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I was discussing BPA (Bisphenol A) and plastics codes with a friend, and thought I'd share it here on my blog.

The question was, what is the plastic code for BPA products?

So I did a little bit of online research. First, a little bit more on BPA. BPA is an industrial chemical used to make a hard, clear plastic known as polycarbonate.

As most of Canadians now know, the Government of Canada has banned BPA from use in baby bottles, as it has been found to be a hormone disruptor (according to Environmental Defense, which states, "Studies have linked low-dose BPA exposure with such effects as: permanent changes to genital tract; increase prostate weight; decline in testosterone; breast cells predisposed to cancer; prostate cells more sensitive to hormones and cancer; and hyperactivity.").

Plastic Codes

From the Government of Canada Chemical Substances website:

Plastics identified by codes 1 through 6 do not use BPA in their manufacturing process.

1. polyethylene teraphthalate (PETE or PET)
2. high density polyethylene (HDPE)
3. polyvinyl chloride (PVC) vinyl (V)
4. low density polyethylene (LDPE)
5. polypropylene (PP)
6. polystyrene (PS)

Code (7) is used to identify ‘Other Plastics’. Polycarbonate is a code seven (7) plastic; however, the majority of code seven (7) plastics are not polycarbonate.

The answer, therefore, is that there is no specific code for BPA, but basically Code (7) may or may not have BPA in it. So stay away from Code (7)!

I found these sites informative:

• Plastic Recycling Codes
• Environmental Defense / Toxic Nation
• Government of Canada Chemical Substances
• Government of Canada BPA Fact Sheet
  

Hope this is helpful to all the moms!
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