Which plastic utensils are suitable for hot food. Hygienic features of using disposable plastic tableware

Plastic or Plastic Organic material based on natural or synthetic high molecular weight compounds. The most popular in the use of plastic, made on the basis of synthetic polymers.

The most common polymeric materials (types of plastic):

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Polypropylene
Polyethylene
Polystyrene
Polycarbonate

They produce both technical and food plastics.

Plastics used for the production of products that come into contact with food and children's assortment are subject to mandatory examination for compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards and are certified. The manufacturer is required to label his products. Food plastic has a generally accepted label - "glass and fork." It may say that it is intended for cold, bulk or hot products, for use in a microwave oven or for freezing, sometimes a temperature range is indicated.

For example, “Snowflakes” means that the container is suitable for freezing food, “wave oven” means that food can be heated in the microwave in the dishes, and “shower plates” indicate that the containers can be washed in the dishwasher. This marking is also used by some Russian manufacturers.

Harm

Harm of plastic

Plastic in its pure form is rather fragile, brittle material - it cracks in the light, melts from heat. For strength, stabilizers are added to it. This makes the plastic stronger, but also more toxic. Because of this, it appears damage to plastic utensils.

The polymers themselves are inert, non-toxic and do not "migrate" into food. But here are intermediate substances, processing aids, solvents, as well as chemical decomposition products that can penetrate into food and have a toxic effect on humans. Under certain conditions, plastic releases toxic compounds that, when ingested, adversely affect human health.

This process can occur during storage of products or when they are heated. In addition, polymeric materials are subject to change (aging), as a result of which degradation products are released from them. Moreover, different types of plastic become toxic under different conditions - some cannot be heated, others cannot be washed, etc. Improper operation becomes the main reason harm to plastic utensils.

American scientists claim that up to 80% of the "plastic" substances found in the human body get there from building and finishing materials, in particular, from such popular plastic windows, furniture, but most of all from dishes: all kinds of compounds pass from food plastic into products. nutrition. Domestic manufacturers assure that certified plastic utensils are absolutely safe - if used for their intended purpose.

Benefit

Pros of plastic utensils

Compactness, lightness, hygiene, low cost, ease of use allow you to use plastic utensils outside the home - on the road, in nature, etc. It does not require washing or cleaning. Therefore, the need for the use of plastic tableware is growing. Plastic utensils are also used by fast food restaurants, summer cafes and eateries.

Plastic food utensils: how to use

To plastic utensils did no harm health, it must be used strictly for its intended purpose. Food plastic of different brands has different properties. One brand of this polymer raw material is intended for the production of water bottles, the other is for bottles with carbonated drinks. Yogurt cups are made of plastic of a grade that makes it possible to produce a light and cheap container by casting, while being neutral with respect to milk fat, and pudding cups must resist sugar.

Experts insist: in no case should plastic packaging be used as food storage containers, and disposable tableware should not be used repeatedly. Disposable packaging should only be used once.

How plastic will react to contact with ingredients for which it was not intended, what compounds can be formed in this case, no one has investigated. Especially insidious are fats and acids, which can draw free toxic compounds out of plastic.

Foods high in sugar and fat should not be cooked in plastic containers. They are heated to the melting point and deformation of the plastic. It is necessary to cook them in special dishes that can withstand heating up to 140, 180 or more C.

When reusing disposable plastic utensils, its outer protective layer is damaged, and carcinogenic substances - formaldehydes, phenol, cadmium, lead - begin to be released.

Do not drink alcohol from disposable plastic cups. Any plastic contains toxic substances that do not dissolve in ordinary cold drinks, but do not withstand the chemical attack of alcohol.

The release of all kinds of compounds from plastic is greatly enhanced by heating. Therefore, only special containers designed for this purpose may be used in the microwave oven.

At home, immediately remove the packaging film from the products. Cut off the top layer from food stored in plastic packaging.

Do not use disposable packaging for food storage. Store food in glass and ceramic containers. Try to avoid plastic-packed products whenever possible, preferring loose ones.

Buy baby food only in glass or cardboard. Do not use plastic utensils for baby food. Do not microwave food in plastic containers.

