Polypropylene cookware is hot. Polypropylene dishes - benefits and harms

Plastic has become an integral part modern life. It is used to make bags, bottles, water pipes, dishes and food containers. This ensures constant contact of plastic with food and drinking water, which, according to many experts, negatively affects human health.

Currently, five main types of plastic are widely used for the production of household items: polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyethylene and polypropylene. Moreover, the latter is officially recognized as safe for humans and is approved for use in all countries of the world, in particular in Russia, the European Union and the USA.

But some scientists do not warn consumers against constantly using dishes and other household items made of polypropylene. According to them, the negative impact of this plastic on the human body does not appear immediately, but after decades. They are confident that polypropylene can potentially cause many serious diseases, including cancer.

To establish the truth in this matter, it is necessary to study in more detail what polypropylene is, how this material is obtained and what properties it has. In addition, it is important to find out how to properly use polypropylene products - what they are suitable for and what they are not.

Production

Polypropylene is produced by heating and then compressing synthetic raw materials. The material itself High Quality produced at high pressure, which ensures the strength and complete safety of the plastic. This polypropylene is used to make plastic dishes, packaging for yoghurts, processed cheeses, semi-finished products and others food products.

It has high heat resistance, withstanding up to 150℃. Therefore, such plastic containers can be placed in the microwave without transferring food to glass or ceramic dishes. Cups made of high-quality polypropylene are suitable for drinking hot tea, coffee and other drinks.

The only restriction applies only to alcohol. The fact is that when interacting with an alcohol-containing liquid, polypropylene can release a toxic substance - formaldehyde. The amount of this substance is extremely small to cause significant harm to humans, but in some people it can provoke serious allergies.

Polypropylene obtained at medium and low pressure is prohibited from being used for the production of tableware and food containers.

This is explained by the fact that low-quality polypropylene manufacturing technologies require the presence of a catalyst – nickel, which can cause significant damage to human health.

Harm

Speaking about the dangers of polypropylene, most people wonder how serious the harm of plastic tableware is to humans? And this is no coincidence, because thousands of people use plates, forks and cups made of polypropylene every day during lunch breaks, snacks in inexpensive cafes, street stalls and on picnics.

Numerous studies have found that plastic cookware is not as safe as glass or ceramic. It turned out that polypropylene is able to actively interact with fats, in particular with vegetable and butter, releasing phenol and formaldehyde into food that are dangerous to humans.

In addition, according to some reports, toxic substances from plastic can penetrate into food under the influence of high temperatures and prolonged contact with food. But does this mean that using plastic utensils and containers is unhealthy?

According to the results of numerous studies, during which scientists injected rats with high doses polypropylene dust, no negative effects of plastic on the body of experimental animals were identified.

Only prolonged inhalation of the pores formed when polypropylene is heated above 200℃ caused irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes and respiratory organs in rats. Thus, plastic utensils are not harmful to humans if consumers do not violate the rules for their use.

But polypropylene cookware is not the most durable and safe. The highest positive properties has plastic utensils made from polycarbonate raw materials. Thus, household items made of polycarbonate can withstand very high temperatures and have a strength 200 times greater than the strength of glass.

In addition, polycarbonate is an inert material and therefore does not react with food or drinks. Eg mineral water can be stored in polycarbonate bottles for 1 year without losing its beneficial properties.

But polycarbonate will be discussed in more detail in another article, and here we discuss the issue of the safety of polypropylene for human health, in particular polypropylene water pipes. This topic is extremely relevant, since nowadays there is a widespread replacement of outdated metal pipes to modern plastic ones.

Many people are frightened by this trend, because they do not believe in the harmlessness of polypropylene pipes and are afraid for their health and the health of their loved ones. Others easily agree to the installation plastic pipes in their houses and apartments, without being interested in the basic rules for their operation.

To begin with, it is important to emphasize that the most in a safe way The use of polypropylene pipes is to provide cold water supply. This is explained by the fact that when interacting with low temperatures, such pipes do not emit dangerous toxins, and therefore do not affect the quality of water.

