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Safe Plastic Products For Your Home And Garden

Written by Marsea Truan
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Some plastics are safe to use, and some should be avoided.

From trays and tubes to hoses and containers, many components of the modern grow op are made of plastic. The problem is that carcinogenic chemicals found in some plastics can leach into your crop. To make sure you aren’t growing cancer along with your crops, here are the plastics to avoid (and which ones to use):

UNSAFE PLASTICS:

PVC (Polyvinyl chloride)
Chemicals used during PVC production, including known carcinogen DEHP, can remain in the plastic and leach into your water. Many pipes are made of PVC, so keep your eyes peeled. It’s fine for the drain, but not any parts coming into contact with your crop or nutrients.

BPA (Bisphenol A)

Found in many polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, BPA is controversial, even though its manufacturer claims it is safe (we’ve heard that one before). Many scientists have expressed concerns over a variety of health issues linked to BPA exposure, especially in younger people.

PS (Polystyrene)

Commonly known as styrofoam, polystyrene is both energy intensive to produce and difficult to recycle. Polystyrene’s main ingredients are suspected carcinogens and it is produced with known carcinogens. This is the worst of the worst, especially when warm. We doubt you would have styrofoam pipes, but keep away from this stuff, period.

SAFE PLASTICS:

Look for these abbreviations on your plastic products and you’ll be safe and sound (as far as scientists know right now).

PET/PETE (Polyethylene terephthalate)

HDPE (High-density polyethylene)

LDPE (Low-density polyethylene)

PP (Polypropylene)