There is some concern about microwaving polystyrene foam containers. Some people claim that they can destroy nutrients in foods and produce harmful radiation. Styrofoam is a type of plastic, and toxic chemicals may leach out of these products into the food that they contain especially when exposed to heat. One key reason is that they contain a compound called styrene, which human and animal studies have linked to cancer (7, 8, 9). Can you microwave Styrofoam? Harvard Medical School; "Harvard Health Publications: HEALTHbeat"; Nancy Ferrari; August 2006, Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide; "Microwaving Food in Plastic: Dangerous or Not? Styrofoam is a form of plastic, which is flammable and can easily catch fire. Photo: Clker-Free-Vector-Images via Pixabay, CC0 Otherwise, you’ll be told it isn’t microwave-safe or there won’t be any label and you should err on the side of caution and just put your food in a microwave-safe container like ceramics and the like. My entire life I have always been heating tea and coffee in styrofoam cups in the microwave for 2 minutes and never had a problem. "; July 2006, Polymer Science Learning Center; Polystyrene, Polymer Science Learning Center; Free Radical Polymerization. Microwaves warm up the food that transmits the heat to the styrofoam container. However, look in the box/cup and make sure the instructions that allow you to keep the noodles in the cup, and do not suggest that you switch to another container. Styrofoam plates are disposable plates; this means that one’s the content of the plate are finished, then they can be thrown away. When people say “styrofoam” they usually mean any of the foam-like, lightweight products used to temporarily hold food and drink: pretty simple, right? Stefansson graduated from Staffordshire University, England, with a Bachelor of Arts in broadcast journalism. The heat in the microwave can be detrimental and when you eat the food that has been heated along with the Styrofoam, your health can be possibly put at risk. There are two general types of styrofoam out there, with an important difference. Styrofoam plates should not be microwaved, because they can easily melt. Microwave Popcorn Causes Cancer: Fact or Fiction? It's always best to be cautious when it comes to microwaving plastics of any kind. Styrofoam containers package fast food, store leftovers from restaurants and wrap a variety of ready-to-eat foods at takeout restaurants. Can you microwave styrofoam? Prolonged exposure to microwave heat can cause leaching of chemicals into your food. Polystyrene foam products that the FDA considered safe through food tests usually carry the “Microwave safe ” label. He has freelanced for several British radio stations as a news reader and sports producer. Can You Microwave Styrofoam Plates? While it’s unlikely to kill you or even cause any long term damage, it’s a type of plastic that most people would be put off having make its way around your intestines or bloodstream. Styrofoam products that the FDA has deemed safe through testing for food usually carry the "Microwave Safe" label. Written on: July 14, 2020. Polystyrene is a plastic product that’s made from, among othe… Usage of the wrong container and inappropriate time setting can cause toxins to get transferred from the microwave to your container Styrofoam is a term that’s trademarked by The Dow Chemical Company. Styrofoam products that the FDA has deemed safe through testing for food usually carry the "Microwave Safe" label. That means any polystyrene or plastic products that have the microwave-safe label have been tested for safety in the microwave. Fortunately, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ensures that its foam containers are made from microwave-safe Styrofoam. Can you microwave styrofoam plates can you microwave styrofoam can you microwave styrofoam and should can you microwave styrofoam updated 2019 kitchensanity can you microwave styrofoam stop wondering can you microwave styrofoam containers funny money report. From a fitness viewpoint, they consist of a solvent called styrene, which has brought up some suspicion, as it has been related to cancers in animal and human surveys. Urban legends abound on the prospective side-effects and health dangers connected with microwaving styrofoam plates and cups. The best way to stay safe is to read all the instructions printed on the package. Microwave Ovens and Health: To Nuke, or Not to Nuke? It’s important to safely handle and store all types of meat. Styrofoam or polystyrene is a rigid vinyl polymer used in a nearly endless list of products, including food packaging, manufacturing, insulation and emergency buoyancy aids. If greasy food is heated in a microwave, using a Styrofoam plate, it will immediately fall apart. It's true -- many plastics are unsuitable for microwave use because they transfer dangerous levels of chemicals into food. That’s because polystyrene containers contain a compound called styrene, which has been linked to cancer. Yes, you can safely microwave Styrofoam if the container is marked as microwave-safe. Styrofoam containers are widely used in food storage and packaging. Polystyrene (and most high molecular weight polymers) are in no way soluble in water, and even if 50 per cent of your cup were to melt, you will not be absorbing any appreciable amount through the water in your cup. Styrofoam and polystyrene … People in other countries often know the material simply as polystyrene. How boil egg in microwave … Before we delve deeper and answer the question as to whether or not you can microwave Styrofoam, let us first distinguish the two different types of Styrofoam – the traditional Styrofoam or polystyrene and the newer version of Styrofoam.. If you are concerned about heating food in a polystyrene container, here are some tips to help you microwave food safely: The above tips may help you microwave or reheat your food safely. Transfer food to ceramic or … The microwave is considered safe and better than a gas stove. In general, it’s not recommended to microwave styrofoam unless the label says otherwise. While you can put styrofoam containers in the microwave, the heat of it’s contents could melt the container and destroy your meal. However, most of these types of plastics are used outside the food industry and do not come into contact with food. Thus, it … This especially applies to fatty foods, such as meats and cheeses (10). From a health perspective, they contain a compound called styrene, which has raised some