Heating Food in Plastic
Moderate burden — Heating Food in Plastic adds a moderate, reducible exposure.
Microwaving or storing hot food in plastic.
The breakdown
Each driver rated 0 (none) to 10 (worst)
Evidence strength: strong · Detox Score = 100 − hazard×4.6 − exposure×3.4 − persistence×2.6, clamped 1–100.
What this means for you
A Detox Score of 40 places heating food in plastic in the Moderate band. It scores as it does mainly because of how much everyday contact it involves. Heat dramatically increases how much plastic and its additives migrate into food. Never microwave in plastic; transfer hot food to glass.
Frequently asked questions
Is heating food in plastic a toxic exposure?
Heating Food in Plastic has a Detox Score of 40 out of 100 (Moderate burden), which means it adds a moderate, reducible exposure. Heat dramatically increases how much plastic and its additives migrate into food. Never microwave in plastic; transfer hot food to glass.
What is a safer alternative to heating food in plastic?
A lower-exposure swap for heating food in plastic is: Glass or ceramic for anything warm. Heat dramatically increases how much plastic and its additives migrate into food. Never microwave in plastic; transfer hot food to glass.
Lower-exposure choices
More in Plastics
The science behind this entry
Guides in the Science Library that discuss this exposure.