Have you ever noticed that there is information that can be crucial for your health on your water bottles (or other containers in platics)? You will find this information in the triangle (recycling symbol) located under the bottle or at the bottom.The number within this triangle corresponds to the chemicals used during the manufacture of the plastic of the bottles.

Often we consult the label to see the composition of the water (babies, pregnant women, ...) but we do not pay attention to the chemical composition of the packaging. I invite you to take a bottle in your kitchen, i'am going to give you the meaning of these numbers.

Here's what symbols on water bottles mean:

1 PETE

The number 1 is most widespread in the resin identification coding system. It does not pose a health risk and indicates that the plastic contains polyethylene terephthalate. It is not dangerous under some conditions. This chemical may release antimony trioxide (an EPA chemical that interferes with the action of hormones) that causes irritation to the skin and respiratory tract if you are exposed to it very regularly. This substance may also be cancerogenic. It is therefore not recommended to reuse a bottle marked with the number 1. It is intended to be recycled quickly (preferably after one use). When I think that for a while I filled small empty bottles of water every day (numbered 1) for my children with tap water ... 😣

2 - PEHD

This means that this plastic diffuses the lowest concentration of chemicals in the water.
It presents no danger, both in terms of consumption and recycling. The products used in the manufacture of these bottles are essentially high density polyethylenes, low density polyethylenes and polypropylene.

3 - PVC (sometimes 3V)

This plastic emits two toxic chemicals that have an influence on the hormones in the human body. This is unfortunately the most commonly used plastic. ..Note that since this plastic is considered dangerous, it is most often used to make non-food pipes or bottles. If you have a numbered receptacle 3, it is strongly advised not to store water or even to heat liquids and foods, this operation favors the release of dangerous substances!

4 - LDPE

This plastic does not emit chemicals in water but is used most often for the manufacture of plastic bags instead of bottles of water.
Why not use it for water bottles So? It's stupid to poison us for nothing. Finally, surely to save money...

5 - PP

Plastic marked with a 5 is one of the least dangerous, it is mainly white or transparent. It is used for syrup bottles and yogurt pots or yogurt to drink. Phew! I just checked the Decathlon gourds of my children, they are in this category.

6 - PS

This plastic emits carcinogenic styrene. Usually this plastic is used for coffee cups, fast food packaging, office accessories or toys! As for type 3, it is therefore not advisable to store water there or even to heat liquids and food there since this operation favors the release of dangerous substances.

7 - PC (or no labeling)

It is the worst type of plastic used for food packaging ! It emits chemical BPA. Unfortunately it is used for baby bottles, bottles for sports drinks and for food storage. But it's crazy that, how is it possible !!

In summary :

Plastics 2, 4 and 5, those with the HDP, HDPE and PP labels do not appear to emit chemicals. The most dangerous ones are labels 1, 3, 6 or 7. In these bottles, the water is under chemical and thermal activity.

Not to mention that all these bottles and other plastics are a disaster for the environment and animals.

So, have you been checking your bottles and especially those of your children?