How appropriate is it to put plastic containers, which we have incorporated into our lives without thinking because they are lightweight, can be washed and used countless times, and provide practical use, in the microwave?
Let’s answer this question that has been confusing you for a long time and see whether we should put our food and drinks in a plastic container in the microwave or not.
Unfortunately, many plastics, from food packaging to coffee cups, contain harmful chemicals.
These chemicals have the power to negatively affect hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, and these substances, called endocrine disrupting chemicals, can also get into the food we eat. So how?
There are basically two different ways this can happen. The plastics we use wear out over time and lose some small parts in their structure. The pieces separated from worn areas are called microplastics, and these pieces end up in our food even if we are not aware of it.
Another way is that endocrine disrupting chemicals leak from plastics as a result of exposure to heat and thus mix with our food. In fact, putting plastic in the microwave only makes the situation slightly worse. Because when plastic is heated, it becomes more likely for chemicals to leak and microplastics to shed.
Let’s talk about the chemicals contained in plastics.
Some of the endocrine disrupting chemicals in plastic products include Bisphenol A, better known as BPA, and a class of chemicals called phthalates. In fact, both types of chemicals contribute to making plastic more durable and long-lasting, but on the other hand, they also negatively affect the body’s hormones.
In particular, BPAs have been widely used in the production of food storage containers, drinking glasses and baby bottles since the 1960s. This substance mimics estrogen functions, and consumption of BPAs, even in very small amounts, causes kidney problems. In addition, exposure to the chemical phthalate also triggers high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases.
At this point, relevant health institutions make us breathe a sigh of relief by stating that most of the BPA we consume unknowingly are excreted from our bodies without being absorbed.
As we all know, babies and children are at greater risk than adults for exposure to harmful chemicals. However, the use of BPA in feeding bottles has been banned since 2012 and in baby food packaging since 2013.
In addition, experts emphasize that even plastic containers labeled “suitable for microwaving” are not 100% safe and the danger will always remain.
Again, unless the statement “BPA, phthalates or other potentially harmful substances are not used” is found in plastic materials, it is stated that there is a high probability that these and similar harmful chemicals may be present in these products.
In summary; Plastics are products that already contain harmful chemicals due to their own formation. Moreover, it is possible to say that exposing them to microwaves and various household appliances that emit heat has negative effects on human health.
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