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Safe Use of Plastics in the Kitchen – BPA Free Use
Plastics are a common part of many kitchens and are used for storing food, cooking, and other tasks. However, certain types of plastics can contain hazardous chemicals, such as Bisphenol A (BPA). To ensure the safety of your food and your health, it is important to use only BPA-free plastics in the kitchen. This guide provides information on how to identify and safely use BPA-free plastics in your kitchen.
For more information on BPA-free plastics, please visit EPA’s website for BPA-free products in your kitchen.
What is BPA? Is it safe to use plastics in the kitchen and what does the label mean BPA Free? These are questions you may have heard or asked yourself. This is a very debated topic, especially when it comes to food safety. But do you know the answers?
There are several types of plastics that can be encountered in the kitchen. The first of these is polypropylene (PP), which is commonly used, for example, to make yoghurt cups or some water bottles. This is a safe plastic, provided you do not expose it to high temperatures. In the kitchen, we can also encounter polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicones, melamine and many others. However, the ones that have gained the most attention are plastics that contain BPA.
What is BPA?
The most important question is what the acronym BPA stands for. It is one of the most commonly produced chemical compounds in the world. Bisphenol A, which has become an important element for the production of two different plastics. The first kind are polycarbonate plastics, i.e. plastic products that are a normal part of our lives. These include baby bottles, food packaging, PET bottles, food boxes, plastic cutlery and the like. The second substance is epoxy resin, which is used to coat the inside of metal products such as cans and tins and to produce thermal paper. Thus, we may encounter BPA when we press some receipts or ATM receipts.
Is it safe to use plastics in the kitchen?
The toxicity of plastics was discovered in the last century, mainly due to the compounds they contain. The compound that has received the most attention is BPA, which has been the subject of countless scientific studies. Bisphenol A itself is not harmful under normal conditions. The problem only arises when it is heated., exposure to radiationwhether from the sun or the microwave. At that moment. the plastic product begins to release into the food or beverages and subsequently comes into contact with the human body. Unfortunately, this can have negative effects on us.
What are the risks of BPA?
BPA is a synthetic estrogen, the female sex hormone, and has an effect on the hormonal system. In men, it can cause infertility, overweight, or increased breast tissue. But that’s not all. The substance can cause metabolic disorders, weakening of the immune system, the development of heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers with higher resistance to chemotherapy, and can also have a negative effect on fetal development in pregnant women or induce hyperactivity in adolescent children.
How to identify products containing BPA?
Plastic products containing bisphenol A are marked with a triangle numbered #7. So try to avoid these, but unfortunately in real life you cannot get rid of the compound completely. You can, however, limit it and follow a few recommendations.
What it is BPA Free?
This is a marking found on plastic products, in which bisphenol A is not used. However, other synthetic bisphenols, namely bisphenol S and F, have replaced the compound in these products. These were expected to have much less negative effects on the human body. However, health studies confirm that all types of bisphenols have almost identical effects on human health. Unfortunately we do not know from the manufacturers whether the product contains these other types of bisphenols.
What are the principles of using plastics in the kitchen and in our lives?
- In general, it is necessary avoid heating of plasticsthat come into contact with food.
- Do not put plastic boxes and containers in the dishwasher. Hand wash them instead.
- Do not heat food in plastic containers in the microwave. Use porcelain, ceramic or glass plates or glass jars.
- Replace plastic bottles BPA free bottles. These can be, for example glass or tritan bottles.
- If you use plastic or silicone products in cooking, only BPA-free.
- Do not pour hot drinks into plastic bottles and do not leave them in the sun.
- Do not reuse disposable PET bottles.
- Shop at verified stores, and especially plastic products with the label BPA free.
- Limit canned foods and consumption of canned beverages.
- You can follow the alerts on dangerous products on the website of the Ministry of Health.
What are the safe practices for using plastics in the kitchen?
The safest way to use plastics in the kitchen is to look for products that are labeled as BPA-free. BPA, or bisphenol A, is a chemical used in many plastic products that can be harmful to your health. When shopping for kitchen products, look for items that are labeled as BPA-free or made of glass, ceramic, or stainless steel. Avoid heating plastic containers in the microwave, as this can cause the plastic to break down and release harmful chemicals. [For more information, visit the Environmental Working Group’s guide to plastic safety.](https://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners/content/plastic_safety)
Advantages of Safe Use of Plastics in the Kitchen
- BPA free
- Lightweight and durable
- Easy to clean
- Heat resistant
- Inexpensive
Using plastics in the kitchen is a convenient and cost-effective way to store food, but it is important to use them safely. To ensure a safe and healthy cooking environment, we urge you to only use plastics marked “BPA-free”. BPA-free plastics are free of the dangerous chemical Bisphenol A, which can leach into food and cause health problems. Make sure to check the label on any plastic containers and utensils before use. With proper care and use of BPA-free plastics, you can enjoy the convenience of plastic in the kitchen without compromising your health.
