Psycho-Babble Social | for general support | Framed
This thread | Show all | Post follow-up | Start new thread | List of forums | Search | FAQ

Re: Dioxin Carcinogens causes cancer » Jai Narayan

Posted by Larry Hoover on September 9, 2004, at 9:56:12

In reply to Dioxin Carcinogens causes cancer, posted by Jai Narayan on September 7, 2004, at 19:08:31

> Some info you might find interesting. Johns Hopkins has recently sent this out in their newsletters...worth noting...

Johns Hopkins sent this out? Are you sure? It's a well-known urban legend, and the text exactly matches your own quotes....

http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl-microwave-dioxin.htm

In my work for the World Wildlife Fund Toxicology Program, I assessed the risk of exposure to humans and animals based on plastic monomers (what plastics are made from, such as ethylene which makes up polyethylene, and so on), and the additives which modify the physical properties of plastics (plasticizers, etc.). I can assure you, no dioxin is produced or released in a microwave. The minimimum temperature for dioxin to form is around 600 Celcius, and only in certain oxygen concentrations. Also, no "dripping" of carcinogens from plastic wrap occurs.

Not all "microwave safe" plastic ware is actually microwave safe, but the majority of it is. The stiffer the plastic, the more likely it is to be safe, but that's not a perfect rule. Better to use e.g. corningware, or corelle dishes, or the like. If you do cover food with plastic wrap, ensure it does not touch the food. The migration of plasticizers depends on contact. Migration is enhanced by fat. Some plasticizers and plastic monomers are endocrine-gland disrupters. Once that was recognized, government regulations have completed changed e.g. food packaging for microwavable foods. I won't declare those regulations to be perfect, but routine testing of consumer products is being carried out. You don't have to repackage or change the container type for microwavable food, but I guess it wouldn't hurt.

I appreciate the intent of your post, Jai. Really. If anyone has further questions or concerns, please go ahead and ask.

Lar

 

Thread

 

Post a new follow-up

Your message only Include above post


Notify the administrators

They will then review this post with the posting guidelines in mind.

To contact them about something other than this post, please use this form instead.

 

Start a new thread

 
Google
dr-bob.org www
Search options and examples
[amazon] for
in

This thread | Show all | Post follow-up | Start new thread | FAQ
Psycho-Babble Social | Framed

poster:Larry Hoover thread:387808
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040907/msgs/388640.html