It is one of the most common appliances in St. Petersburg homes today, as well as all across America. It has long represented quick, efficient, and convenient cooking. But, the microwave has also been the center of some pretty heated (no pun intended) controversy.
Emails and social networks were swamped, not all that long ago, with warnings and concerns from those in Saint Petersburg elsewhere, regarding the dangers of using plastic in the microwave.
The risk comes as a result of the heat, which releases plasticizers into the food. Those are the chemicals used in the manufacturing process. It is feared that continued exposure to the chemicals would leave one at an increased risk of certain forms of cancer. In essence, microwaving with the wrong plastics, continually, could be fatal.
The experts agree, however, that the Food and Drug Administration has done what is necessary to foresee and prevent these problems. Plastic containers manufactured and sold today must undergo extensive testing, including being heated to temperatures equivalent to what they would experience in a microwave, to ensure that they do not release unsafe quantities of plasticizers.
There is an “acceptable range” and the FDA works hard to prove that products fall well within that range before allowing them to be labeled “microwaveable.” This is why microwaveable dinners, for instance, can legally be packaged in plastic containers.
However, the real danger lies in the continued use of “non-microwaveable” plastics. If the product is not labeled for this use, the individual could be putting himself in danger. Furthermore, “non-microwaveable” materials will often hold heat too well, making them hot enough to scald the person who removes them from the appliance. In addition to cancer concerns, it has also been suggested that exposure to high levels of plasticizers could reduce fertility in women. These chemicals have been the feature of lawsuits throughout the world and the risk of exposure should be seriously heeded.
If you have questions, contact a personal injury attorney.