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.
So today we will give you all necessary information about this dish.
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 accessories. - PE (polyethylene)- according to the experts best option try to buy it if possible.
It should be noted that high-quality disposable plastic utensils will not be painted in bright colors, as a rule, it is 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 tableware plastic is 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 storage sauerkraut and sour foods!
It is important to know about proper storage in plastic dish products. 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.
Also, you need to know that plastic bottles from carbonated water, 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 storage in vacuum packed doesn't always work! First, not everything can be stored in reusable plastic containers, such as fresh meat, confectionery, and 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- 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!
In the summer, plastic dishes are gaining popularity. It is quite convenient to transport food in it. As a rule, such things are used on long trips and on picnics. The undoubted advantage of such dishes is their low cost. It's no secret that in most cases it is disposable. dishes can tell a lot about its quality. After reading our article, you can easily determine what exactly the signs that are located at the bottom of a disposable plate or glass mean.
The history of the creation of plastic utensils
Today, disposable plastic tableware is quite familiar to us. We use it as a lunch box or take it with us on a picnic. Does everyone know exactly when it appeared? You can find this information in our article.
For the first time, plastic utensils were discovered in the United States of America in 1910. The disposable glass was the first to be created, and then they began to produce forks, plates, spoons and other items known to us today. The first dishes were made from thick paper. It only gained popularity in the 1950s. And it was at this time that paper began to be replaced by another material, namely plastic.
Plastic utensils in the USSR. Nowadays
In the Soviet Union, such dishes began to appear only in 1960, but until 1990 they were not popular. This was due to the lack of fast food establishments. It is worth paying attention to the fact that it is paper disposable tableware that is gaining popularity again. This is no coincidence, because quite often plastic products for food storage do not meet quality standards. Paper, in turn, is a safe and environmentally friendly material.
To purchase utensils that are harmless to health, you need to know what the markings on plastic utensils mean. You can find out this and much more in our article.
Plastic utensils have a lot of positive qualities. The very first thing that consumers pay attention to is the low cost of such a product. It is easy to transport and does not need to be washed. It is known that plastic dishes are strong enough, but only if there is no excessive load on them. As a rule, due to its positive qualities, it is used at picnics, parties, or simply take food in it to work or to long trip. Labeling of plastic food utensils can tell a lot about its quality and recommendations for use. In order for disposable food containers to bring only benefits, you need to know how to use it correctly.
Today, many cafes and fast food restaurants use plastic disposable tableware because it is cheap, convenient and aesthetically pleasing. It should be noted that containers for reusable use are also created from this material. Many housewives use them to store bulk materials. Is plastic harmful? You can find this information in our article.
Harm and negative qualities of plastic and disposable tableware
Few people know, but correct use any disposable container can cause irreversible harm to health. In order to prevent this from happening, you need to know what the labeling of plastic utensils means. The decoding of the markers is provided in our article.
Reusable and disposable tableware is harmful if it is used incorrectly. However, some doctors believe that it carries a certain danger under any circumstances. First of all, experts do not recommend reusing those containers that are intended for single use. On the second application, it releases a large number of substances hazardous to health.
It is no secret that plastic is a material that is obtained by chemical means. It is for this reason that when exposed to different products, it can behave in completely different ways. For example, not every disposable cup can be used to drink warm tea. Labeling plastic utensils is a great way to find out how a particular container can be used.
It is known that plastic does not decompose well. This process takes more than ten years. For this reason, this material negatively affects our environment. To cope with such a problem, factories are opening in many cities that process material hazardous to nature. Unfortunately, there are very few such companies. It is for this reason that many fast food establishments prefer to use only paper utensils. It is more environmentally friendly and harmless.
Plastic marking. Polystyrene tableware
In order not to harm your health, you need to know what the markings on plastic dishes mean. The decoding, which is described in our article, is remembered quite simply. Such information will definitely come in handy for you at a picnic or a party, and will also allow you to maintain your health.
If there is a PS sign on plastic dishes, you can be sure that polystyrene is included in such containers. If used incorrectly, it is extremely hazardous to health. Plastic utensils with this mark can only be used for storing chilled foods. The thing is that when in contact with hot food, containers with polystyrene release styrene, which accumulates in vital organs. Over time, this can lead to the development of serious diseases. In such dishes it is also highly recommended not to store alcoholic beverages and heat food in the microwave.
Plastic tableware made of polypropylene
Is there a plastic Marking and its decoding, which is described in our article, will allow you to find out.
