Environmentally, the containers do not decompose easily and are difficult to recycle. Also, animals may mistake them for food and eat them 3 , 5 , 6. From a health perspective, they contain a compound called styrene, which has raised some concern, as it has been linked to cancers in animal and human studies 7.
Styrofoam is incorrectly used to refer to polystyrene foam containers that are commonly used to serve warm beverages and food. There is some concern about microwaving polystyrene foam containers.
One key reason is that they contain a compound called styrene, which human and animal studies have linked to cancer 7 , 8 , 9. In addition, when foods or beverages are microwaved in containers made from polystyrene or plastic, substances used in manufacturing may leak into the food.
This especially applies to fatty foods, such as meats and cheeses That means any polystyrene or plastic products that have the microwave-safe label have been tested for safety in the microwave. On the other hand, avoid microwaving food in polystyrene containers that are not labeled as microwave safe, as their safety is not assured. This precaution is not specific to microwaves and also applies to other heating methods. You can microwave foods or beverages in polystyrene containers that are labeled microwave-safe.
Conversely, avoid putting polystyrene containers without microwave-safe labels in the microwave. If you are microwaving Styrofoam cups and plates often, then you need to know about some of the safety tips.
As mentioned above, this material has been proven to be toxic if not taken proper care when reheating foods or drinks. It is quite evident that you can microwave Styrofoam for 30 seconds, but not more than that. Henceforth, whenever you put a Styrofoam cup, container or plate in the oven for microwaving, it is important to make sure it is FDA-approved and microwave-safe.
Stick to microwave safe styrofoam, and do not attempt to heat traditional styrofoam that is not intended for heating purposes. Always make sure the lid is open or has a small opening to vent steam.
The ideal duration for heating a cup of coffee or a food in a Styrofoam container is 15 to 30 seconds on medium power level.
Though some forms of Styrofoam can be safely used in the microwave, it is still recommended to transfer food into one of the best microwave safe containers. Reduce the overall risk of exposure to harmful chemicals that you do not want inside your food. Sharing is caring! Share Pin Email. Please see my disclosure to learn more. Styrofoam boxes or cups are commonly used for: Take-away foods Street-food on plates Coffee cups Cup noodles container.
Here are some important tips for you to consider when microwaving Styrofoam: Look for the label : Do not forget to check the label for any confirmation about the Styrofoam being microwave-safe or a disclaimer for not using in microwave.
Most of the time, the manufacturer will provide you with a warning or a label to let you know whether or not the container is safe to be microwaved. You can surely microwave Styrofoam for 30 seconds, but not more than that. If the temperature of the material reaches degrees Celsius or more, the Styrofoam will start to melt and release toxic chemicals that can leach into your food and make it extremely harmful for your health.
Make sure it can withstand heat : The traditional form of Styrofoam is more vulnerable to heat and can release the harmful toxins much faster. On the other hand, the newer version of microwave safe Styrofoam is made up of a much superior material with reduced concentration of hazardous substances, making it more resistant to heat. National Fire Protection Association. Heating Human Milk. La Leche League International. Actively scan device characteristics for identification.
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