How To Get Sick: Keep It In Plastic

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How to Get Sick: Keep It in Plastic

Before you store your leftovers in one of those disposable plastic containers, consider that these types of products release carcinogenic toxins into foods. The toxicity is increased when foods contain high amounts of water or when they are highly acidic. Water is one of nature's most effective solvents, and unfortunately it is quite effective at drawing out toxins from plastic.

According to The Safe Shopper's Bible, cling film contains carcinogenic by-products such as DEHP — di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate — and DEHA — di(2-ethylhexyl)adipate — while regular plastic wrap contains residual traces of vinylidene chloride.

If you wash and reuse plastic water bottles, be aware that repeated washing and reuse of disposable water bottles may accelerate the breakdown of the plastic, increasing your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Do not use plastic water bottles more than twice at the most. As for aluminum wrap, you already know it's bad. Some aluminum inevitably leaches into the foods it touches.