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Heard Something About Plastics?
Get the Facts Here.
Determining fact from fiction on the Internet can be harder than you think. We know because people often contact us with questions about rumors concerning plastics. And since many of these might sound scientific or seem like good common sense, it's only natural to be concerned. If you've heard a rumor about plastics and want to know more, you've come to the right place.
MythBuster Tip
Like most scams, e-myths share certain features that can help you ID a hoax when you see one. For example, your e-mail just might be hoax if:

The story or information is difficult to verify. More often than not, e-mail hoaxes sound factual. The idea is to get you to buy into the story without researching the facts. Tales of a conspiracy or cover-up and vague references (e.g., my friend's sister-in-law) are just some of the tactics hoaxters use to discourage you from doing a quick key word search.

Learn more ways to spot a hoax.
Rumor Registry Spotlight
Rumor: Using plastics in the microwave creates dioxins that can migrate into food.

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Rumor: Student finds carcinogens and harmful chemicals leach from plastics in microwave.

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Rumor: Freezing plastic water bottles releases dioxins into water.

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Rumor: Reusing plastic beverage bottles causes harmful chemicals to leach into water.

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Rumor: The number on the bottom of a plastic cup, bottle or container tells you how to use a product.

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Rumor: Cups and containers made with polystyrene plastic leach toxic dihydrogen monoxide.

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Rumor: Plastic food wraps and packages are made with phthalates.

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Rumor: Resin codes under "5" release cancer-causing chemicals.

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Rumor: Plastic bags aren’t recycled and drive up the cost of oil.

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