Microwave Heating Enhances the Migration of Plasticizers out of Plastics
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-1982
Description
Since most plastic materials are not directly heated by microwaves, they are often used in microwave ovens. Through conduction of heat from the food being heated, plastic containers and wraps are often warmed to a point that plasticizers are released from the plastic into the food. Numerous studies referred to in this article indicate that some plasticizers can cause undesirable side effects in animal tissue, and relatively new efforts to quantify the amount of plasticizers released during heating indicate that the percentage migrating from one type of plastic is approximately 23% of the total weight. The potential consequences of this, although not completely evaluated and understood, should be of concern to the health professional who is involved in food protection programs. Food handlers should be informed of this potential problem and only plastic materials approved for microwave heating should be used.
Citation Information
Bishop, C. S.; and Dye, A.. 1982. Microwave Heating Enhances the Migration of Plasticizers out of Plastics. Journal of Environmental Health. Vol.44(5). 231-235. https://www.jstor.org/stable/44540143 ISSN: 0022-0892