Is plastic no 6 safe?

Is Plastic #6 Safe for Food Use?

When it comes to storing food, not all plastics are created equal—and plastic #6, also known as polystyrene (PS), is one you’ll want to think twice about. Commonly found in disposable coffee cups, takeout containers, and foam packaging, this material has raised health concerns for years.

The main issue with plastic #6 is its tendency to leach styrene, a chemical that the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified as a possible human carcinogen. When heated or exposed to acidic or fatty foods, polystyrene breaks down more easily, increasing the risk of chemical migration into your meal. That means that reheating leftovers in a foam container or sipping hot soup from a polystyrene bowl could expose you to unwanted compounds.

Plastic #6 isn't the only type to watch out for. Experts also recommend avoiding #3 (PVC), often found in cling wraps and some bottles, due to harmful additives like phthalates. Similarly, #7 (OTHER) can include a mix of materials, some of which may contain BPA or other chemicals linked to hormonal disruptions.

So what should you use instead? For safer food storage, stick to plastics labeled #1 (PET), #2 (HDPE), #4 (LDPE), and #5 (PP). These are more chemically stable and less likely to leach harmful substances, especially when used as intended. Many reusable containers, water bottles, and food-grade storage bins are made from these safer resins.

In short: skip the styrofoam. Opting for #2, #4, or #5 plastics—or better yet, glass or stainless steel—can go a long way in reducing your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. When in doubt, check the recycling code on the bottom of the container. Your health is worth the extra glance.