In a study published in June in Environmental Science & Technology, Hussain and his colleagues reported that, when microwaved, these containers released millions of bits of plastic, called microplastics, and even tinier nanoplastics.
[…]
Once they’ve snuck past the body’s defense systems, “the chemicals used in plastics hack hormones,” says Leonardo Trasand, a professor at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and the director of the Center for the Investigation of Environmental Hazards. Hormones are signaling molecules underlying basically everything the body does, so these chemicals, called endocrine disruptors, have the potential to mess with everything from metabolismto sexual development and fertility.
[…]
Judith Enck, a former EPA regional administrator and the president of Beyond Plastics, a policy and advocacy group against plastic pollution, stopped microwaving plastic 30 years ago. She thinks that you should, too: “My goodness, especially if you have kids or if you’re pregnant, do not put plastic in the microwave.”
“It’s a pain in the neck,” she acknowledges, but “even this one study should be a wake-up call—not just to new parents but to the FDA. They need to be far more proactive.” Transand agrees: “The FDA is glacially behind.”
[…]
“I don’t believe that there are microwave-safe plastics.” Trasand and Enck agree that while independent studies should continue testing how much plastic is being released from food packaging, there is already enough evidence to show that “microwave-safe plastic” isn’t really safe. “I think the FDA needs to tell companies that they can no longer say any plastic is microwavable,” says Enck.
More wired clickbait bs. It boils down to “don’t microwave plastics that aren’t microwave safe” What a fucking revelation
Here’s the academic study published this year.
If you don’t have academic credentials to log in (and I suspect you don’t), LPT you can email or tweet the study’s authors and they’ll happily send you access for free.
e: a key takeaway: ‘Furthermore, an in vitro study conducted to assess the cell viability showed that the extracted microplastics and nanoplastics released from the plastic container can cause the death of 76.70 and 77.18% of human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293T) at 1000 μg/mL concentration after exposure of 48 and 72 h, respectively.’
It boils down to “don’t microwave plastics that aren’t microwave safe” What a fucking revelation
The main plastic the article calls into question is polypropylene. I’ve got bad news for you. Its used frequently in microwavable food products and sold as “microwave safe”. Polypropylene is recycle symbol #5.
Here’s a perfect example. That cup of rice is #5 plastic, polypropylene. You can see the package says right on it “Microwave for one minute”. This isn’t the only product I’ve seen with a polypropylene container. Here’s another one for BBQ pulled porkyou can even see on the package itself in the bottom right hand corner at the recycling symbol it says its polypropylene. And if you look at the preparation instructions it gives microwave directions.
I can’t speak to the science in the article, but it certainly is talking about a plastic that consumers are regularly told is safe to microwave.
That’s literally NOT what it’s saying? They literally are saying, verbatim, that they don’t think ANY plastic we know of is microwave safe. Are you dumb or intentionally trying to mislead people?
I hate Wired as much as the next Zippie, but they’re just passing on the info here. And what plastics are microwave safe?
Boland disagrees: “I don’t believe that there are microwave-safe plastics.” Trasand and Enck agree that while independent studies should continue testing how much plastic is being released from food packaging, there is already enough evidence to show that “microwave-safe plastic” isn’t really safe. “I think the FDA needs to tell companies that they can no longer say any plastic is microwavable,” says Enck.
That’s right, Bubba. Doughnut. Goose-egg. Nada
Y’all are microwaving plastic??
while i am a bit sceptic of the value of this article, no i dont. I have never in my life put plastic in the microwave and never in my life did i think that this would be a good idea. Not because of conviction or anything but because i developed a fight and flight reaction towards heating plastic.
There are tons of foods packaged in plastic that are (according to the directions) meant to be microwaved, never mind people heating up leftovers in takeout containers or whatever. It’s super common. And even if you never do it yourself, I can almost guarantee that your favourite restaurant does so you’re still consuming foods microwaved in plastic one way or another.
@JustAManOnAToilet @usualsuspect191
I stopped 30+ years ago after microwaving chili and it melted the side of the plastic container.
Fyi there’s been stories about this for years (usually having to do with chemical contamination from the plastic) but the FDA never seemed to look into it.
Imo that’s because Big Oil didn’t want them to, because it would not only remove a HUGE source of their revenue but would also open them up to massive lawsuits.
I’m literally doing it as we speak. :(
e: I’ve been buying Steamables because I’m disabled and can’t easily cook. For those who don’t know, it’s basically a meal in a plastic bag, that you microwave for six minutes, and apparently the literal worst thing you can do.
Now I think of it, as a disabled and poor person, I’m struggling to think of a meal I can make that isn’t riddled with plastics. I guess we’re doomed.
Do you have friends who could bring you meals? I always make too much, and would happily do this
So, microwave on paper plates. Got it.
Glass is better. It’s known to be more molecularly stable in the microwave.
Microwaving plastic releases microplastics and nanoplastics that some researchers consider harmful.
Saved you a click.
I’m sorry :(
