A 2023 study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that microwaving plastic containers and reusable food pouches releases millions of microplastics and billions of nanoplastics, some of which end up in our food. It further reported that even storing items in plastic containers at room temperature rather than in a refrigerator can cause plastic particles to leach into food. The researchers discovered that the process of particles and chemicals leaking into food is expedited when plastic is heated because it can break up chemical bonds.
Health Risks of Microwaving Plastic
Toxicologists have raised concerns of potential harmful health effects from two types of chemicals found in plastic food containers, some plastic wraps and the linings of food and drink cans: bisphenol A and phthalates.
Studies have linked bisphenol A, or BPA, an additive used in making hard, clear plastic, to endometriosis, infertility, asthma, obesity and fetal neurodevelopment disorders. Additionally, phthalates, added to plastics to provide softness and durability, can disrupt the body’s production of testosterone. These types of chemicals are known as endocrine disruptors because they can impair bodily processes involving estrogen and testosterone such as metabolism and cell growth regulation.
Why Endocrine Disruptors Are Especially Dangerous
Endocrine disruptors pose the most significant risk to children, particularly newborns and toddlers, but also pregnant women and the developing fetus, according to Beyond Plastics, a nationwide project launched in 2019 that aims to end plastic pollution.
What the Research and Experts Say
Dr. Joseph Alpert asserted in his 2023 American Journal of Medicine article “Microwaving Food in Plastic Containers” that more research is needed to draw a definitive conclusion on the health problems these plastic chemicals pose. “Because plastic use in humans has a relatively short history, whether BPA or phthalate released from food containers is safe requires further investigation into possible long-term effects.”
FDA Guidance on Microwave-Safe Plastics
According to a spokesperson with the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Media Affairs, plastic food containers deemed “microwave safe” are indeed just that: “Food contact materials, including those made from plastic, are required by law to be authorized by the FDA prior to being placed on the market. As part of its premarket review, the FDA considers the safety of the substance under intended use conditions. For those intended for microwave use, the materials need to be both physically durable and not undergo chemical changes or release harmful substances when exposed to the conditions present in a microwave oven, so that the food or beverage that is heated in the container is safe to eat,” he said.
How to Tell If a Container Is Microwave Safe
Individuals who want to determine whether a specific food container is microwave safe can check the label or contact the product manufacturer.
Additionally, the FDA provides specific guidance for industry on the required testing to determine the migration from products under specific use conditions, including both reheating and cooking food in microwave ovens.
Why You Should Avoid Microwaving Unsafe Plastics
On the contrary, microwaving containers that are not labeled microwave safe can pose health risks such as a fire hazard, migration of potentially unsafe chemicals from the packaging into your food, release of fumes, damage to the microwave oven, melting of the container or burning the person removing the container from the microwave. “To avoid these risks, it’s important to only use containers and utensils labeled as microwave safe and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for microwave use,” the spokesperson advised.
Safer Alternatives to Microwaving Plastic
If you’re still unsure about microwaving plastics, just switch to using other materials. There is nothing wrong with erring on the side of caution.
By Colin McCandless
Microwaving plastic food containers
Microwaving plastic food containers is an important topic in Charleston. Learn more about microwaving plastic food containers here.
