Saving Lives, no big deal

Johns Hopkins University has sent out warnings in its newsletter suggesting that dioxins found in everyday plastics can cause cancer, especially breast cancer. Dioxins are released from the plastics when the plastic is subjected to extreme heat or cold so, JHU advises:

1. No plastic containers in microwave.
2. No water bottles in freezer.
3. No plastic wrap in microwave.

We should not be heating our food in the microwave using plastic containers. This especially applies to foods that contain fat. High heat in combination with fat releases dioxins from the plastic into the food and ultimately into the cells of the body. Instead, use glass, such as Corning Ware, Pyrex or ceramic containers for heating food. So such things as frozen dinners, instant ramen noodles and soups should be removed from the container they came in and heated in something else.

Some of the fast food restaurants have moved away from the foam and plastic containers to paper. The dioxin problem is one of the reasons. Also, plastic wrap, such as Saran, is just as dangerous when placed over foods to be cooked in the microwave. As the food is irradiated, the high heat causes toxins to melt out of the plastic wrap and drip into the food. Cover food with a paper towel instead.

From JC, BTW.