Do not keep water in pitcher filters for a long time. In the morning and evening, replace the remaining water with fresh water. A cloudy plastic water jug should be thrown away.

Also, the disposable packaging was not intended for washing, so the result can be unpredictable.

Food manufacturers indicate that the shelf life applies not only to the product itself, but also to the packaging. This is especially true for canned goods. For example, they can detect a toxic substance - biphenol.

Plastic film containing biphenol is lined on the inside of cans to keep the metal from coming into contact with food. From here, biphenol can pass into the contents.

It is advisable to replace canned food with fresh or frozen foods.

Transfer food from opened cans to glass containers, even if we are talking about short-term storage (under the influence of oxygen, the corrosion of cans increases sharply and the content of lead and tin in food begins to increase rapidly).

Toxins can accumulate in the body for years, undermining health. Even small amounts are poisonous if exposed for a long time.

Buy food, plastic utensils and cling film only from reputable manufacturers and only in reliable stores.

To date, there are disposable tableware made from environmentally friendly materials - cane, bamboo, eggshell-based, as well as paper tableware made of cardboard.

ADDITIONALLY

Labeling of plastic utensils

To simplify the sorting of plastic, a special international marking has been developed - triangles formed by arrows with a number inside. The number indicating the type of plastic is located inside the triangle. Below the triangle is an alphabetic abbreviation indicating the type of plastic.

PET Polyethylene terphthalate: bottles for carbonated drinks, water, juices, dairy products, vegetable oils, cosmetics, etc.

Frozen ready meals in trays that can be reheated in the microwave or oven are made from crystallized polyethylene terphthalate. Its properties remain unchanged in the range from -40º to +250ºС. True, some brands may lose the necessary heat resistance after they have undergone deep cooling.

Buy drinks only in PET bottles and do not reuse them.

PP Polypropylene: medical products, bottle caps, hot dishes, food packaging film

Polypropylene utensils (PP marking) are safer. The polypropylene glass maintains temperature to +100 °C. From polypropylene glasses you can drink hot tea or coffee, in plates from it you can heat food in the microwave. But upon contact with strong drinks and alcohol, it releases formaldehyde or phenol. If you drink vodka from such a glass, not only the kidneys suffer, but also the eyesight. Formaldehyde is also considered a carcinogen.

PS Polystyrene: disposable tableware, cups for dairy products, yogurt, electrical insulation film

Polystyrene is indifferent to cold liquids. But when polystyrene dishes come into contact with hot water or alcohol, it begins to release a toxic compound (monomers) - styrenes. Hot foods are not recommended to be placed in polystyrene plates. Plates made of polystyrene are often used in summer cafes for barbecue. And along with hot meat and ketchup, the client also receives a dose of toxins - styrenes, which accumulate in the liver and kidneys.

Disposable cups can only be used for water. It is better not to drink acidic juices, soda, hot and strong drinks from them. Some coffee machines use polystyrene cups. That is, hot coffee or tea cannot be drunk from them.

When purchasing instant products (those that only need to be poured with boiling water), pay attention to the packaging (cup, bag, plate). Although Rospotrebnadzor and certification bodies monitor the safety of materials, nevertheless, manufacturers often use polystyrene packaging. Therefore, it is better to transfer products to ceramic or enameled dishes and then pour boiling water over them.

Refrigerate food before placing it in the container. For hot food and microwave use only special utensils.

If there is no marking on the plastic, you can distinguish PS from PP by touch - polystyrene crunches and breaks, and polypropylene crumples. Also, the main distinguishing feature of polystyrene bottles is the bluish color of the container. And when pressing with a fingernail on PS plastic, a whitish scar (stripe) always remains, on PP plastic, the container will remain smooth.

HDP High density polyethylene: packaging bags, garbage bags

PVC Polyvinyl chloride: building and finishing materials, furniture, shoes, medical products, water bottles, food packaging film

Synthetic poison dioxin can be released from PVC dishes in cases of heating food in microwave ovens, freezing water in freezers. Dioxins accumulate in human adipose tissue and are not excreted from the body for a very long time (up to 30 years). The released dioxin causes cancer (especially breast cancer).

