Posted on 03/02/2005 1:54:52 PM PST by neverdem
REALLY?
THE FACTS A widely circulated e-mail message has caused fears that heating plastics in the microwave can contaminate food with dioxins, a group of carcinogens. Experts say there is little truth to this: dioxins almost never turn up in commercial plastics.
But Dr. Rolf Halden of the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health said another substance that gives many plastics their flexibility, called plasticizers, can migrate into food in small amounts.
Plasticizers, unlike dioxins, are not known to be toxic. To be on the safe side, however, the Food and Drug Administration recommends that consumers use only plastic containers or wraps specifically intended for microwaves (usually indicated on the product or packaging). Further, they should never put fast-food trays or margarine tubs in the microwave and should avoid reusing TV dinner dishes.
When covering a container with plastic wrap, Dr. Halden said, always leave a little room between the food and the wrap before heating it. "Plasticizers won't kill you," he said. "But why expose yourself to any chemicals you can easily avoid?"
THE BOTTOM LINE Plastic wraps and containers will not expose you to dioxins, and they are safe in the microwave when used properly.
scitimes@nytimes.com
Is that the best they've got?
The New York Times used to be Masters of fear-mongering. How the mighty have fallen.
What's next? Toothpaste causes cavities?
FReepmail me if you want on or off my health and science ping list.
I was waiting for them to recommend using only metal containers in the microwave to keep from contaminating one's food with those deadly dioxins.
: ^ )
Don't call me ... I'll call you. ;)
I'm sure I've done all of these things listed in the article. Am I gonna die?
Meanwhile, we're all living longer than ever.
I can remember when toothpaste tubes used to be made out of lead. I have never had lead poisoning (and yes, I brushed my teeth with toothpaste from them)nor have I ever heard of anyone getting sick from using them. MSM thrives on causing public paranoia. It sells advertising.
The Kitchen Kommunists never stop in their crusade to control YOUR life...
Yes...well, eventually.
When I was very young, we used to play with little balls of mercury. If I suffered brain damage, I can only assume I would have been another Einstein.
Well, you coulda broken it to me easier, bah. Excuse me while I go freak out.
We used to try to catch those suckers every time a thermometer broke!
When I was very young, we used to play with little balls of mercury.
I bet that was a lot more fun than squeezing toothpaste out of the lead tube. But I also bet that melting those toothpaste tubes down into sinkers was more fun than playing with the mercury balls.
Use waxed paper to cover dishes - it's cheaper.
I'm not sure that this is true. It probably depends what you mean by toxic. Plasticizers (phthalates) have been shown to active estrogen receptors in the body, i.e. they act like estrogen. They fall into the group of chemicals known as "endocrine disruptors".
As a male, I don't want myself or my children exposed to estrogen like compounds through our diet.
I have heard a chemist say that he does not let plastic wrap touch his food in the microwave.
active --> activate
Oh no, I'm gonna die.
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