How Harmful is Microwaving in Plastic?

[Islander]

http://www.drweil.com
Tip of the Day 4/7/2010

It's not uncommon to see people microwaving leftovers in plastic dishes, heating up meals in the plastic containers they come in, or placing plastic wrap over foods to protect the inside of a microwave from splatters. Is all this as innocent as it seems?

I don't think so. While plastic has many terrific uses, when it comes to cooking it should be avoided. DEHA [di-(2-ethylhexyl)adipate], sometimes found in cling wrap, and other chemicals commonly found in plastic are potential endocrine disrupters, and can negatively influence hormonal activity. While studies are underway to better define the health risks associated with plastics, it is best to steer clear of using plastic and plastic wrap in the microwave, as the heat can drive plastic molecules into your food. Instead, use glass or ceramic containers and cover foods with waxed paper or a paper towel. I also suggest avoiding pre-packaged foods that come in cling wrap (if you purchase such products, transfer these items to a different storage container once you get home).

http://tinyurl.com/ycbk6qb

[Aaltrude]

There is evidence to suggest that foods cooked or heated in a microwave are not good for your health. We have decided to err on the side of caution and have dispensed with a microwave oven altogether. We also avoid plastic where we can but there are areas where it is difficult to find alternatives. For instance a lot of kitchen appliances, such as food processors, are made with plastic and if there are alternatives, the price is out of reach. It is difficult to know what else other than plastic you can use freeze food. Dehydrating is an alternatitive form of food storage but then dehydrators are made of plastic.

[Islander]

I could be wrong, but I suspect plastic is inert as long as it is not heated. I store rice, beans, oatmeal, cornmeal, etc. all in gallon plastic containers, and I freeze in plastic bags. When I make soup or stew or a casserole in large quantities, I freeze in plastic containers. As long as they are not heated with the food in them, I doubt there's any exchange of molecules. And if there is, well, I have to die of something!

[Aaltrude]

I transfer food to glass containers as soon as it comes out of the freezer. Does anyone have any idea of the safety of silicon for freezing? We are using silicon muffin trays for freezing eggs and ice cubes. Once they are frozen it is easy to pop them out of the silicon mould and they are then transferred into plastic bags for storage in the freezer,

[Islander]

I have no idea about silicon. I just wondered if your dog got away.

[Aaltrude]

I just wondered if your dog got away.

She is having a rest. Time for the musical hat. 25

[Islander]

Just so you don't reincarnate Mello's freakin' banjo-strumming redneck!

[Aaltrude]

Just so you don't reincarnate Mello's freakin' banjo-strumming redneck!

..... 26

[Grandma]

Aaltrude, love your guitar man!
I will not heat or cook any food in plastic or silicon. When the silicon first came out I just figured down the road they would find out how this stuff would hurt you in some way. To me it is just a soft plastic…. When I was recently visiting my mother she was cooking a vegetable on the stove that was sealed in plastic ( one of those boiling bags) UGH!. I refused to eat it and she thought I was silly…

[Aaltrude]

I will not heat or cook any food in plastic or silicon.

I agree with you there Grandma. Both plastic and silicon stay well clear of any heat source when food is involved in this house. I am keeping fingers crossed though that they are both inert when used for freezing. Silicon trays win hands down over plastic or metal ice cube trays when it comes to removing the cubes.

[mellowsong]

Just so you don't reincarnate Mello's freakin' banjo-strumming redneck!

Better watch out...I'll bring him back :D

[mellowsong]

Ok, I gave up my microwave 3 years ago...in case there was something to it being harmful. I know about the problems with plastic. Please educate me on silicone as I do use some silicone pans at times.

Islander, on the plastic, it is not inert. Baby formula, which is dry, has high levels of BPA in it. If you store acidic liquids in plastic, it will definitely leach. So far, polypropylene and polyethelene have not been shown to leach anything so if you are going to use plastic, use those.

[Islander]

I'm not seeing this. The baby formula they're concerned about is the liquid canned. All I store in plastic are dry ingredients, as I said.

[mellowsong]

I'm not seeing this. The baby formula they're concerned about is the liquid canned. All I store in plastic are dry ingredients, as I said.

My goof. I was going from memory and thought they said it was found in powdered formula too.