Ziploc, Rubbermaid complained of exposure to microplastics. Are plastic food containers safe to use?
Newell Brands, the maker of Rubbermaid, faces class action lawsuits over allegations that plastic-based containers are “microwave safe” and “freezer safe.” Complaints are that despite the product marketing, they Release microplastics Use according to the instructions to make it into food. Ziploc was hit by a similar class action lawsuit earlier this week.
The Ziploc storage bag is made of polyethylene and polypropylene. These types of plastics are known to release microplastics into food when exposed to extreme temperatures not mentioned in Ziploc packaging.
“Repeat exposure to extreme temperatures – cold or hot – can stress plastic materials, leading to decomposition of the surface layer, and release small plastic particles into food,” Brad Younggren said. Circulate health.
Microwave food with plastic, heat accelerates how much microplastics leach into the food. “Similarly, the freeze and thaw cycle can cause structural degradation that also promotes microplastic release, unlike how freezing temperatures in winter crack the pavement,” Young Glen said.
Misrepresentation and lack of disclosure of plastic products have exposed millions of families to microplastic ingestion.
The average person takes it in between 39,000 and 52,000 microplastics Each year, the number of particles increases to 120,000 when airborne particles are considered. There is no established “safe” or “unsafe” level of microplastic consumption. Therefore, it is important to know where microplastics come from and how to reduce intake.
What is your deal with microplastics?
Microplastics has been a conversation topic for a long time. Mainly because they are important Environmental pollutants. But these small pieces of plastic don’t only have a negative impact on the planet. They also have potential health effects. One day, we feel like we regularly discover an astonishingly large amount of microplastics lurking in our bodies. Scientists discovered recently High concentration microplastics With the brain of a corpse.
The US Food and Drug Administration says that scientific evidence does not suggest that there is a volume of microplastics in food. Risks to our healthNot all doctors are convinced. Microplastics in blood vessels are Heart attack and stroke. Research also discovered tissue inflammation, cell death, and lung and liver impacts For microplastics. However, we still don’t know about the effects of microplastics.
What we know is that microplastics are everywhere. They’re burning out Plastic spoon You should have been abandoned years ago Food wrapped in plastic At the grocery store. But it’s not just how we package our food. Microplastics can enter the area where we grow our food through soil and water contamination.
Microplastics touch so many areas of our lives (I also like them Synthetic fibers in our clothing? ), you can feel that it’s difficult to pass them completely. There is no established safe level or unsafe microplastic consumption, but most of us want to minimize contact with them whenever possible.
How can I limit my microplastic intake?
This news does not automatically mean that plastic storage containers are not safe to use. They continue to be one of the most affordable and convenient options for many families. However, it’s not a bad idea to freeze and avoid microwaves in the future. If you want to further limit your family’s microplastic consumption, we recommend minimizing the use of plastic in your kitchen. Remember that microplastics are not just plastic bags and containers.
Top location where microplastics lurk in your kitchen:
- Non-stick cooking utensils
- Plastic cooking utensils
- tea bag
- Plastic straw
- Canned food lining
- Plastic Cutting Board
So you should probably stop using a Ziploc bag to freeze food and measure it in the microwave. But where does it leave you? Younggren suggested choosing a non-plastic alternative if possible.
“As a safer option, we recommend microwave safe glass containers,” Young Glen said. Glass container It is more stable under temperature stress, which reduces the risk of microplastic contamination.
There are more things you can do than change the way you store your food. You can choose a wooden cutting board instead of plastic, use loose tea leaves, or cook with cast iron. You will probably be surprised at how much plastic there is in your kitchen. The rule of thumb when cooking is to pay attention to how often your food comes into contact with plastic. It’s difficult to cut it completely from your life, but any advances you can make will reduce your microplastic intake.