TRAC’s Tuesday Tip
Issue 36: May 7, 2013
Reconsider your use of plastics
Chances are at some point you’ve seen a post on Facebook or a
chain email about the dangers of microwaving plastic food
containers or plastic wrap. These messages warn that chemicals
can leech out of the plastic into food, causing cancer,
reproductive problems, and other health effects.
How concerned should you be? Should you throw out every
plastic thing you own? Or, are these messages completely bogus
and there’s no reason to be alarmed?
Historically, there are many substances that had once been deemed “safe” and promoted for their convenient
qualities only to be later recalled and avoided at all costs—things like formaldehyde and Asbestos and lead.
These substances were found to cause cancer, hormone imbalances, and birth defects after extended
exposure.
At the same time, the nature of the Internet is that information can spread quickly, meaning misinformation
can spread too. Not everything posted is based on scientific research.
There is no need to avoid plastics altogether, but you may want to reconsider how you use them. Here are a
few potential ways you can change your use of plastics:
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Don’t keep bottled water in a hot car. Different sources seem to come to different conclusions on this
one, but plastics can change when exposed to heat, so consider storing plastic bottles in a cool area
away from direct sunlight.
Read the packages. Styrofoam and plastic labeled “microwave safe” has been tested differently than
packages not labeled this way. If it doesn’t have the label, it may not be unsafe, but it just hasn’t gone
through the appropriate tests to deem it as such. Most takeout containers, water bottles, and plastic
tubs or jars made to hold margarine, yogurt, whipped topping, and foods such as cream cheese,
mayonnaise, and mustard are not microwave-safe.
Use products as they were intended. Microwavable takeout dinner trays are formulated for one-time
use only and will say so on the package; they should not be reused. Plastic storage bags are not
intended for microwave use.
Don’t allow plastic wrap to touch food during microwaving because it may melt. Wax paper, kitchen
parchment paper, or white paper towels are alternatives.
Avoid heating fatty foods in plastic or Styrofoam. These foods (like meats, cheeses, butter) may be
more dangerous as they absorb chemicals when heated.
Discard cracked or damaged containers. They may be more likely to leech chemicals into food.
Aluminum and glass are safer options because they are “inert,” meaning they are not chemically
reactive. Consider switching to a reusable aluminum water bottle and glass microwave dishware.
TRAC’s Tuesday Tip
Issue 36: May 7, 2013
Sources:
http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/update0706a.shtml
http://www.foodsafetymagazine.com/magazine-archive1/aprilmay-2009/the-safety-of-beverages-in-plasticbottles/
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2013/04/2013429123863205.html
http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2013/04/24/Expert-suggests-not-reheating-food-in-plastic-inmicrowave/UPI-10021366808248/