There is an opinion that disposable tableware should never be used in the microwave. However, it is not. On some plastic containers you can find a sign with the number 5 and the symbols PP. This marking indicates that the composition of the dishes includes polypropylene. It is in such a container that you can heat food in the microwave and pour hot tea into it. Few people know, but the dishes made of polypropylene are not deformed in contact with the contents, the temperature of which is not more than 100 degrees Celsius.
The only thing that should never be stored in such a container is alcohol. If alcohol was poured into a polypropylene dish, the plastic begins to release phenol, from the impact of which a person can completely lose his sight. A polypropylene container has a lot of positive qualities. It is known that it is quite durable and retains heat well. Today, plastic utensils are extremely popular. Labeling for the consumer is the main source of information that allows you to find out what this or that container is intended for.
What does the triangle of three arrows on plastic containers mean?
It is known what the markings on plastic utensils look like. In addition to numbers and letters, there is a triangle sign on it, which consists of three arrows. Not everyone understands what it means. Such a closed cycle of arrows indicates that the used dishes are subject to further processing. As a rule, a number is located inside the triangle, and below it are several letters. They can tell you about the material from which the dishes you have chosen are made.
Sign with cutlery
The labeling of plastic utensils is the first thing a consumer should pay attention to when buying. As we said earlier, if used incorrectly, containers can cause irreversible harm to health. Often on plastic dishes you can find a sign depicting cutlery. Such a marker indicates that food products can be stored in this container. If such a sign is crossed out, then you can be sure that the product is not intended for use in the kitchen.
To protect yourself and your loved ones, you need to know and remember what the labeling of plastic utensils means. The decoding, which is described in our article, will allow you to find out what is included in a particular container.
If you go on a picnic with plastic utensils, then in no case do not burn it after it is over. When burning, disposable containers release substances hazardous to health. Experts strongly recommend not to eat in those establishments that use plastic utensils. If you have no other choice, then be sure to pay attention to its quality. Labeling plastic utensils will allow you to find out if they are used correctly in a particular establishment. A similar situation is with. Often, with a great desire to save money, they use cheaper glasses that are not designed to store hot drinks.
As we said earlier, never reuse disposable tableware. This rule is not accidental, because in this case on the surface plastic container the top layer is destroyed, and it begins to release life-threatening chemicals.
Gastroenterologists strongly discourage the use of plastic utensils. They emphasize that under any circumstances, part of the polymers still enters the human body. It is known that over time they accumulate and become causative agents of serious diseases. Experts strongly recommend not to use disposable containers, or at least pay attention to the recommendations for its use. Marking plastic utensils will allow you to find out what this or that container is suitable for. Doctors recommend already today to abandon the use of such kitchen items and use only those disposable containers that are made of thick paper.
Summing up
AT warm time plastic dishes are especially popular. The marking of such containers is described in our article. We strongly recommend that you remember its decoding in order to maintain your health. Plastic utensils have a lot of positive qualities. It is cheap and compact. However, it also has several disadvantages. When used correctly, it will bring you only joy and will not ruin your picnic. Be healthy!
Plastic has long become familiar in every family. Modern children are faced with it from birth, sipping milk heated in a microwave from plastic bottles. But can we afford such a nonchalant attitude towards plastic? How safe is it really? Should you choose plastic food utensils or use old tried-and-tested utensils? If you're worried about plastic, can you use paper utensils then? High-quality dishes from the manufacturer on the website http://bumposuda.ru
With these questions, we turned to leading experts in the food industry. You can read the responses in this article.
What types of plastic are used in the industry
Now there are several types of plastic that can be used for different purposes. The plastic itself is not toxic, but for the formation necessary qualities for each type of plastic, various chemical plasticizers, salts of heavy metals, stabilizers and other substances are used. When exposed to direct sunlight, hot or cold temperatures, the release of all hazardous chemicals into the product, which is in a plastic container, begins.
Important
Each type of plastic has a label that indicates its purpose. The use of plastic for other than its intended purpose will lead to the release of toxic substances from it, which in small quantities can cause allergic reaction, and in large ones - poisoning of the body and serious diseases.
Varieties of plastic utensils for the kitchen
What marking should be on the plastic
- Melamine. Often not labelled. This type plastic is used for dishes, which are sold at every turn in the market. Plates and spreads various forms and sizes with beautiful bright patterns often tempt a passing hostess to purchase such an inexpensive miracle for her kitchen. And now, in the kitchen, the plate begins to diligently serve the hostess, going to the microwave to heat food or to 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 indigestion, liver disorders, impaired vision and causes skin diseases. Melamine spacing can be used for sliced bread or cold sandwiches.