LDP Low density polyethylene (low pressure): bottles for detergents and edible vegetable oils, toys, pipes, plastic bags.

Other types of plastic are multi-layer packaging or composite plastic.

Mayonnaise, ketchup and other sauces, seasonings, juices, jams, ready-made soups and cereals that require heating, sold in bags. Such bags are made from multilayer combined films. The choice of film depends on the properties of the product, the period and conditions of its storage. Soups, cereals, main courses are packed in bags of films with a high melting point. Dishes in such packaging can be heated in the microwave or boiled directly in the bag. Such dishes withstand temperatures from -40 to +230 ° C and more. But physiologists still advise eating them less often.

Dishes made of melamine (polymerized formaldehyde) - it is white, shiny (reminiscent of porcelain), weighs lighter, does not break. When tapped, melamine dishes emit not a sonorous, but a deaf echo.

It is extremely dangerous to use such dishes. For the durability of dishes, asbestos can be added to it, which is prohibited even in construction (such dishes come to Russia from Turkey, Jordan and China). It cannot be used for hot food. When hot water is poured into a melamine dish, the formaldehyde begins to dissolve in the water. Formaldehyde and asbestos can cause cancer. To keep the drawing on such a plate for a long time, paints containing heavy metals, primarily lead, are used.

Plastic bottles, containers and utensils have firmly entered our everyday life. But simultaneously with “plasticization”, there are more and more reports about the danger that this material is fraught with: under certain conditions, it releases toxic compounds that, when they enter the human body, gradually undermine his health.

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

The most common polymer materials (or plastics) are polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, and polycarbonate. They produce both technical and food plastics. The polymers themselves are inert, non-toxic and do not "migrate" into food. But here are intermediate substances, processing aids, solvents, as well as chemical decomposition products that can penetrate into food and have a toxic effect on humans.

Dangerous fragility of plastic

Polyvinyl chloride is a chlorine-based polymer. It is distributed all over the world because it is extremely cheap. It is used to make bottles for drinks, boxes for cosmetics, containers for household chemicals, disposable tableware. Over time, PVC begins to release a harmful substance - vinyl chloride. Naturally, from the bottle it gets into soda, from the plate - into food, and from there - directly into the human body. And vinyl chloride is a carcinogen. A PVC bottle begins to release this dangerous substance a week after the contents have been poured into it. A month later, several milligrams of vinyl chloride accumulate in mineral water. From the point of view of oncologists, this is a lot.

Often plastic bottles are reused, tea or fruit drinks and even alcoholic drinks are poured into them. Markets sell milk and butter in plastic bottles. Five-liter bottles have replaced buckets and canisters for summer residents, and advocates of a healthy lifestyle go with them to springs for “living” water and store Epiphany water in them for a year. Experts are unanimous: nothing but water can be refilled into water bottles. And even then not in all. Only PET bottles can be reused. PVC bottles release toxic PVC.

However, many experts are sure that any bottled plastic remains neutral only in the absence of oxygen, that is, as long as the water retains its original chemical composition. As soon as the bottle is opened, the water quickly changes its properties, after which the plastic inevitably changes its properties. As for the "living" and holy water, its healing properties can only be preserved in glass containers.

How to distinguish hazardous PVC products from safe plastic? You need to look at the bottom. Conscientious manufacturers put an icon at the bottom of dangerous bottles - a three in a triangle. Or they write PVC - this is how PVC is designated in English. But there are few such bottles with honest inscriptions. Harmful capacity can also be recognized by the influx on the bottom. It happens in the form of a line or a spear with two ends. But the surest way is to press the bottle with your fingernail. If the container is dangerous, a whitish scar forms on it. The "correct" bottle remains smooth.

Disposable cups can only be used for water. It is better not to drink sour juices, sodas, hot and strong drinks from them! Hot foods are not recommended to be placed in polystyrene plates.

Convenient, practical, but risky

The time for picnics is approaching, and in order to minimize household inconveniences, we stock up on plastic plates. Pour tea from a thermos or alcoholic drinks into plastic cups. Cheap, practical, but not safe.

