”Endocrine disruption,” which mimics human hormones. [4] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source This may have effects such as modifying chemical signals that regulate metabolism and reproduction. Miscarriage and birth defects Lower sperm counts Early puberty Cancer Obesity and diabetes Neurobehavioral abnormalities.
Plastic dishes Some Styrofoam containers Plastic storage or shopping bags Plastic wrap Takeout food containers, water bottles, and plastic tubs or jars that hold foods like margarine, yogurt, mayonnaise, or mustard. [6] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source Soft plastic containers
A label ”microwave-safe” A symbol of a dish with wave-like lines above it. A symbol of lines of waves. A symbol of a triangle, or Mobius loop, with a number in it. The number designates the type of plasticizer used in the product, which you may want to avoid.
Read containers for labels including “microwave-safe. ”[8] X Trustworthy Source Go Ask Alice Medical advice site with content written by health promotion specialists affiliated with Columbia University Go to source Be aware that there is no consensus on plastic wrap and microwaves. If you use plastic wrap in the microwave, make sure the packaging says “microwave-safe. ”[9] X Research source Check for containers that are old, scratched, cracked, or have been used frequently. These may leech out more harmful materials. Consider throwing these away and investing in new containers. [10] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source Make sure glass or ceramic containers have the “microwave-safe” label and do not contain any materials, such as rims, made of gold or other materials not safe for the microwave. [11] X Research source Be aware that, contrary to popular belief, you can microwave some Styrofoam or other polystyrene containers. Just make sure to check that they are labeled microwave-safe. [12] X Research source
Remember that glass and ceramic containers are the safest options for microwaving. Check to make sure that they also carry the “microwave-safe” designation. [14] X Research source Just be aware that these products may be more expensive than plastic, though they may also last longer. Buy plastic containers and wrap marked microwave-safe. Consider checking the Good Housekeeping Institute’s test results for the best and safest containers to use in the microwave. [15] X Research source
Empty the container you want to test and place it inside the microwave. Put a second container containing one cup of tap water inside the microwave. Heat the microwave on high for one minute. If the empty container is cool, it’s safe to use in the microwave. If it is warm, use it only to reheat food and if it is hot, don’t use it in the microwave at all.
Contact the microwave’s manufacturer if you have any questions. Check online for product manuals if you lost your instruction packet. See if there are specific suggestions on the type of containers or wrap you can use. For example, some microwaves can use specific types of aluminum foil, while others can’t. See if there are instructions or suggestions for specific foods. For example, most meats cannot be cooked at full power, but instead at half power for longer.
Vent containers if required by puncturing them with a fork or peeling back a corner of the plastic wrap. [19] X Research source Make sure you closely check the heating requirements. For example, some foods can only be cooked at 50% power and not following this could ruin your meal and your microwave.
Choose plastic wrap that is labeled microwave-safe. However, never let it contact your food. Consider using waxed or kitchen parchment paper, white paper towels or plates, or a domed microwave container to cover your food. [22] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source Loosen or vent the lid or any wrap to allow steam to escape. Stay away from brown paper bags, newspaper, foam containers, and most aluminum foil as covers.
Be aware that cold spots in food can contain harmful bacteria. Use a food thermometer to check temperatures, especially of meat.