Some otherwise the situation is with hot water supply and systems central heating. The fact is that when heated for a long time, plastic can release toxic substances such as phenol and formaldehyde. However, for this to happen, the water temperature in the pipes must be extremely high, whereas in reality it rarely exceeds 75℃.

Therefore, the harm of plastic pipes is considered greatly exaggerated, since they do not have a noticeable effect on the human body. But this is only true for high-quality products, and pipes made from low-grade polypropylene can cause serious harm to health and significantly reduce life expectancy.

To avoid such consequences, you need to know how to choose polypropylene pipes in the store and on the construction market, and always follow these rules. Here are a few of the most important ones:

Buy only high quality plastic pipes from famous manufacturers, which are guaranteed not to contain harmful chemical compounds;
You should refuse to purchase if the product has too strong a chemical smell;
After installing pipes in the toilet, bathroom or kitchen, you need to ventilate the room well for 2-3 days.

Benefit

Of course, products made from polypropylene also have beneficial properties. Thus, disposable plastic tableware is highly hygienic and helps to avoid the transmission of many dangerous diseases. In addition, it does not break and has minimal weight, so it is convenient to take it with you on any trip.

Polypropylene pipes also have a whole list positive qualities, which provide them with such high popularity. Among them, the following useful properties should be noted:

Low price. Polypropylene pipes are much cheaper than their metal counterparts;
Easy and quick installation. There is no need to use a welding machine to connect plastic pipes;
Light weight. The low weight greatly facilitates the delivery and installation of polypropylene pipes;
Corrosion resistance. Plastic pipes are absolutely not subject to rust;
Hygiene. There is almost no plaque formation in plastic pipes;
Reliability. Despite the popular belief about the fragility plastic structures, polypropylene pipes are very reliable and can last at least 30 years;
Resistance to temperature fluctuations. Such pipes are not afraid of sudden changes in temperature.

Conclusion

From all of the above, the conclusion suggests itself that even the experts themselves find it difficult to say why exactly polypropylene is harmful to health. Negative influence This material has not yet been proven to work on humans, so in almost all countries of the world it is used for the production of dishes and water pipes.

Those who doubt whether polypropylene is harmful or not can be advised to protect themselves and their loved ones from contact with plastic as much as possible. To do this, all items made of polypropylene can be replaced with products made from more environmentally friendly materials, and replace plastic pipes with modern metal pipes made of copper or stainless steel.

Plastic has long become commonplace in every family. Modern children are exposed to it from birth, sipping milk heated in the microwave from plastic bottles. But can we afford such a careless attitude towards plastic? How safe is it really? Should you choose plastic utensils for food products or use tried-and-true old utensils? If you're worried about plastic, then maybe use paper utensils? High quality tableware from the manufacturer on the website http://bumposuda.ru

We addressed these questions to leading experts in the field Food Industry. You will read the answers received in this article.

What types of plastic are used in industry

There are now several types of plastic that can be used for different purposes. Plastic itself is not toxic, but for the formation necessary qualities For each type of plastic, various chemical plasticizers and salts are used heavy metals, stabilizers and other substances. When they are exposed to direct sunlight, hot or cold temperatures, all the dangerous chemicals begin to be released into the product, which is in a plastic container.

Important

Each type of plastic has a marking that indicates its purpose. Using plastic for other than its intended purpose will lead to the release of toxic substances from it, which in small quantities can cause an allergic reaction, and in large quantities - poisoning the body and serious illnesses.

Types of plastic utensils for the kitchen

What markings should be on the plastic?

Melamine. Often not marked. This type plastic is used for utensils, which are sold on the market at every step. Plates and spreads various forms and sizes with beautiful bright designs often tempt a passing housewife to purchase such an inexpensive miracle for her kitchen. And now in the kitchen the plate begins to diligently serve the hostess, going into the microwave to heat up food or into the refrigerator for storage.

