Does this kind of thing that I use almost every day really cause cancer?

There are plastic bottles in almost every household

In addition to saving up and selling them

These plastic bottles< /span>

It will also often be used for “waste utilization”

For example, it is used to package edible oil, whole grains, etc. Wait

but do you know?

If the plastic bottle is not stored properly and used for too long

Probably produce substances that are harmful to humans

harm to health

Can improper use of plastic bottles cause cancer?

Many friends say plastic Bottles marked with a “1” at the bottom are single-use, and if they are reused, the plasticizers they contain are prone to leaching out, causing DNA mutations in the body and even increasing the risk of certain cancers.

Actually, the “triangle + number” logo is used by the American Plastics Industry Association The identification code of the plastic type can make the type of plastic easy to identify, and the cost of recycling will be greatly reduced.

Generally transparent mineral water bottles will be marked with “1” at the bottom, and their material is mainly “PET”, the full name is “polyethylene terephthalate” ”,This material is generally heat-resistant to about 70℃, and the use conditions are generally about -20℃ to 70℃, this kind of plastic bottle It is not recommended to use it repeatedly, it is best to use it once or twice before using it again, but many families like to use it to hold cooking oil, seasonings, etc., and place it on the stove side, the temperature is higher, which may bring health risks.

The plasticizer is actually a plasticizer that is often said in life. It is added to hard plastics mainly to increase elasticity and durability. The most used plasticizers are “phthalates (DEHP)”.

For plasticizers, as long as they meet the regulations on the usage, residues and migration of plasticizers in various countries in the world, it is allowed to be used in the production of food packaging materials. of.

So, Do plasticizers cause cancer?< /span>

The Cancer Research Center under the World Health Organization classifies “DEHP” as a class 2B carcinogen. or deficient substances”.

Although plasticizers represented by DEHP may indeed migrate from some plastic products to food and eventually enter the human body under certain conditions, DEHP The use in food packaging is strictly limited, and its migration amount will not reach the dose that will cause harm to the human body. In addition, there is insufficient evidence of its carcinogenicity to the human body. Therefore, “plasticizer carcinogens” still needs to be viewed scientifically.

A table for understanding plastic products

There are seven types of commonly used plastics. They exist in the following items, among which the plastic products marked with 1, 2, 4, and 5 are safer.

Safety rules for the use of plastic products

1. Mineral water bottle: can hold oil, but not suitable for long-term use

Many people regard mineral water bottles as versatile containers for wine, oil, etc.

● Plastic bottles are not too dangerous for oil, but they should not be placed in overheated places, such as by the stove, and require Replace regularly.

● It can temporarily store cooking oil, seasoning, etc., but it is not suitable for long-term use and frequent use.

2. Plastic container: choose one with no peculiar smell and no black spots

When purchasing plastic containers and other products, smell them for burnt smell and see if There are black spots. If there is, it can be basically confirmed that it is made of recycled waste, especially food packaging and other products that come into contact with food or human body, and use as little as possible.

Try to choose larger brands.

3. Plastic bag: choose smooth surface and crisp sound

There are two most common materials for daily use of plastic bags, namely PVC (No. 3) and PE (No. 4) material.

● PVC (No. 3): It feels sticky and astringent to the touch. Try not to touch food.

● PE (No. 4): smooth to the touch, tough, brittle sound when shaken, touch All kinds of food are safe, but not suitable for high temperature heating, such as hot water and microwave ovens.

4. Try to avoid heating

Packaging boxes and lunch boxes are very common in daily life, and there are two main types of materials.

● Expanded polystyrene (No. 6): poor heat resistance, cannot be heated.

● Polypropylene (No. 5): The lunch box is thin and transparent, and can be heated in a microwave oven.

But it is difficult for ordinary consumers to distinguish these two types of lunch boxes, so it is recommended not to microwave them.

Safety rules for using plastic products

< span>Remember ↓↓↓

mineral water bottle :It can be filled with oil, but it should not be placed in a place that is too hot, such as by the stove, it needs to be changed regularly, and it should not be filled with wine.

Plastic container: Choose one that has no odor or black spots.

Plastic bags: Choose ones with a smooth surface and a crisp sound.

Lunch boxes, packs: Avoid heating as much as possible.

Source: Popular Science China

Editor: Hong Meijuan