Disposable plastic utensils cost a penny. But plastic is a delicate material. Cracks in the world. Melts from the heat. For strength, stabilizers are added to it. Plastic is getting stronger and... more toxic.

Polystyrene (indicated by the letters PS) is indifferent to cold liquids. But as soon as you pour a hot or alcoholic drink, a harmless glass begins to release a toxic compound called styrene. Plates made of polystyrene are often used in summer cafes for barbecue. And the client, in addition to hot meat and ketchup, also receives a dose of toxins.

Tin Can Mystery

Any polymeric material ages under the influence of light, heat, heating and contact with various substances. Then it becomes cloudy, absorbs odors and ingredients from the contents and releases toxic substances. Food manufacturers indicate that the shelf life applies not only to the product itself, but also to the packaging. This is especially true for canned goods. For example, they can detect a toxic substance - biphenol. Plastic film containing biphenol is lined on the inside of cans to keep the metal from coming into contact with food. From here, biphenol can pass into the contents. That's why:

ditch canned food in favor of fresh and frozen foods.
transfer food from opened cans to glass, even if it is a short-term storage (under the influence of oxygen, the corrosion of cans increases dramatically and the content of lead and tin in food begins to increase rapidly).

Follow the label

At one time, to simplify the sorting of plastic, a special international marking was developed - triangles formed by arrows with a number inside. The number indicates the type of plastic. Instead of a number or under a triangle at the same time as the number, you can find the letter code of the plastic:

PET
Polyethylene terphthalate: bottles for carbonated drinks, water, juices, dairy products, vegetable oils, cosmetics, etc.
HDP
High density polyethylene: packaging bags, garbage bags
PVC
Polyvinyl chloride: building and finishing materials, furniture, shoes, medical products, water bottles, food packaging film
LDP
Low density polyethylene: detergent bottles, toys, pipes
PP
Polypropylene: medical products, hot dishes, food packaging film
PS
Polystyrene: disposable tableware, cups for dairy products, yogurt, electrical insulation film
Other types of plastic: multi-layer packaging or composite plastic

Expert opinion

Nadezhda Tarakanova, technologist at Bytplast
The plastic used for the production of products that come into contact with food and children's assortment is subject to mandatory examination for compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards and is certified. And if the manufacturer declares, for example, that the product is intended for drinking water, then it is checked as a container for drinking water. The manufacturer is required to label his products. Food plastic has a generally accepted label - "glass and fork." It may say that it is intended for cold, bulk or hot products, for use in a microwave oven or for freezing, sometimes a temperature range is indicated. “Snowflakes” indicate that the container is suitable for freezing food, “wave oven” indicates that the dishes can be heated in the microwave, and “shower plates” indicate that the containers can be washed in the dishwasher. This marking is also used by some Russian manufacturers, including us.

Polypropylene glass (marking - PP) can withstand temperatures up to +100°C. But it does not tolerate a chemical attack - it emits formaldehyde or phenol. If you drink vodka from such a glass, not only the kidneys suffer, but also the eyesight. Formaldehyde is also considered a carcinogen.

Disposable packaging - one time only

Buy food, plastic utensils and cling film only from reputable manufacturers and only in reliable stores.

In order for plastic utensils to be safe, they must be used strictly for their intended purpose. Food plastic of different brands has different properties. One brand of this polymer raw material is intended for the production of water bottles, the other is for bottles with carbonated drinks. Yogurt cups are made of plastic of a grade that makes it possible to produce a light and cheap container by casting, while being neutral with respect to milk fat, and pudding cups must resist sugar.

Therefore, experts insist: in no case should plastic packaging be used as food storage containers, and disposable tableware should not be used repeatedly. How plastic will react to contact with ingredients for which it was not intended, what compounds can be formed in this case, no one has investigated. Especially insidious are fats and acids, which can draw free toxic compounds out of plastic.

There is another important point. The plastic container must be washed before reuse. The disposable packaging was not intended for washing, so the result is unpredictable.

The release of all kinds of compounds from plastic is greatly enhanced by heating. Therefore, only special containers can be used in the microwave oven.

