Using Plastics In Microwaves Might Really Cook Your Goose
Sydney Morning Herald
Saturday March 12, 1988
People risk cancer by using some cling-wrap plastics and polystyrene containers in microwave ovens, The Australian Consumers' Association (ACA) has warned.
And microwave oven manufacturers have responded to the dangers by including safety advice in their instruction booklets.
Last year, an ACA study found that chemicals - especially plasticisers, which have caused cancer in rats and mice - can leach from plastic wraps into food. This process is apparently accelerated in microwave ovens.
Many microwave cooking classes now advise people to use only products designated as microwave oven safe, and not to cook in polystyrene containers commonly used to pack meat.
Ms Jan Nary of the ACA said: "Not enough is known about polystyrene, so people should not place the trays into microwave ovens."
The Standards Association of Australia is formulating a standard for microwave safety.
© 1988 Sydney Morning Herald