Plastic Microwave

Is Plastic Microwave Cookware Safe?

A few years ago a certain panic started regarding microwave and plastic.

It was believed that almost all kind of plastic releases some dangerous chemical when it's exposed to heat, which gets into the food, and poisons you slowly, causing cancer, birth defects, and fertility issues.

Many people say that this is not true, and that actually most microwave containers made of plastic are safe. What is the truth?

There is not clear answer to this question yet, but you will find a lot of useful information in this article. All kind of plastic contains plasticizers. These are chemicals that make the plastic so soft.

Nobody really knows for sure how dangerous these substances are. Not all plastic dishes are made of the same material, of course. And what isn't unhealthy nowadays?

If you think about it, there are a lot of synthetic substances in the food that you buy every day as well. If you want to be careful when you buy plastic containers, take in consideration the brand and the type of the container.

I would also recommend that when you want to cook something in the microwave or you want to warm up some food, don't use plastic dishes and plates randomly.

Many people don't know or don't really care what they put in the microwave, as long as it's not metal, they think its OK. However there are many things that don't go in the microwave.

Not only are they unhealthy, but they can burn or destroy the microwave. Make sure that you only use containers that are especially made for microwave cooking.

The bottom line is that in order to make sure that you won't poison yourself, look for containers that have the label “microwave safe” on them.

These containers are made form plastic that is stronger and it can handle very high temperatures. Those which include microwave cooking instructions are also safe to use. Most of these products are safe to use although you can never be entirely sure.

If the food tastes weird after microwaving it in a plastic container, just throw it out, don't risk your health. Don't use other containers such as empty bottles, or empty yogurt cups and so on.

If you use paper towels to cover something for example, make sure you use the ones which were not recycled, those which don't have any paint on them.

Plastic wrap is also very dangerous and it's not recommended to be used in the microwave. No plastic wrap in microwave cooking or heating.

Some doctors and scientist say that the most dangerous combination is fat and plastic. When plastic comes into connection with fat on a high temperature, it releases dangerous chemicals called dioxins. If you don't want to risk your health, use glass or ceramic plates instead.

Most of the containers are tested before they are released to the market, so there are many kinds of microwave containers that are perfectly safe.

Plastic microwave container with a safe label means that FDA has already tested and found safe to be used in microwave

You can find them on the internet or in local shops and supermarkets. If you have a container that is not labeled, it doesn't mean that its bad for sure, it just means that it has not been tested.

Here are some plastic microwave safety tips:

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.
Microwavable takeout dinner trays are formulated for one-time use only and will say so on the package.
Plastic storage bags or plastic bags from the grocery store can't be put in the microwave
Before microwaving food, be sure to vent the container: Leave the lid ajar, or lift the edge of the cover.
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.

Source from www.harvard.edu

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