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Does Heating Plastics Expose You to Chemicals?
How many have heard the recent talk about not using plastic in the microwave to cook with? Supposedly you will be subject to dioxins, the chemical that was used to poison the Ukrainian president. According to the information, the combination of fat, high heat and plastics releases dioxins into your food and eventually into the cells in your body.
Dioxins are a really dangerous chemical, but they are released into the air mostly as the by-product of industrial processes. Most people are exposed to small amounts every day through diet, or breathing polluted air. But not enough to cause any damage.
However, plastics do contain a chemical called phthalates or plasticizers which is a substance that gives plastic flexibility. These plasticizers can get into your food in small amounts when heated, but these chemicals are far from dangerously toxic. The only ailment related is asthma and that’s only in cases with high levels of the chemical exposure.
Some scientists feel that exposure to plasticizers can increase the risk of breast cancer because the chemical mimics the action of estrogen which is known to fuel breast tumors. But studies have not proven anything.
If you question any level of the chemical, here are some tips suggested by scientists:
1. Use only plastic wrap that says on the packaging that it’s safe to use in the microwave and never let it directly touch your food.
2. Make sure any plastic wrap you use is placed loosely over your food with one corner open so that steam can get out.
3. Never heat any plastic container that does not say on it’s label or packaging that it’s intended for microwave use. Other containers can melt or warp increasing your likelihood of exposure to plasticizers.
4. Margarine tubs and carryout containers from a restaurant are not designed to withstand high temperatures, so do not use them in the microwave.
5. Don’t use any containers that hold prepared microwavable meals more than once. They are meant only for one time use.
6. Instead of plastic, use ceramic or heat resistant glass in the microwave. You can also use cooking bags, parchment paper and white microwave safe paper towels.
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