Plastic dishes: pros and cons, features of use

Plastic dishes are very convenient in everyday life, it is often used in a variety of situations. Nevertheless, in recent years, statements by environmentalists that products in contact with plastic become hazardous to health have become more frequent. Let us see what types of dishes exist, how to choose the highest quality option, how to properly use it so as to minimize the risk of release of harmful and toxic substances.

Plastic utensils are used in different life circumstances, they are easy to use and hygienic, there is no need for extra care, and the cost of such cutlery and kitchen utensils is more than democratic. However, disputes about the usefulness and compliance of the materials from which such dishes are made, the standards do not subside so far - and in fact the improper use of plastic can lead to problems. Therefore, for the beginning it is important to find out what exactly the kitchenware 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 - many of its types are used with varying degrees of density, depending on which of the material can be made as food wrap and baking sleeves, as well as plastic containers, bottles, reusable plates and bowls.

• Polystyrene - Containers made from this polymer are mainly intended for storing bulk substances, chilled beverages and room temperature products.

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

• Polyvinyl chloride - this is a clear 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 such plastic very beautiful ware turns out, externally reminding porcelain. However, this list of the advantages of the material ends - the fact is that this type of plastics in large quantities emit chemical components in food. This is an extremely dangerous material, so in recent years there has been a ban on the manufacture of dishes from melamine.

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

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

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

By their nature, polymers are non-toxic, and therefore it became possible to use them for food purposes, but you should be aware of some of the shortcomings of the material.

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

• Formaldehydes they provoke oncological, mutagenic or allergic diseases, adversely affect the urogenital 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 the 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 normal metabolism.
• Bisphenol A - It has the ability to accumulate in the body, leading to diabetes, infertility and cancer. Dangerous for pregnant women.
• Vinyl chloride - It is a carcinogen with a pronounced neurotropic effect, as a rule, it is released from the polyvinyl chloride capacity during the aging process. When released into the human body, it is modified and converted to chloroethylene, which causes tumor processes in the liver, as well as the lungs, brain, circulatory and lymphatic systems. In this case, the beginning of the process of decomposition of plastic with additives from vinyl chloride begins already after 710 days after filling the vessel.

Plastic ware on the characteristics of use is divided into disposable and reusable.

One-time has a lot of advantages, it is especially relevant in the organization of picnics or small feasts, after which there is absolutely no desire to wash the dishes, the hostess will not have to fear that someone from the guests accidentally smash her favorite plate. Disposable tableware is in demand at catering establishments, since it does not break, and besides, it is light, compact and does not require any sanitary and hygienic processing after use.

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

Reusable plastic dishes are also quite widely demanded, it is available in almost every apartment. Such cutlery includes food storage containers, mineral water bottles, plastic chopping boards, and reusable bowls and glasses for summer drinks.

When operating such dishes you need to understand that Not every utensil is suitable for storage in the freezer or for storage of hot dishes - it is important to pay attention to the labeling.

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

Keep in mind that In any case, plastic dishes are not suitable for pickled, fermented, sour and canned foods.

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

In recent years, there has been a trend towards an increase in the share of Russian manufacturers. Their products are low cost and affordable, so more and more buyers prefer it. Among the major brands can be identified - StyrolPlast, TsentrPak, Artplast and Rossi.

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

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

Mark PS is marked polystyrene - the use of such dishes is possible only for cold snacks and soft drinks. With hot food and alcohol material is incompatible, as it causes an increased release of styrene, thereby causing damage to the human liver and kidneys.

Digit 5 ​​or PET Mark designate polyethylene terephthalate - cups with a similar marking are usually used in the sale of such beverages as kvass, mors and lemonade. Drinking alcohol from them, as well as hot tea or categorical coffee is prohibited.

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

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

RE - means polyethylene, it is, according to experts, the best material for the manufacture of plastic utensils. Prefer dishes from him.

To make the use of plastic utensils safe, You must follow a few rules.

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

Keep in mind that Every polymer product has the property of "aging" under the action of air, heat, light, and contact with aggressive substances. The dishes are destroyed if abrasive detergents and solid metal brushes are used for its processing, therefore any plastic packaging, even reusable, should not be used for a long time.

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

How to make plastic dishes, see the next video.