The number under the plastic bucket represents the material used in the plastic. Depending on the number on the bottom of the plastic bucket, the material is different and used for different products.

The number "1" represents polyethylene terephthalate, or PET. Mainly used in mineral water bottles, carbonated bottles, juice drink bottles, soy sauce and vinegar bottles, etc. PET bottles have a heat resistance of 70 degrees Celsius and are only suitable for holding warm or frozen drinks. They are easily deformed when filled with boiling water or heated, and substances harmful to the human body may also dissolve.

The plastic container marked "No. 2" is made of HDPE high-density polyethylene and is commonly found in white medicine bottles, cleaning supplies, and bath products. Because these products are not easy to clean thoroughly, they are not suitable for use as water cups, etc., and they should not be recycled.

No. 3 PVC (also known as "V") polyvinyl chloride; because of its low price, it is also used to make intravenous infusion bags and disposable sterile infusion equipment.

Products made of No. 4 LDPE polyethylene are commonly used in raincoats, building materials, plastic films, plastic boxes, etc. Because these two types of materials have excellent plasticity and are cheap, they are widely used.

No. 5 is PP polypropylene, which can be used to make microwave lunch boxes. It is also the only plastic box that can be placed in a microwave oven and can be reused.

The plastic products marked No. 6 are made of PS polystyrene. They will release chemicals when the temperature is too high and cannot be used to contain strong acids and alkaline substances.

No. 7 OTHER means they are made of other plastics. If such containers are damaged, you should stop using them because the tiny pits on their surfaces can easily hide bacteria.

Extended information:

Common drinking water plastic bottles on the market have passed national testing and are safe to use. Purchased recycled materials and contaminated raw materials cannot be used to make products such as plastic packaging containers and tools for food.

Baby bottles and containers made from recycled plastic waste are usually rough in workmanship and have no trademarks or environmental recycling signs. These products themselves are very thin and will deform almost as soon as you pinch them. They also have a pungent smell and can be harmful to the human body. Take the gas decomposed from plasticizers as an example. When it enters the human body, it will cause symptoms such as shortness of breath and accelerated heart rate. If absorbed in large quantities, it may also cause central nervous system disorders and gastrointestinal discomfort.

People's Daily Online - The digital mystery at the bottom of plastic bottles Which plastic bottles are safe?