Dioxins in plastic released by microwaves?

Have you received one of those emails from a family member, friend, etc., that warns you not to use plastic in your microwave or freeze your bottled water because it will cause Dioxin Carcinogens to be released into your food that will utlimately cause cancer - especially breast cancer.

Read this carefully: THIS IS A HOAX.

It's been around since 2002, according to Urban Legends Reference Pages. It started off as a summary of some doctor's health advice on a radio show, and since then has been mis-interpreted, periodically been edited, altered, and added to as it's been passed around through email over the last several years.

I just received it again from my dad, after he got it from my sister-in-law. I'm guessing she received it from someone she works with. That's how this mis-information gets passed around.

Here are a few facts:

• Chemicals can be released through heating, but not freezing, so the "don't freeze your bottled water" thing is complete crap.
• Dioxins are organic pollutants, in our environment, usually caused by various combustion processes, including wild fires and volcanic activity (throw trash burning in there too), and then fall back to earth where "they bind to, or are taken up, by fish and other animals, where they get concentrated and stored in fat." Consequently, people are mostly exposed to dioxins when they fry and eat meat or fish rich in fat (can you say triglycerides?).
• Here's the most important part: PLASTICS DO NOT CONTAIN DIOXINS. Actually, dioxins can be produced by burning plastic, but since when are you going to set your Tupperware on fire and pour it over your barbecued spare ribs?

See also Researcher Dispels Myth of Dioxins and Plastic Water Bottles for all the nitty-gritty details and some other healthful advice.

In the article No Link Between Microwave Cooking and Cancer, "frying is the only form of cooking that has ever been associated with the production of trace amounts of dioxins in food. The problem stems from the fact that oils and fats typically used in frying contain triglycerides."

also from the same article:

"...advice to consumers who still harbor any lingering concerns about using plastics in the microwave."

"First, use only cookware that is labeled for use in the microwave oven."

"Second, avoid using plastic storage containers such as margarine tubs, takeout containers and other one-time use containers, all of which can melt or warp, possibly causing chemicals to migrate into the food."

"Third, never use thin plastic storage bags, brown paper, plastic grocery bags, newspaper or aluminum foil in the microwave oven."

"On the other hand, microwave plastic wraps, wax paper, cooking bags, parchment paper, and white microwave-safe paper towels are safe to use. And to be extra safe, be sure to not let plastic wrap touch foods during microwave cooking, Weese advises."

I hope I cleared this up for a few people. These hoaxes drive me nuts, especially when my own family and friends fall for it and keep the chain going. When you get time also check out www.breakthechain.org.