We Can Be In Danger and Not Even Know It

As humans, we believe that we can rely on ourselves to stay away from harm. As Robert Ornstein says in Mind Real, the mind’s main “job is survival” (Ornstein,27). However, the world we live in today has become more technologically advanced; the mind hasn’t had time to adapt. Because of this, the mind fails to protect us from harm that our senses cannot detect that can be as simple as microwaving food in plastic containers. Bringing our lunch with us to work is a lot easier and cheaper way to eat. Unknown to us though are many chemicals can transfer into our foods when we microwave them in plastic containers. One of these chemicals is Bishphenol A (BPA). The Environmental Health Association of Nova Scotia (EHANS) quotes Frederic vom Sall, a world expert on BPA, saying “As you heat it, you degrade the chemical bond. You can’t see this happening. You can’t taste it, you can’t smell it, but you are getting dosed at a higher and higher amount” (Microwave Safe Plastic – Is It Really Safe; Environmentalhealth.Ca 2007).

Plastics such as polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate and plasticizers can have these dangerous chemicals (Does Plastic in Microwave Pose Health Problems; Mindfully.Org October 1998). In the microwave these chemicals migrate into the food, especially “fatty foods such as meats and cheeses” (Microwaving Food in Plastic: Dangerous or Not; The Harvard Medical School July 2006). These chemicals “emit hormone-mimicking substances called endocrine disrupters” like BPA (Does Plastic in Microwave Pose Health Problems). These chemicals can lead to birth defects, cancer, and fertility problems. EHANS states that “Environmental Defense Canada thinks that BPA is so dangerous that it has urged the government to ban BPA immediately rather than waiting for completion of the assessment” (Microwave Safe Plastic – Is It Really Safe).

To prevent these chemicals we can use alternatives to plastic like glass or ceramic containers. However, if we are still going to microwave with plastic we need to know:
• “Most takeout containers, water bottles, and plastic tubs or jars made to hold margarine, yogurt, whipped topping, and foods such as cream cheese, mayonnaise, and mustard are not microwave-safe.
• Microwavable takeout dinner trays are formulated for one-time use only and will say so on the package.
• Don’t microwave plastic storage bags or plastic bags from the grocery store.
• Before microwaving food, be sure to vent the container: Leave the lid ajar, or lift the edge of the cover.
• Don’t allow plastic wrap to touch food during microwaving because it may melt. Wax paper, kitchen parchment paper, or white paper towels are alternatives”( Microwaving Food in Plastic: Dangerous or Not.)
• “Remove meat, poultry or fish from butcher trays and cling wraps before microwave defrosting” (Does Plastic in Microwave Pose Health Problems).

It is important to know that even though we have become accustomed to a way of life that is easier it may not be healthier. Our senses can no longer keep us safe from new dangers to our body so we have to be aware of these harms and keep away from them.