Store food in glass and ceramic containers.
Try to avoid plastic-packed products as much as possible, give preference to products by weight.
Cut off the top layer from food stored in plastic packaging.
At home, immediately remove the packaging film from the products.
Buy drinks only in PET bottles and do not reuse them.
Buy baby food only in glass or cardboard.
Do not use plastic utensils for baby food.
Do not microwave food in plastic containers.
Do not keep water in pitcher filters for a long time. In the morning and evening, replace the remaining water with fresh water.
A cloudy water pitcher should be thrown away.

Flexible packaging

Mayonnaise, ketchup and other sauces, seasonings, juices, jams, as well as ready-made soups and cereals that require heating, are sold in packages - regular or "standing". Such bags are made from multilayer combined films. The choice of film depends on the properties of the product, the period and conditions of its storage. Soups, cereals, main courses are packed in bags of films with a high melting point. Dishes in such packaging can be heated in the microwave or boiled directly in the bag. But physiologists advise eating them less often: the less chemistry in life, the better.

When purchasing instant products (those that only need to be poured with boiling water), pay attention to the packaging (cup, bag, plate). Although Rospotrebnadzor and certification bodies monitor the safety of materials, nevertheless, manufacturers often use polystyrene packaging. And when it comes into contact with hot water, it begins to release harmful monomers - styrenes. Therefore, it is better to transfer products to ceramic or enameled dishes and then pour boiling water over them.

Do not use disposable packaging for food storage, and do not reuse disposable tableware. Refrigerate food before placing it in the container. For hot food and microwave use only special utensils.

Small doses - big problems

How to determine acceptable and safe doses of chemicals? The opinions of scientists differ. Some argue: if you do not exceed the permissible level, there will be no harm. You need to eat more than 2 kg of canned food per day to get closer to the maximum allowable dose. Others insist: the more chemicals a person consumes, the more it destroys the body. If there are no symptoms of poisoning, this does not mean that the substance is safe. Toxins can accumulate over the years, undermining health. Even small amounts are poisonous if exposed for a long time.

Plastic entered our lives only 30 years ago. Now the first truly “plastic” generation is growing, while conclusions about the effect of plastic on the body need to be observed for at least five generations.

A wide variety of plastic utensils and their labeling. Disposable and reusable plastic utensils are 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 plastic disposable tableware can bring to your body!

So that such dishes do not harm our health, they must be used strictly for their intended purpose.
Therefore, today we will give you all the information you need about this cookware.

Marking on plastic utensils

Food plastic of different markings has different properties. Disposable plastic tableware is usually bought for picnics, office parties and similar events.

But, it is very important when buying to pay attention to the designations on plastic utensils. Look for glass and fork emblem, it means that this utensil is suitable for food.

PS (polystyrene)- dishes with this marking are not compatible with alcohol and hot dishes or drinks that provoke the release of styrene, and it harms the kidneys and liver.
PET or 5 in triangle (polyethylene terephthalate)- disposable glasses with this marker are used for (juices, mineral water, kvass). It is forbidden to drink milk, hot drinks and alcohol from them.
PP (polypropylene)- not compatible only with alcohol. If you break this rule, you will inflict a “crushing blow” to the kidneys and vision!
PVC or 3 in a triangle (polyvinylchloride)- cheap practical plastic. It is potentially hazardous for food use,
since it may contain dioxins, mercury, cadmium, bisphenol A. They are used in the manufacture of oilcloth, bottles for detergents and other household items.
PE (polyethylene)- according to experts, the best option, if possible, try to buy it.

It should be noted that high-quality disposable plastic dishes 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 a lot of toxic substances that, when drinking hot drinks, penetrate our body.

Reusable plastic tableware

Reusable plastic dishes are in almost every family. These are trays in which you, perhaps, take food to work, bottles for children, bottles of mineral water and other drinks.

Remember:

reusable plastic utensils are not suitable for storing sauerkraut and sour foods!

It is important to know about the proper storage of food in plastic dishes. For example, not every plastic is suitable for freezing in the freezer. Often, manufacturers write Thermoplast (Duroplast) at the bottom of the trays, which means they can be used for storage in the freezer.

