Why That Number on Your Plastic Container Actually Matters

You've probably noticed those little triangles with numbers on plastic products. Most people ignore them. But that number tells you what type of plastic it is—and more importantly, whether chemicals might be leaching into your family's food.

Here's the thing: not all plastics are created equal. Some have additives that can migrate into food, especially when heated or exposed to fatty foods. Others are pretty inert. The difference matters, particularly during childhood when developing bodies are more sensitive to chemical exposures.

The American Academy of Pediatrics confirms that certain plastic chemicals can interfere with hormone systems. But this doesn't mean you need to panic about every plastic in your home. It means you need to be strategic about which ones to replace.

This series breaks down exactly which codes matter, why they matter, and what to swap them with. No fear. Just science and practical solutions.

Sources:

• Pediatrics in Review – Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Children (Feb 2024)
• The New England Journal of Medicine – Manufactured Chemicals and Children’s Health — The Need for New Law (Jan 8, 2025)