Important
If your home has long been accustomed to melamine tableware that has scratches or damage to the pattern applied with lead paint, you need to change it. The shelf life of such dishes less than a year. It is not recommended to use this utensil for food products.
Manufacturers of high-quality plastic containers always put a label on their products, which determines the purpose of the container.
- MarkingPP is our counterpart to PP. The safest type of plastic food utensils. PP plastic is used in the production of feeding bottles, food storage containers, disposable cups and even food wrap. Such dishes are not afraid of either high or low temperatures approved for use in the microwave.
But, it is forbidden to store natural fats and alcoholic beverages. 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. Plastic with this marking is also often used for the production of food trays. It stores meat, fish, eggs. Each housewife has more than once purchased a package similar to polystyrene in a supermarket. PS plastic is designed to store food in the refrigerator. In production, such plastics are often added to this plastic. chemical elements, which allow you to form cups from it for one-time use. You can drink cold drinks from them.
But, this plastic does not tolerate high temperatures. But often we drink hot coffee from such cups early in the morning or during the cold season on the street.
- MarkingPET orPETE is our counterpart to PET. This type of plastic is used to store soft drinks. Often we buy juices, water and other drinks for children in bottles made of such plastic. Disposable plastic food utensils are also made from this type of plastic. Vegetable oil can be stored in PET plastic bottles.
But, the shelf life of this plastic is one year. Do not buy products in stores with a long shelf life that is coming to an end, because the product contained in the bottle, which is more than a year old, is already saturated with chemicals that are harmful to the body. Dishes made of this plastic are also afraid of high temperatures and are designed to store food at room temperature.
- MarkingHDPE is our counterpart to HDPE. The container from this type of plastic is widely used in the industry of household chemicals.
But, often plastic bowls, spacings, mugs and other useful things in the household are produced from such plastic.
- MarkingV orPVC is our counterpart to PVC. This type of plastic is used for the production plastic pipes, floor coverings, capacities for strong household chemicals.
But, in combination with various chemical additives, you can get 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 a PVC container gets a direct sunlight, then in a week the product that is stored in it will be poisoned by carcinogens.
You can easily find out that the container is made of PVC - just press the bottle with your fingernail and you will see an indented white mark from the nail on the container, other types of plastic do not leave a white mark.
- MarkingLDPE is our analogue of MPE. This type of plastic is recognized as safe for the pharmaceutical and food industries. Various packaging and films are produced from it.
But, freezing products in this film is not recommended, it is better to use a special food film for these purposes.
- MarkingOTHER – Other. Cookware with this marking is highly durable and tolerates different temperatures, which is why it is often used in restaurants. This type of plastic is considered safe for the environment.
But, if dishes from this plastic are damaged or after the expiration date, a carcinogen begins to be released from it, which can cause diabetes or hormonal failure of the body.
General rules for the use of plastic utensils
- As disposable tableware, use only those on which there is a “glass, fork” icon. If the icon is crossed out, this indicates that this dish cannot be used to store food.
- If the dishes are damaged, do not use them, it is better to change them to dishes made of another material.
- Try to avoid microwave cooking in plastic bowls, even if the seller assured you that it is possible to do this - your health comes first. Microwave ovens are also suitable for this purpose.
- Do not use plastic to store food in the refrigerator.
- When going outdoors, leave plastic bottles filled with drinks in the shade or cover them to keep them out of the sun.
- Do not burn plastic utensils. As a result of combustion, a huge amount of toxic substances is released. It is necessary to throw away plastic in special garbage containers.
Safe plastic utensils on planes
In case of urgent need, you can use disposable plastic utensils, it will not harm you at one time. you already know and know which plastic labels will not harm the baby.
If you have not yet decided whether to buy plastic food utensils, then follow the advice of experts who do not recommend plastic utensils for regular use at home.
“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 release plastic utensils from materials Low quality, 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. She helps make 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. stands out toxic substance styrene, 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 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 or plastic organic material, based on natural or synthetic macromolecular 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 the intermediate substances, technological additives, 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. And different kinds plastics become toxic various 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 grade plastic 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 dishes. 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.
Any polymer material aging under the influence of light, heat, heating and contact with all kinds of 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.
A plastic film containing biphenol is lined with the inner surface cans so that the metal does not come 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, based on eggshell, as well as paper utensils 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, juice, dairy products, vegetable oils, cosmetic products, 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.
Purchasing Products fast food(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 polystyrene bottle - 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 : construction and Decoration 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 dishes are packed in bags of films with high temperature melting. 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 poured into melamine dishes hot water, formaldehyde begins to dissolve in 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.