But, not every housewife knows that cheap dishes from the market are VERY toxic. Melamine is banned in many countries. The poison that is released from this type of plastic under the influence of hot or cold temperatures causes stomach and liver disorders, weakens vision and causes skin diseases. Melamine trays can be used for sliced bread or cold sandwiches.

Important

If you have melamine dishes in your home for a long time that have scratches or damage to the design caused by lead paint, you need to change them. Shelf life of such dishes less than a year. It is not recommended to use this cookware for food products.

Manufacturers of high-quality plastic containers always put markings on their products, which determine the purpose of the container.

MarkingPP is our analogue of PP. Most safe look plastic utensils for food products. PP plastic is used for the production of feeding bottles, food storage containers, disposable cups and even for the production of cling film. Such dishes are not afraid of either tall or low temperatures, approved for use in the microwave.

But, it is prohibited to store in it natural fats and alcoholic drinks. Fats and alcohols destroy the structure of plastic and substances that are released into products can cause a sharp deterioration in vision.

MarkingPS – our analogue of PS. Plastics with this marking are also often used to make food trays. Meat, fish, eggs are stored in it. Every housewife has more than once purchased packaging similar to foam plastic in the supermarket. PS plastic is intended for storing food in the refrigerator. In production, the following are often added to this plastic: chemical elements, which allow you to form it into cups for disposable use. You can drink cold drinks from them.

But, this plastic does not tolerate high temperatures. But we often drink hot coffee from such cups early in the morning or during the cold season of the year on the street.

MarkingPET orPETE – our analogue of PET. This type of plastic is used for storing soft drinks. We often buy juices, water and other drinks for children in bottles made of this plastic. Disposable plastic tableware for food products is also made from this type of plastic. Vegetable oil can be stored in PET plastic bottles.

But, best before date of this plastic one year. Do not buy products in stores with a long shelf life that is coming to an end, because the product contained in a bottle that is more than a year old is already saturated with chemicals harmful to the body. Dishes made from this plastic are also resistant to high temperatures and are intended for storing food at room temperature.

MarkingHDPE is our analogue of HDPE. Containers made from this type of plastic are widely used in the household chemicals industry.

But, plastic bowls, serving trays, mugs and other useful household items are often made from this type of plastic.

MarkingV orPVC is our analogue of PVC. This type of plastic is used for the production of plastic pipes, floor coverings, containers for strong household chemicals.

But, in combination with various chemical additives, you can obtain cheap raw materials for the production of large-volume plastic bottles for storing water, edible fats, and disposable tableware. This type of plastic is the most dangerous for the body.

Important

If PVC containers are exposed to direct sunlight, then within a week the product stored in it will be poisoned by carcinogens.

You can easily find out that a container is made of PVC - just press the bottle with your fingernail and you will see a dented white mark from your nail on the container; other types of plastic do not leave a white mark.

MarkingLDPE is our analogue of MDV. This type of plastic is recognized as safe for the pharmaceutical and food industries. Various packaging and films are produced from it.

But However, it is not recommended to freeze food in this film; it is better to use special cling film for this purpose.

MarkingOTHER – Other. Cookware with this marking is highly durable and can withstand different temperatures, which is why it is often used in restaurants. This type of plastic is considered safe for the environment.

But, when dishes made from this plastic are damaged or after the expiration date, a carcinogen begins to be released from it, which can cause diabetes or hormonal disbalance body.

General rules for the use of plastic utensils

For disposable tableware, use only those with the “glass, fork” symbol. If the icon is crossed out, this indicates that this dish cannot be used for storing food.
If the dishes are damaged, do not use them; it is better to replace them with dishes made of a different material.
Try to avoid cooking food in the microwave in plastic containers, even if the seller assured you that this can be done - your health comes first. Microwaves are also suitable for these purposes.
You should also avoid using plastic to store food in the refrigerator.
When going into nature, leave plastic bottles with drinks in the shade or cover them to protect from sunlight.
Do not burn plastic dishes. As a result of combustion, it releases great amount toxic substances. Plastic must be disposed of in special trash containers.

