Plastic dishes: pros and cons, features of use

Plastic dishes are very convenient in everyday life, they are often used in a variety of situations. Nevertheless, in recent years, environmentalists' statements that products in contact with plastic become hazardous to health have become more frequent. We will figure out what types of utensils exist, how to choose the best quality option, how to use it correctly so as to minimize the risk of harmful and toxic substances.

Plastic dishes are used in different life circumstances, they are easy to use and hygienic, they do not need additional care, and the cost of such cutlery and kitchen utensils is more than affordable. However, disputes about the usefulness and conformity of the materials from which such dishes are made to standards have not subsided so far - and in fact, improper use of plastic can lead to problems. Therefore, for starters, it is important to figure out what exactly cookware is made of.

• Polyethylene terephthalate - This is one of the most environmentally friendly polymers, which is often used for the production of disposable tableware, soft bottles for water, oil and sauces.

• Polyethylene - Numerous types are used with varying degrees of density, depending on which the material can be used as food wrap and baking hoses, as well as plastic containers, bottles, reusable plates and bowls.

• Polystyrene - containers made from this polymer are mainly intended for storing bulk solids, chilled drinks and room temperature products.

• Polypropylene - this material can withstand temperatures up to 130-140 degrees, so it is optimal for heating dishes in a microwave oven.

• Polyvinyl chloride - it is a transparent plastic. Basically, it is needed for the preparation of containers and other containers, which are rarely used for food or for products in individual packaging.

• Melamine - from this plastic a very beautiful dish is obtained that looks like porcelain. However, the list of advantages of the material ends here - the fact is that this type of plastics in large quantities releases chemical components into food. This is an extremely dangerous material, so in recent years there has been a ban on the manufacture of melamine utensils.

Plastic dishes are indispensable for picnics, camping and hiking. These cutlery are convenient to use, they do not require much space, weigh little, and are quite durable. Such utensils are especially relevant during school trips - it is not worth giving children heavy metal or ceramic containers, and they can carry plastic without any effort.

There is an opinion about the dangers of plastic. However, if you buy dishes only of proven quality from well-known manufacturers, while using it correctly, then it will not bring any harm to human health.

If we talk about cutting boards made of plastic, then in many respects they even surpass wooden ones in their operational parameters, since they do not deteriorate from contact with pricking and cutting devices. In addition, plastic does not create conditions for the propagation of pathogenic microflora - fungi and mold, it is easy to clean and has a longer life.

By their nature, polymers are non-toxic, which is why their use in food has become possible, but you should be aware of some of the disadvantages of the material.

When certain conditions are met, chemical additives and special solvents can enter the food and have a pathogenic effect on the body.

• Formaldehydes provoke oncological, mutagenic or allergic diseases, adversely affect the genitourinary organs, disrupt the functioning of the central nervous system and kidneys.
• Phthalates - cause a sharp increase in systolic pressure and often lead to female and male infertility.
• Methanol - One of the most dangerous poisons, which stimulates pathological processes in the central nervous system and organs of vision, often leads to chronic intoxication.
• Styrene - Another substance that causes cancer. It affects the reproductive, nervous and cardiovascular systems, interferes with the normal metabolism.
• Bisphenol A - has the ability to accumulate in the body, leading to diabetes, infertility and cancer. Danger for pregnant women.
• Vinyl chloride - It is a carcinogen with a pronounced neurotropic effect, as a rule, it is released from a polyvinyl chloride container during aging. When it enters the human body, it is modified and converted to chloroethylene, which causes tumor processes in the liver, as well as in the lungs, brain, blood and lymphatic systems. In this case, the beginning of the decomposition of plastic with additives from vinyl chloride begins already 710 days after filling the vessel.

Plastic dishes according to the features of use are divided into disposable and reusable.

Disposable has a lot of advantages, it is especially relevant when organizing picnics or small feasts, after which there is absolutely no desire to wash the dishes, the hostess will not have to be afraid that one of the guests will accidentally break her favorite plate.Disposable tableware is in demand at public catering enterprises, since it does not beat, and in addition, it is lightweight, compact and does not require any sanitary treatment after use.