Helpful Hints:

And you also need to know that plastic bottles from soda, kvass, beer, etc. Not all are reusable. We have already talked about the PVC marker above!
Pay attention:

markings on plastic utensils.

Vacuum packaging for food

Vacuum packaging has recently become popular. The principle of operation is clear from the name - a vacuum is created inside the tray. It is needed for longer storage of products. It is advised to use for ground coffee, smoked meat, fish, hard cheese and others.

But, vacuum-packed storage is not always beneficial! First, not everything can be stored in reusable plastic containers, such as fresh meat, confectionery, and some vegetables and fruits.

And, secondly, during long-term storage in such packages, Salmonella and Staphylococcus bacteria multiply well. 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 paper disposable tableware.

Maybe not so comfortable, but environmentally friendly and safe. Well, if you buy plastic dishes, then think in advance for what purposes it is and do not forget about its marking!

“Disposable tableware frees up our time, makes life easier and easier. It is light and comfortable, it does not need to be washed. But any plastic utensils have an adverse effect on our health, which does not cause tangible problems if it is rarely used (when it is really necessary),” says nutritionist Tatyana Fialkova.

The constant use of plastic leads to poor health. The fact is that unscrupulous manufacturers from time to time put plastic utensils on the market from low-quality materials, and even with prohibited additives. In general, it is worth remembering that disposable tableware is called so because it cannot be used a second time, but we often do not pay attention to this prescription. Plastic disposable utensils cannot be washed or disinfected: all the infection that gets on it persists and multiplies, being transmitted to everyone who uses these utensils. When reusing disposable plastic utensils, its outer protective layer is damaged, and carcinogenic substances - formaldehydes, phenol, cadmium, lead - begin to be released. Toxins can accumulate in the body for years, affecting health. Even small amounts are poisonous to us if exposed for a long time.

Plastic utensils should never be used as food storage containers, and disposable utensils should not be used repeatedly. How plastic will react to contact with ingredients for which it was not intended, what compounds can be formed in this case - it is difficult to imagine. Especially insidious are fats and acids, which can draw free toxic compounds out of plastic.

What to look for when choosing plastic tableware?

When buying disposable tableware, you need to clearly imagine what you will use it for. Plastic is a rather brittle material that can crack in the light and melt in the heat. For this reason, manufacturers add stabilizer substances, thanks to which the plastic becomes stronger, but, alas, more toxic. The marking is the designation of the contained stabilizer. It helps you make the right choice. For example, food plastic has a generally accepted label - "glass and fork." It may say that it is intended for cold, bulk or hot products, for use in a microwave oven or for freezing, sometimes a temperature range is indicated.

PS or ABS plastic- It's polystyrene. Plastic utensils made from this material are safe only when in contact with cold foods (at temperatures above +40 - it turns into poison). But pouring alcoholic beverages, hot tea / coffee, sour juices into glasses is strictly prohibited. You can not store sour foods, cabbage, pickle cucumbers, because. the toxic substance styrene is released, which accumulates in our liver and kidneys, gradually disrupting their function.

PP or PP is polypropylene. With such dishes you can eat hot and freeze (temperature range from -40 to +140). It is allowed to heat food in the microwave. A cup of hot tea can be held in your hand and will not be hot. The big disadvantage of this dish can be considered its lack of love for fats, when in contact with them, polypropylene is destroyed and releases toxic substances. Can be washed in the dishwasher, put in the microwave. But it is worth noting that not only packaging, plates, but even glasses for alcohol-containing liquids are made from such material, and alcohol cannot be drunk and stored in such containers, since carcinogenic substances phenol and formaldehyde are released, which “sit down” vision and worsen work kidneys.

RS- polycarbonate tableware is considered the safest and most practical. In appearance, it looks like ceramic or porcelain dishes. It does not break and does not oxidize. Storage containers and baking dishes are prepared from it.

PE or PE- polyethylene. The safest plastic option. It is preferable to choose disposable tableware with this marking.

Can plastic utensils be used in sub-zero temperatures?

