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