Cling wrap is a type of plastic used to keep food fresh and cover dishes. It is so convenient that a lot of people are using it in the kitchen. But using cling wrap in the microwave is extremely risky. We will discuss in this text why you should avoid microwaving cling wrap altogether, the dangers of microwaving cling wrap and how it could cause damage to your health, safer options that you can use in the microwave, and the precautions to take while using cling wrap. It’s important to understand these points to keep you and your loved ones safe.
Cling wrap is not intended to be used in the microwave. Its purpose is to cover food and keep it fresh, not to heat. Cling wrap cannot be heated because it will melt easily. When it melts, it can allow toxic chemicals to leach into your food. These substances can be extremely harmful to your health, especially if you encounter them on a regular basis. It also traps steam and pressure when heated under cling wrap. This can cause the wrap to pop, and as food spills everywhere, hot food all over you can also cause severe burns or injuries if you get splattered with hot food.
Heat it up, and it can release harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates. BPA stands for bisphenol A, a chemical that can leach into your food when you use cling wrap in the microwave. Another class of chemicals that can make their way into your food are phthalates. These interfere with your hormones and can lead to a range of health issues. If cling wrap is put in the microwave, these toxic substances can also leach into the air and be inhaled. This can be particularly hazardous for those who struggle with breathing issues, such as asthma, as it limits their ability to remain healthy and breathe normally.
As we’ve said, cling wrap will leak harmful chemicals into your food in the microwave. These substances can learn back up in your body over time and cause serious health issues. For instance, exposure to BPA has been associated with higher chances of serious conditions such as cancer and heart disease. It can even mess with your metabolism which can make you gain weight. Phthalates have been associated with health problems including obesity and reproductive issues. That’s when we may be tempted to use cling wrap in the microwave, as the results can be long-lasting — and also prevent you from swallowing anything you absolutely can’t live without.
The good news is there are tons of safer alternatives to cling wrap that you can use in the microwave. Replace cling wrap: Use a lid microwave dish for warming or a safe plate designed to cover food during heating. These lids also retain moisture without the risks posed by cling wrap. You can cover your food with a paper towel or wax paper when you warm it too. Well, great alternatives are glass or ceramic containers with non-porous or air-tight lids. These containers are microwave-safe and prevent spillage when keeping food warm.
If you still choose to use cling wrap in the microwave, despite the risks, there are a few important caveats you'll want to follow. #1 The cling wrap has to be labeled MICROWAVE SAFE First and foremost, you want to make sure the cling wrap is actually labeled microwave safe. Check for labels indicating is microwave safe. Second, when you heat it, ensure the cling wrap does not come into direct contact with your food. That can help minimize the leakage of harmful chemicals into your meal. Finally, it never hurts to read the instructions carefully. Plastic cling wraps may need to be pierced with holes before microwaving to allow steam to escape and avoid pressure buildup.
Copyright © Zhangjiagang Goldshine Aluminium Foil Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved
