Microwaving Food in Plastic May Release Phthalates, BPA

A recent article in The Wall Street Journal reported on the potential risk of phthalates and Bisphenol A (BPA) being released when food is microwaved in plastic containers.  Several phthalate chemicals have been designated by California as chemicals known to cause cancer and reproductive harm, and BPA has been designated as known to cause reproductive harm, although a suit is challenging such designation for BPA.

Dr. Rolf Haden of the Center for Environmental Security at the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University, who is quoted extensively in the article, says that “We should consider heated plastic an unnecessary source of exposure to harmful elements and eliminate it.”

Phthalates, or plasticizers, can leach out of plastic food containers when the material is heated, and are associated with hormone imbalances and birth defects.  Some phthalates are banned from children’s toys and childcare articles.

BPA, a chemical used in the making of polycarbonate plastic and in the epoxy resin used to line food cans, also causes hormone disruption and reproductive harm.  BPA has been banned from baby bottles.  Food or drink containers that are marked with a “7” on the bottom potentially contain BPA.

Dr. Haden suggests using inert containers such as glass or ceramic when reheating food in the microwave and to recycle or throw away old, cracked, deformed, or discolored plastic containers.

The Chanler Group represents citizen enforcers who, acting in the public interest, commence actions against businesses offering products for sale in California that contain chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm without first providing the health hazard warning required by Proposition 65. Citizen enforcers bringing Proposition 65 actions in the public interest may obtain a Court Judgment imposing civil penalties, an injunction requiring reformulation of products, and/or provision of health hazard warnings. The Chanler Group has represented citizen enforcers of Proposition 65 for more than twenty years.