Some answers to the plastic wrap and toxins question
The question was posed here to my Questions post:
OK, here’s one. Any truth to the email forward that says putting plastic (e.g. rubbermaid) in your microwave is unusually hazardous? I think the email mentions something about melting the plastic and digesting dioxins.
In my initial post I didn’t have the answers, or at least the answers I wanted, that is something cite-able. Undaunted I e-mailed my friend Guy Dauncey and asked him because I knew he had written about the subject.
So, here is the deal. Plastics only release dioxins when they are burned, like in a fire. So first off burning your trash and garbage is a truly bad idea. The chemical released in the experiment was DEHA (di(ethylhexyl)adepate), which is considered a carcinogen (cancer causing). The big question is whether enough DEHA is released from plastic wrap to cause a problem.
Here are the sources to consider:
Not a cut an dry answer, except that you shouldn’t re-heat food in plastic containers not labeled microwave safe (so take out containers, margarine tubs, etc are not considered safe). Plastic storage containers labeled safe should be safe.
Myself, I don’t. I use a microwave safe bowl or plate and if I must cover the food I use a paper towel or wax paper.
So … no dioxins, yes to DEHA. FDA and the Plastics Council say that any amount released is within acceptable limits. Best I can say is to read the sources and decide for yourself.
1 Comment
Actually, dioxin (e.g. 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin) formation requires the presence of chlorine, as in polyvinyl chloride (PVC, recylcing code #3); you won’t fine that in many plastics, as in PETE (#1), HDPE (#2), LDPE (#4) or PP (#5)if it is rated for food or beverage use. Hint: if food or drink comes in it, it’s rated for food.
Diethylhexyl adipate is used primarily in PVC plastic and, at least in the USA, can’t be used in other plastics for food or beverage use. It is “not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans” but does cause tumors in mice (not rats, though), see: http://www.inchem.org/documents/iarc/vol77/77-02.html
It is good sense to not use non-microwave rated containers for cooking/re-heating food, but not necessarily because of chemicals leaching from the plastic; there is always the issue of the container melting or being damaged by the heat.