Is Acrylic Drinkware Safe to Drink From?

June 9, 2008 by Debra Lynn Dadd

Question from Steven

Question: 

I just bought some acrylic plastic drinkware from Crate and Barrel. I am normally against plastic being used in my home, but I needed cheap, durable drinkware for outdoor use and everyday use. I realize these do not biodegrade easily, but I will use these until they fall apart (hopefully I will have many years of use out of these). 

These will be used daily by my weak elderly Mother-in-law, since they are light weight and not easily broken. 

Question: 

The drinkware has the code #3 stamped on the bottom of the glass. What does this mean, and are these safe to drink from? 

Debra's Answer

#3 is PVC--polyvinyl chloride. I wouldn't use this plastic for drinking glasses.