With the advancement of technologies, there has been a convenience in the daily lives of people. An example of such technology is the microwave oven, an ubiquitous kitchen appliance that is used by a large number of families globally, serving as a convenience while saving time. It has revolutionised the way of cooking and reheating our meals in a short span of time, and plastic containers have been a common choice for storing and reheating leftovers in the microwave. Apart from the convenience, there are certain drawbacks of cooking and reheating meals in the microwave while using plastic containers.
Due to their lightweight, durability and microwave-safe qualities, plastic containers are in large demand in every household. However not all plastic containers are created and manufactured equally, and there lies the concern of the usage of plastic containers. Plastics are made up of various chemical compounds, which when exposed to high temperatures, can be released into the food.?
According to health experts, Bisphenol A (BPA, and phthalates are two such chemical compounds that can be released into our food while reheating in the microwave and pose a serious threat to our health.
Commonly found in polycarbonate plastics, BPA is harmful in mimicking the hormone oestrogen and disrupting the endocrine system. On the other hand, phthalates used for making plastic flexible have been known to cause a range of health issues, including reproductive and developmental problems. When these chemical compounds in plastic containers are exposed to heat, especially when scratched or worn, there are higher chances of these compounds leaking into the food and travelling to our stomachs, hence causing diseases.
The depth of side effects of plastic containers is still unknown, but there is various evidence that suggest certain types of plastics are riskier than others. Plastics that are labelled with recycling codes 3 and 7 contain Polyvinyl Chloride or PVC and BPA respectively, which are harmful to our health and are recommended by experts to avoid. An alternative to plastic containers can be microwave-safe glass, ceramic containers or especially labelled microwave-safe containers that can be helpful in reducing the potential risks of leaching of harmful chemicals during the heating process.
While understanding the various health impacts of plastic containers used in microwaves, it is our duty to mitigate its impact. Using lower heat settings and shorter time intervals for plastic containers is advisable as it lowers the risk of the chemical compounds leaching into the food. If a container is found to be too hot to touch, there is a probability of the chemicals released into the food which will later be ingested by us. Similarly, plastic containers that are visibly damaged or worn can also be responsible for the transfer of chemical compounds into the food. Hence, it is best to use microwave-safe glass or ceramic containers to avoid the risks of contamination of food as they are inert and do not release any harmful compounds into the food.
Uneven heating is another drawback of using plastic containers in a microwave which can cause part of our food to be overcooked and the other part half-cooked. Due to uneven cooking or reheating of food, there are higher chances of loss of nutrients from our food. Hence, uneven heating and chemical reactions are the root causes of various health issues.
Resultantly, it can be said that reheating foods in the microwave using plastic containers is a topic of concern that encompasses potential health risks. While the convenience of using plastic containers for reheating is undeniable, the risks associated with chemical leaching cannot be overlooked. To prioritise safety, it is advisable to opt for microwave-safe glass or ceramic containers when reheating foods. If plastic containers must be used, selecting those labelled as microwave-safe and avoiding specific types of plastics can reduce the potential risks.
About the author: Ashwin Bhadri is the Founder and CEO of Equinox Labs. All views/opinions expressed in the article are of the author.?