concern, as it has been linked to cancers in animal and human studies (7). Containers that do not have the "Microwave Safe" label are not inherently unsafe; the FDA simply has not tested the products. Some, but not all, types of Styrofoam are suitable for microwave use. If the container says it's suitable for single use only, do not repeatedly microwave the plastic. It’s not a durable material and it has a low melting point, so it easily breaks down upon heating and can leach into your food. This article reviews whether you can microwave styrofoam, if doing so is safe, and precautions you can take. That means any polystyrene or plastic products that have the microwave-safe label have been tested for safety in the microwave. However, containers with a microwave-safe label have been tested and shouldn’t pose any styrene-related risks. In addition, when foods or beverages are microwaved in containers made from polystyrene or plastic, substances used in manufacturing may leak into the food. Researchers say chemicals known as PFAS are used in the bowls and can cause health as well as environmental problems. If it gets hot enough, it can even catch flame. You can microwave foods or beverages in polystyrene containers that are labeled microwave-safe. Some, but not all, types of Styrofoam are suitable for microwave use. Also, animals may mistake them for food and eat them (3, 5, 6). There is a lot of controversy surrounding microwave ovens. There is some concern about microwaving polystyrene foam containers. In order for this type of Styrofoam to be considered safe for microwave use, it must display microwave-safe labeling on the packaging materials or the container. For that reason, Styrofoam plates as well as other Styrofoam food containers cannot and must not be used in the microwave. People concerned about microwaving Styrofoam packaging fear chemicals from the polystyrene will leach into the food and pose a health risk. If it is FDA-approved styrofoam, then, by all means, you can use it to the said heating machine without the fear that it … Can You Microwave Styrofoam Plates and Cups? But, various studies have proven that microwaving a styrofoam plate (and another styrofoam goods ) may be ok. This article reviews the healthiest ways to cook meat. He is currently freelancing as an advertising and web copy writer for several Canadian and American clients. While you can put styrofoam containers in the microwave, the heat of it's contents could melt the container and destroy your meal. Is the radiation used by these ovens safe for humans? This article provides instructions…. It refers to a type of polystyrene foam that’s commonly used in the building industry (1). If greasy food is heated in a microwave, using a Styrofoam plate, it will immediately fall apart. In past years, styrofoam plate has been generally put at a disadvantage and gradually replaced by paper plates. If you are using a styrofoam container, check to see if it has a microwave-safe label. In addition, many of the common containers that we believe to be Styrofoam are actually not pure polystyrene foam. Always purchase plates that are labeled as microwave-safe if using them to heat your food. However, if not used properly, it can produce greater issues like explosions and sparks. Along with this, when microwaving some types of Styrofoam, certain manufacturing substances that are not meant to be eaten can be imparted into meals. While many people think styrofoam can’t be used in the microwave at all, styrofoam can actually be designed for use in the microwave. Styrofoam burns very quickly, melting as it goes, and if a small melting spot catches flame, it could spread. However, they are not very durable and can’t hold food neatly at all, which is why they have been replaced by paper plates in recent years. Can You Boil Water in the Microwave, and Should You? Cup of noodles: “If styrofoam is bad, the microwave cup of noodles may be in them” We know you’re wondering, a cup of noodle products are generally designed to be microwave safe. However, in some countries, such as the United States and Canada, the term is often incorrectly used to refer to a type of expanded polystyrene foam that is injected into molds to make disposable take-out containers, plates, coffee cups, and packaging peanuts (2, 3). Styrofoam plates are disposable plates; this means that one’s the content of the plate are finished, then they can be thrown away. These containers are popular because they’re cheap and act as a good insulator, meaning they keep foods and beverages warm. Learn about the science behind these claims and how to safely enjoy…, Reheating leftovers reduces waste and saves time and money, but improper reheating could put your health at risk. Traditional Styrofoam. However, it’s important to note that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates plastic and polystyrene containers, cups, and plates and tests their safety and use in microwave ovens (11). If you just do a simple Google search and you will get a bunch of findings under “Can you microwave Styrofoam”. Chances are you come into contact with Styrofoam products on a daily basis. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. While styrofoam (polystyrene) has a melting point of about 240°C, it starts to soften at 80°C-100°C. Can you microwave Styrofoam plates and cups? Use a microwave-safe container. Conversely, avoid putting polystyrene containers without microwave-safe labels in the microwave. Last medically reviewed on January 7, 2020. Styrofoam plates should not be microwaved, because they can easily melt. Microwaves have been around for decades and are known for making kitchen work — namely heating food — much simpler than it was in the past. Keep in mind that it is a form of plastic and it has chemicals. Learn the best practices for safely storing and reheating pumped breast milk to ensure your baby is getting all the necessary nutrients. This precaution is not specific to microwaves and also applies to other heating methods. This compound has been connected to cancers in certain studies. Like stated before. 3. People tend to think of the squeaky white substance used to make disposable beverage containers when they think of Styrofoam when, in fact, the Styrofoam name covers some types of transparent plastic packaging as well. Is it destroying the…, Does eating microwave popcorn actually cause cancer and other health problems? Additionally, is it safe to microwave food on paper plates? 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