Can plastic lunch boxes be heated?

A plastic lunch box is a kind of plastic container, made of food-grade plastic materials, which is convenient for us to eat. It is a household plastic product, which is very common in our daily life. But many people ask: Can a plastic lunch box be heated in a microwave oven?
Heating the plastic lunch box will release the plasticizer, while the stainless steel lunch box will not.
Plasticizers enhance the flexibility of plastics, making them easier to process and plastics, and have been widely used in industry. Every plastic has its heat resistance limit. Among the materials used for food, the most heat-resistant material is polypropylene (PP) which can withstand 140°C, followed by polyethylene (PE) which can withstand 110°C, while polystyrene (PS) can only be heated to 90°C. °C. At present, plastic lunch boxes for microwave ovens are mainly made of PP or PE. If the temperature exceeds its heat resistance limit, plasticizers may be released, so heating plastic lunch boxes must be avoided to heat food for a long time. However, the stainless steel bowl can be heated for a long time.
What are the harms of plasticizers to the human body? According to investigations, plasticizers can interfere with the endocrine system of the human body and affect the reproductive system of the human body, especially in men. Animal studies have shown that long-term intake of plasticizers may damage the liver, kidneys and affect growth.
Plastic tableware is uneven and should be replaced
Plastic products also have a shelf life. After expiration, the plastic will age and become discolored and brittle. If the plastic box used is yellow or no longer transparent, it should be replaced as soon as possible.
Therefore, there are always people on the Internet saying: “Plastic lunch boxes have been used for a long time, and there will be violations inside. If you lose it, you will be eaten.” Therefore, consumers must pay attention to the shelf life of plastic products. At the same time, aging plastics may release substances that may be harmful to the human body. As for how long a plastic lunch box can be used, it depends on personal use and cleaning methods. The shelf life of most plastic products is usually three to five years. If they are used frequently, it is best to replace them within one to two years. The stainless steel material can be used for a long time.
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