However, it should be understood that disposable tableware may only be used once. Many wash it and put it on the table again, but this is not at all safe. Few people know that far from all types of plastic utensils are intended for hot dishes, and alcohol from such utensils is completely forbidden to drink - Upon contact with alcohol-containing substances, plastic begins to break down, and all toxic substances, along with the drink, enter the human body.

Reusable plastic utensils are also quite widely in demand, it is available in almost every apartment. These cutlery include food storage containers, mineral water bottles, plastic cutting boards, and reusable bowls and glasses for summer drinks.

When using such cookware, you need to understand that not every utensil is suitable for storage in the freezer or for storing hot dishes - it is important to pay attention to the marking.

Vacuum reusable dishes have also become widespread, thanks to the air void created inside, long-term storage of products is ensured. Such utensils are especially popular for hard cheeses, river and sea fish, ground coffee. But these devices are not recommended for meat, berries, fruits and vegetables - in such conditions an environment is created that is favorable for the propagation of staphylococcus, salmonella and other pathogenic microorganisms.

Keep in mind that in any case, plastic dishes are unsuitable for pickled, pickled, sour and canned foods.

The main share of plastic utensils in the domestic market is represented by products Tupperware, Huhtamaki and IKEA, Chinese manufacturers are slightly behind them - they occupy about 35%, the share of plastic dishes from Poland and Portugal accounts for about 7-8%.

In recent years, there has been a tendency to increase the share of Russian manufacturers. Their products are characterized by low cost and availability, so more and more buyers prefer it. Among the main brands can be identified - “StyrolPlast”, “CenterPack”, “Artplast” and “Rossi”.

When buying plastic utensils, it is important to pay attention to the marking, since the symbols on the package indicate the boundaries of the scope of use of the devices.

So, it’s very important so that there is a glass and fork sign on the cutlery set - this is the designation of dishes intended for storing food. If there is no such mark - plastic is most likely dangerous, it can cause harm to the body - it is better to refuse to buy.

PS marks polystyrene - the use of such dishes is possible only for cold appetizers and soft drinks. The material is incompatible with hot food and alcohol, as it causes increased release of styrene, thereby harming the human liver and kidneys.

Number 5 or mark PET denote polyethylene terephthalate - cups with a similar marking are usually used in the sale of beverages such as kvass, fruit drink and lemonade. Drinking alcohol-containing liquids, as well as hot tea or coffee is categorically prohibited.

PP- this is how polypropylene is labeled, it is absolutely incompatible with alcohol, toxic substances that damage eyesight, liver and kidneys are released when interacting with it.

Digit 3 or PVC means the presence of polyvinyl chloride - the cheapest plastic that is harmful for food use because it contains mercury, as well as cadmium,dioxins and other substances - usually the scope of its use is limited to the packaging of household chemicals.

RE - Designates polyethylene, according to experts, this is the best material for the manufacture of plastic dishes. Give preference to dishes from it.

In order to make the use of plastic utensils safe, several rules must be observed.

• Use cutlery made of plastic only in extreme cases, when it is not possible to replace it with appliances made of other materials.
• Pay attention to the marking.
• Avoid reusing disposable tableware. Do not use the device if you notice any damage on the product - scratches or cracks.
• Do not heat plastic food in a microwave oven, even if it is labeled appropriately. Keep in mind that the heat is distributed unevenly in the microwave, so there is always a risk that one of the plastic sections will overheat and begin to release toxic elements.
• When drinking alcoholic beverages, as well as hot dishes, it is better to use glass or metal dishes.
• No need to leave the dishes in direct sunlight, as ultraviolet light destroys plastic.
• You should not pack meat products and cheeses in airtight plastic containers.
• It is impossible to burn such utensils after use, since poisonous substances, in particular, dangerous carcinogen dioxin, are released during the melting process.
• Throw away the used dishes in special tanks designed to collect plastic waste.

Keep in mind that any polymer product has the property of "aging" under the influence of air, heat, light, as well as contact with aggressive substances. The dishes are destroyed if you use abrasive detergents and hard metal brushes to process them, so any plastic containers, even reusable ones, should not be used for a long time.

Summarizing all of the above, we note: when a person develops a disease, all the forces of the family are sent for treatment, and few people try to look for the cause - and in vain, because the improper use of plastic dishes becomes a frequent cause of many pathologies.

See how to make plastic utensils in the next video.