Plastic has become the standard for food and drink storage, but there are certain risks when storing things in plastic. Today we’re going to look at some of the dangers of plastic storage and why we use glass instead of plastic to store BSO Honey.
Not all plastics are the same.
Generally speaking, there are seven different types of plastics, which all range in durability and toxicity.
Firstly there are PET bottles. These are the plastic bottles you commonly see in stores that hold water and other beverages. These bottles are good because they prevent oxygen from entering the product they are containing, reducing the risk of said product spoiling. In the case of carbonated beverages, they prevent the carbonation from leaving the container. The trouble with these containers is that the plastics contain antimony trioxide, which is a carcinogen that can cause cancer. The longer a liquid is left in a container such as this, the more likely it is to release the antimony; warm temperatures also increase this risk; this is why you should avoid drinking bottled water that has been in a hot car for a long time.
Next is HDPE. This type of plastic is more durable (thicker and more robust) than PET plastic and is used for things like milk containers, laundry detergent, shampoo and conditioner bottles, and bottles containing medicines. HDPE is more stable than PET and is considered a safer plastic for foods and drinks. However, some studies revealed that this type of plastic could leach a type of chemical that mimics estrogen. This chemical could cause problems with the human hormonal system, particularly when exposed to ultraviolet light.
Polyvinyl Chloride (or PVC) is usually found in toys, cling wrap, binders, blood bags, medical tubing, and detergent bottles. This plastic has unfortunately been known to cause severe risks to the environment and human health; in fact, PVC plastic is primarily considered to be the most dangerous of all plastics. The chemicals it releases include lead, phthalates, and mercury, to name a few. Many of these chemicals have been known to cause cancer and allergic reactions.
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is commonly used in plastic bags for groceries, bread, frozen foods, plastic wraps, coating for paper milk containers, and hot and cold beverage cups and lids. It’s also used for squeeze bottles and covering cables. LDPE is considered a safer plastic for food and drink, though some research does suggest that it can cause some unhealthy hormonal issues in humans.
Polypropylene (PP) is commonly used for containers that store hot foods; this is because they are resistant to heat; they are also used in thermal vests, liners, diapers, and sanitary pads, as well as certain car parts. This plastic is considered safe, but like many other plastics on this list, it can cause problems with the balance of hormones in the human body and might cause asthma in some.
Polystyrene (or PS) is Styrofoam. This plastic is used for food containers, cups, egg cartons, bowls, packaging, and helmets. Exposures to heat and oils can cause PS to leach styrene, a toxicant that can impact several body organs and systems, including the immune system, lungs, brain, nervous system, liver, and even some of your genes.
Lastly, all other forms of plastics that are not listed above; this classification is complicated because it includes mixed plastics. The hazard is that many plastics can leach or release toxins, so it’s hard to account for the risks you may be exposed to when mixed plastics are involved.
Why we don’t store BSO Honey in plastic
BSO Honey is black seed oil-infused honey. The issue with storing BSO Honey in a plastic bottle is that the oil can cause chemicals from plastics to leach. If you are purchasing oils, it’s best if they are stored in glass.
You are undoubtedly aware by now that substantial risks come with storing consumables in plastic. We wanted to eliminate the hazard by packaging and selling BSO Honey in a glass bottle. The lid we selected was designed to be water and air tight, reducing the risk of cross-contamination (you can read more about it here: Everything you need to know about BSO Honey).
BSO Honey is a liquid supplement that can help improve your overall health, boosting your immune system and fighting inflammation. Take control of your health today. Visit our store to pick up a bottle and start living a better, healthier life.