Plastic code identification - Impacts of plastic uses - chemicals in preparation of plastics

Plastic code identification

We know that plastics are harmful to our environment. Plastics are made up of “polymer resins” which are long-chain organic compounds. Plastics have some language which means a code is used to understand the plastic quality. The plastic resin codes represent the type of polymer used to make the plastic.

We must recycle or dispose of plastics properly. Certain plastics are very harmful so we must avoid that type of plastics. Each type of plastic is composed of different polymers. Plastic codes were designed in the year of 1988. The resin codes are shown as three chasing arrows in a triangle and numbers in the middle of a triangle.

1) This type of code is used in mineral water cans. This plastic is designed to be used only once. If we reuse PET plastic cans, it will release antimony which is not good for your health.

2) Usually toys, plastic bags, and waste bins have this code. It is just safer plastics. Widely we use these plastics and we can able to recycle these types of plastics.

 3) This is the most toxic plastic and very harmful. We don’t use these types of plastics but raincoats, shiny prints and some other things are made by this plastic. Avoid this type of plastic where possible.

 4) It is very flexible and strong plastic. Usually, these types of plastics are safer plastics. Food packing, plastic bags, and food containers are made of these plastics.

5) It is also a safer plastic. Bottle caps and plastic chairs are made of this plastic material.

6) This is one of the unsafe plastics as it has harmful chemicals. Some toys and display models are made of this plastic.

7) This code includes all plastic types that don’t fit into the resin codes. This is unsafe plastic which is made up of polycarbonate and Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and acrylic.

8) The code has less plastic material means the company did not follow the rules and regulations. Avoid plastics that don’t have resin codes.  

Impacts 

Heavy metals are added to PVC Polyvinyl chloride plastics. Burning PVC releases dioxins, so avoid burning plastics. Polystyrene plastics- Styrene is a building block of plastic and may cause cancer. One-time use plastics impact the environment polluted and cause harm to animals. 

In those days, domestic waste was used for food for some animals. It is the best way of recycling waste. But nowadays people throw away plastic bags and waste. This disdain is harmful to animals, so please avoid it.