Dishes specially designed for use in ovens and for freezing food are produced. It says that it is intended for use in a microwave oven or for freezing (for example, "Snowflakes" means that the container is suitable for freezing food, "oven with waves" - that food can be heated in the microwave in dishes), a temperature range may be indicated, those. such utensils must be appropriately marked.

Plastic has become an integral part of modern life. It is used to produce 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 - these are polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyethylene and polypropylene. Moreover, the latter is officially recognized as safe for humans and is allowed for use in all countries of the world, in particular in Russia, the European Union and the United States.

But some scientists do not warn consumers against the constant use of 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 sure that potentially polypropylene can cause many serious diseases up to oncology.

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 obtained by heating and subsequent compression of synthetic raw materials. The highest quality material is produced at high pressure, which ensures the strength and complete safety of the plastic. Such polypropylene is used for the manufacture of plastic dishes, packaging for yogurt, processed cheese, semi-finished products and other food products.

It has high temperature resistance, withstanding up to 150℃. Therefore, such plastic containers can be placed in a microwave oven 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 concerns only 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 a person, but in some people it can provoke a serious allergy.

Polypropylene obtained at medium and low pressure is forbidden to be used for the production of dishes and food containers.

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

Harm

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

In the course of numerous studies, it has been found that plastic dishes are not as safe as glass or ceramic ones. It turned out that polypropylene is able to actively interact with fats, in particular with vegetable and butter, releasing phenol and formaldehyde, which are dangerous for humans, into food.

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

According to the results of numerous studies, during which scientists injected high doses of polypropylene dust into the stomach of rats, there was no negative effect of plastic on the body of experimental animals.

Only prolonged inhalation of the pores formed when polypropylene was heated above 200℃ irritated 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 its operation.

But utensils made of polypropylene are not the most durable and safe. Plastic tableware made from polycarbonate raw materials has the highest positive properties. So household items made of polycarbonate are able to 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. For example, mineral water can be stored in polycarbonate bottles for 1 year without losing its beneficial properties.

But more details about polycarbonate will be discussed in another article, and here the issue of the safety of polypropylene for human health, in particular polypropylene water pipes, is discussed. This topic is extremely relevant, since in our time there is a widespread replacement of obsolete metal pipes with modern plastic ones.

Many people are afraid of this trend, because they do not believe in the safety of polypropylene pipes and are afraid for their health and the health of their loved ones. Others easily agree to the installation of plastic pipes in their houses and apartments, while not being interested in the basic rules for their operation.

To begin with, it is important to emphasize that the safest way to use polypropylene pipes is to provide cold water. This is explained by the fact that when interacting with low temperatures, such pipes do not emit dangerous toxins, which means they do not affect water quality.

Several otherwise the situation is with hot water and central heating systems. The fact is that with prolonged heating, plastic can release toxic substances such as phenol and formaldehyde. However, for this, the temperature of the water in the pipes must be extremely high, while 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 true only for quality products, and low-grade polypropylene pipes 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 well-known manufacturers that are guaranteed not to contain harmful chemical compounds;
You should refuse to purchase if the product has a too strong chemical smell;
After installing the pipes in the toilet, bathroom or kitchen, it is necessary to ventilate this room well for 2-3 days.

Benefit

Of course, polypropylene products also have useful properties. So disposable plastic tableware is highly hygienic and helps to avoid the transmission of many dangerous diseases. In addition, it does not beat and has a minimum weight, so it is convenient to take it with you on any trip.

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

Low price. Polypropylene pipes are much cheaper than their metal counterparts;
Ease and speed of installation. It is not necessary 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. In plastic pipes, there is almost no plaque;
Reliability. Despite the popular belief about the fragility of plastic structures, polypropylene pipes are very reliable and can last at least 30 years;
Resistant to temperature fluctuations. Such pipes are not afraid of a sharp change in temperature.

Output

From the foregoing, the conclusion suggests itself that even the experts themselves find it difficult to say what exactly polypropylene is harmful to health. The negative impact of this material on humans has not yet been proven, therefore, 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 recommended to protect themselves and their loved ones from contact with plastic as much as possible. To do this, all objects made of polypropylene can be replaced with products made from more environmentally friendly materials, and plastic pipes can be replaced with modern metal pipes made of copper or stainless steel.