Safe plastic utensils on airplanes

If there is an urgent need, you can use disposable plastic utensils; they will not harm you at once. you already know and know which type of plastic is not harmful to the baby.

If you have not yet decided whether to purchase plastic utensils for food products, then follow the advice of experts who do not recommend plastic utensils for regular use at home.

A wide variety of plastic packaging and its markings. Disposable and reusable plastic tableware is very convenient in everyday life.

And we often use it for food purposes.
Have you ever thought about the harm that even healthy food, eaten from disposable plastic dishes!

To prevent it from harming our health, it must be used strictly for its intended purpose.
Therefore, today we will give you all the necessary information about this cookware.

Markings on plastic utensils

Food grade plastic of different markings has different properties. Disposable plastic tableware is usually purchased for picnics, office parties or similar events.

But, when purchasing, it is very important to pay attention to the markings on plastic utensils. Search glass and fork emblem, it means it is suitable for food.

PS (polystyrene)– dishes with this marking are not compatible with alcohol, hot foods or drinks that provoke the release of styrene, which is harmful to the kidneys and liver.
PET or 5 in triangle (polyethylene terephthalate)– disposable glasses with this marker are used for soft drinks (juices, mineral water, kvass). It is prohibited to drink milk, hot drinks, or alcohol from them.
PP (polypropylene)– not compatible only with alcohol. If you break this rule, you will deal a “crushing blow” to your kidneys and eyesight!
PVC or 3 in triangle (polyvinyl chloride)– cheap practical plastic. It is potentially dangerous for food use,
since it may contain dioxins, mercury, cadmium, bisphenol A. Used in the manufacture of oilcloth, bottles for detergents.
PE (polyethylene)- according to experts, the most best option, if possible, try to buy it.

It should be noted that high-quality disposable plastic items will not be painted in bright colors; as a rule, they are made transparent. Dyes contain toxic substances that poison the body!

It is better not to buy plastic glasses at all, since they not only cannot be recycled, but also contain many toxic substances that, when drinking hot drinks, enter our body.

Reusable plastic tableware

Almost every family has reusable plastic dishes. These are trays in which you may take food to work, bottles for children, bottles of mineral water and other drinks.

Remember!

Reusable plastic utensils are not suitable for storage sauerkraut and sour foods!

It's important to know about proper storage products in plastic containers. For example, not every plastic is suitable for freezing in freezer. Manufacturers often write Thermoplast (Duroplast) on the bottom of the trays, which means they can be used for storage in the freezer.

Useful tips:

Are there fruit flies? We'll tell you

You also need to know that plastic bottles are for carbonated water, kvass, and beer. Not all are suitable for reusable use. We already talked about PVC marker above!

Important!

Pay attention to the markings on plastic utensils.

Vacuum packaging for food products

Vacuum packing in Lately became popular. The principle of operation is clear from the name - a vacuum is created inside the tray. It is needed for longer storage of food. It is recommended to use for ground coffee, smoked meat, fish, hard cheese and others.

But, storage in vacuum packaging not always beneficial! Firstly, not everything can be stored in reusable plastic containers, for example, fresh meat, pastries, some vegetables and fruits.

And, secondly, when long-term storage Salmonella and staphylococcus bacteria multiply well in such packages. Therefore, in some cases it is better to use paper bags for food packaging.

Plastic dishes: harm or benefit?

Finally, I would like to advise you to avoid eating from plastic dishes. As you can see, there is no benefit, but there is a lot of harm to the body. The best alternative is disposable paper packaging.

It may not be as comfortable, but it is environmentally friendly and safe. Well, if you buy plastic dishes, then think in advance about what purposes they are for, and don’t forget about their labeling!

American scientists say: 80% of “plastic” substances found in the human body come there mostly from dishes. But if it says “food grade plastic”, it must be harmless! However, there are many nuances, and the main one is that food plastic comes in different forms. How it can be used depends on what substances it contains. Unfortunately, this is not written on the labels, and, accordingly, this rule is rarely observed.

