Before you throw holiday leftovers into the microwave, know if it is safe to reheat your lunch if stored in a plastic container. Safety depends on the type of plastic used. In an article about plastic, we found some warnings pertinent to our own safety when using those convenient microwaves.
Heating some plastics can cause the materials to release additives, aka chemicals that help them stay durable and flexible. BPA and phthalates are the most common concerns.
Polypropylene, aka plastic #5, is generally considered the safest to microwave because it’s heat-resistant, though plastics #3, #6, and #7 should never be heated. Researchers recommend checking to see if a container is labeled as microwave-safe, and steering clear of plastics that are damaged or unlabeled.
Source: Interesting Facts. Link.
Related: Dealing with plastics. 2,4,5. . .Let’s review, AHD Archives. Link.