possible minimize exposure to your baby from hazardous chemical substances. But keep in mind poison can also be hidden in furniture or plastic goods.

BPA in bottles of milk bottles, plastic cups and other feeding equipment may contain bisphenol-A (BPA), which makes plastic look clear and antipecah. BPA can cause birth defects cancer, abnormal genital formation, and early puberty. Glass bottles do not contain harmful chemicals. If you prefer to use plastic, choose one that is free of BPA.

Rubber Duck Duck toxic toys and the like about 50 percent of the author is phthalates, chemicals linked to cancer incidence and obesity. Phthalates can disrupt endocrine, that could adversely affect hormonal. Better to choose toys from wood or organic cotton.

Almari furniture, desks, and chairs made of plywood (plywood, multiplex) contains formaldehyde, a carcinogenic that trigger headaches, inflammation of the airways, skin rash in children and adults. Replace it with goods from teak wood, sungkai, and the like.

Paint the wall Choose paint with no VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) or low VOC levels (less than 10 mg per liter) because if inhaled can be harmful to health.

Carpet Many carpets contain chemicals and easily generate a lot of dust in the room. There is also a cancer-triggering substances such as xylene and benzene which can cause allergies and other problems in the respiratory tract.

If forced to install carpet, clean with vacuum cleaner (vacuum) equipped with a HEPA filter to help minimize exposure to dust mites and other allergens. Also use toxic-free cleaning materials.

23.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Plastics Chemical Causes Male Infertility

Chemicals contained in plastic packaging has long been  a concern because of harmful health scientists, one of which disorders in male reproductive  organs. Several studies have shown  exposure to  certain chemicals will cause sterility.

Bisphenol-A or BPA is suspected to be a source of interference problems in the reproductive organs. These chemicals work like female sex hormones, namely estrogen and disrupt hormone endrogen.

In a research report published in the journal Fertility and Sterility mentioned, the factory workers in China who are exposed to chemicals plastics have lower sperm counts. This study reinforces previous research that says BPA affect the sexual development of male babies.

The study involved 130 Chinese factory workers who daily direct contact with items that contain BPA. Their health compared with 88 workers not exposed to BPA. Low sperm counts are found in the workers most exposed to BPA. The small number of sperm will cause sterility or infertility in men.

BPA itself scattered in the goods that we often use, such as in plastic packaging, beverage bottles, or household goods. Awareness of the dangers of BPA has lead many states prohibit the use of BPA. To reduce exposure to BPA, make sure the plastic packaging that are purchased free of chemicals that are marked with the number 7 in the recycling symbol.

23.10 | 0 komentar | Read More

Plastic "BPA Free" Not Necessarily Safe

Plastics that do not contain Bisphenol A (BPA) have been considered by the safe by the consumer. But according to research by Texas researchers found that the plastic is actually classified as BPA Free also contains hazardous components.

Bisphenol A, which is often used in the plastics industry including baby bottles, are known to have active components similar to the hormone estrogen. These chemicals can dissolve in the food and is thought to cause defects in the fetus, reproductive disorders, cancer and other health problems.

In the research by a team from the University of Texas, United States, the researchers surveyed more than 500 household products that are classified as free of BPA (BPA Free). It turned out that 92 percent of products that contain harmful substances that can dissolve when the plastic products that are washed, heated and exposed to the sun.

Not only that, the researchers also found that the BPA-free products turned out to also contain chemicals that mimic estrogen in high enough levels. Hazardous chemicals were the highest found in baby bottles containing products Polyesthersulfone (PES) or polyetheylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), which contain BPA was already replaced.

Yet the researchers say that the switch does not use the plastic is not the answer. Moreover, the plastic has the ecological advantage because it is lightweight and easily recycled. Plastic products also mengosumsi low energy scale, both in the process of manufacture or delivery. Plastic is still and will continue to be used but the producers were asked to increase security standards so as not to endanger health.

23.08 | 0 komentar | Read More