Plastic Number Three

Resin code number three is Polyvinyl Chloride, also known as Vinyl, PVC, and V.  Polyvinyl Chloride is the third most produced synthetic polymer in the world.  Annually, over 40 million tons are produced worldwide.  PVC is versatile and can be made rigid or flexible, depending on the intended application. 

PVC is generally used for food wrap, bottles for cooking oil, shower curtains, inflatable mattresses, plumbing and pipes, window profiles,  home siding, fencing, flooring, lawn furniture, non-food bottles, children's toys, and vinyl records.

It is a very strong plastic that is often softened with the use of Phthalates.  Because all PVC requires polymers, phthalates, stabilizers, or other additives, it is not considered safe for cooking, heating, or food storage.  These chemicals make PVC more difficult to recycle and are not accepted by most curbside recycling municipalities.

Plastic number three is known to leach chemicals, specifically phthalates into food or drink that is stored in a PVC container.  Highly toxic dioxins are created during the production of PVC, which release into the environment or off-gas inside your home.  Plastic number three is a suspected carcinogen.  It can also cause birth defects and is a known hormone disruptor.

Avoid this plastic as it is highly toxic and not safe.  If you do choose to use this plastic, don't use it for food storage and certainly don't eat or drink out of it, especially if it has been heated, been exposed to sunlight, or is wearing out.