Photo by Getty Images

Dishes

An irreplaceable thing at the dacha and especially at a barbecue picnic. In some fast food cafes, soups and main courses are served in plastic bowls and plates. But often such dishes are made from polystyrene (PS). When heated, it forms carcinogenic styrene, which accumulates in the liver and kidneys and can even lead to cirrhosis. Dishes marked PS can only be used for cold dishes! The only plastic that is suitable for hot food is polypropylene (PP).

Glasses

Alcohol is a solvent, so if you pour it into a plastic cup or glass, you get a solution of ethanol with stinol, phenol and formaldehyde. This leads to problems with vision, kidneys and reproduction. Tea and coffee can only be poured into glasses marked PP, but only when the drink has cooled down a little. Polypropylene can withstand temperatures no higher than 75 degrees.

Bottles

Most often they are made from PET plastic. Rospotrebnadzor advocates banning the sale of beer in PET bottles, since under the influence of alcohol, phthalates are released from plastic into the drink. They affect hormonal balance; in men they produce female hormones, sexual activity decreases, women develop endometriosis and infertility.

1. Ideally, avoid plastic altogether. Buy disposable paper tableware, glass containers for storing food, drinks in glass, and carry a reusable flask of water with you.

2. Disposable plastic cups pour only water.

3. Do not reuse disposable tableware and PET water bottles.

4. Do not store foods containing acid (tomatoes, fruit salads) in plastic containers. Don't put hot food in there.

5. Wash the containers carefully, without damaging the surface layer, with baking soda diluted with water to a mushy state.

In Austria, Ireland, Australia, China, Bangladesh and other countries, the use of plastic bottles is completely prohibited

Marking

1. PET(E)/PET – polyethylene terephthalate: bottles for drinks, containers for bulk food products. The best plastic for bottles.

2. PEHD (HDPE)/HDPE – polyethylene low pressure: for packaging milk, bags. May release formaldehyde.

3. PVC/PVC – polyvinyl chloride: packaging of water and products by small enterprises. Contains the carcinogen vinyl chloride, which can penetrate into food and the human body. It's better not to use it.

4. PELD (LDPE)/LDPE – polyethylene high pressure: bags, flexible packaging. May release formaldehyde.

5. PP/PP – polypropylene: dishes for hot dishes, cling film. Withstands temperatures up to 75 degrees.

6. PS/PS – polystyrene: disposable tableware. Does not withstand heat. You cannot eat or drink hot foods, drinks or alcohol from it.

7. O(ther)/Other – a mixture of plastics or polymers not listed above. It is better not to use for food products.

Plastic bottles, containers and utensils have become a part of our everyday life. But simultaneously with “plasticization,” reports are increasingly appearing about the danger that this material poses: under certain conditions, it releases toxic compounds that, when entering the human body, gradually undermine his health.

American scientists claim that up to 80% of “plastic” substances found in the human body get there from construction and finishing materials, in particular, from such popular plastic windows, furniture, but most of all - from dishes: from food-grade plastic, all kinds of compounds pass into food products. Domestic manufacturers, in turn, assure that certified plastic tableware is absolutely safe. However, there is a reservation: if you use it for its intended purpose.

The most common polymer materials(or plastics) - polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene and polycarbonate. Both technical and food plastics are produced from them. The polymers themselves are inert, non-toxic and do not “migrate” into food. But intermediate substances, technological additives, solvents, as well as chemical decomposition products can penetrate into food and have a toxic effect on humans.

This process can occur while food is being stored or when it is heated. In addition, polymer materials are subject to change (aging), as a result of which destruction products are released from them. Moreover different kinds plastics become toxic when different conditions- some cannot be heated, others cannot be washed, etc.

Polypropylene cookware is hot. Polypropylene dishes - benefits and harms

Production

Harm

Benefit

Conclusion

What types of plastic are used in industry

Important

What markings should be on the plastic?

Important

Important

General rules for the use of plastic utensils

Markings on plastic utensils

Reusable plastic tableware

Vacuum packaging for food products

Dishes

Glasses

Bottles

Marking

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