What are the dangers of plastics?

Plastics pose a considerable health threat as certain types can leech dangerous toxic chemicals such as phthalates and bisphenol-A. The manufacture and disposal of plastics also generates an enormous amount of pollution. It is better if you try to avoid using plastics altogether, but that’s a very difficult thing to do given its pervasive presence in modern society. So, at least try to find plastics numbered 1,2,4 or 5 or bio-based plastics made from plants like corn.

PVC, commonly referred to as vinyl, is the most hazardous plastic on the market. PVC is dangerous to human health and the environment throughout its entire life cycle: at the factory, in our homes, and in the trash. Some chemicals that are released during the PVC life cycle are mercury, dioxins, and phthalates, all of which have been proven to be harmful to human health.

Read the October 2007 USA Today article about plastics.