Posted by Larry Hoover on February 19, 2006, at 10:11:57 [reposted on February 27, 2006, at 18:06:52 | original URL]
In reply to How bad is it to microwave styrofoam?, posted by mike99 on February 19, 2006, at 9:10:33
> My roomate microwaves food on styrofoam plates, which makes me cringe.
>
Styrofoam is made from expanded polystyrene beads. Heating styrofoam in a microwave causes the release of styrene. Heating food on styrofoam in a microwave enhances styrene release, and allows the chemical to migrate into food.Styrene is an endocrine-disrupting chemical. It's roughly on par with Bisphenol A, and the phthalate plasticizers for toxicity.
I question the use of styrofoam for food containers for any application. But in any case, styrofoam is not microwave safe.
http://www.grinningplanet.com/2005/11-01/styrofoam-cups-article.htm
> Is it safe for me to microwave my own food--in microwavable-safe plates/cups, etc. in the same microwave?
I don't expect that there would be any toxic carryover. You have nothing to worry about.
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:613889
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/health/20060202/msgs/613892.html