Microwave Safe Plastics?

Before you put plastic containers in the microwave, check the bottom of the container. Some plastic dishes, bottles and cups are made of polycarbonate plastic, commonly marked as number 7 on the bottom of the container. Polycarbonate is made from a chemical called bisphenol A (BPA) which is an endocrine disruptor that interferes with reproductive development and hormones.

Microwaving or heating foods in polycarbonate plastic increases the amount of BPA that leaches into food. Before you put any plastic dish in the microwave, check to make sure it says "microwave safe" and doesn't have a number 7. Containers that are older and have become discolored or cracked are also likely to leach more BPA.

Most reusable plastic food containers are made of polypropylene, identified by a number 5, which does not contain BPA and isn't known to leach chemicals when heated.

Over 90% of the general population carries residues of BPA in their bodies. BPA has been associated with reproductive abnormalities, obesity and insulin resistance in animal studies and a number of animal studies have found abnormalities at levels of exposure similar to what people have in their bodies today. But we don't have very much data on whether BPA could be causing the same problem in humans.

Polycarbonate plastic food containers are just one potential source of the BPA in our bodies. BPA is used to line the inside of metal food and soda cans and leaches from the can liner into the food. Acidic foods like tomato sauces and soda absorb more BPA. To reduce your exposure, drink less canned soda and eat less canned food, especially those that are tomato-based. Look for canned tomatoes in cardboard boxes or glass containers.

Any plastic dishes or containers should be thrown out or recycled when they start to show signs of wear since bacteria can grow in cracks and scratches. Most plastics are made from petroleum, a nonrenewable resource. Plastic, even when it's properly recycled, is not sustainable and its manufacture pollutes our air and water. Ceramic and glass containers will last longer and are a better choice for the environment.

Check the bottom of plastic containers for the recycling number. Avoid polycarbonate plastic, number 7, which leaches BPA into food and beverages.	Check your cupboards for plastic bowls, cups and containers and don't use any that are polycarbonate, number 7, for food. Find other uses for scratched and cracked plastic containers.	Avoid acidic canned foods and canned soda. BPA is used to line the inside of metal food and soda cans and leaches from the can liner into the food.

Comments (5)

1. 03/28/2008 12:58:37 PM

You might also be interested in Dr. Gina's response to a question about melamine.

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