Back in the 2000s, you
might have read that plastic contains diethylhexyl adipate
(DEHA), a supposed carcinogen. The US Environmental Protection
Agency says DEHA 'cannot reasonably be anticipated to cause
cancer.' Likewise, the International Agency for Research on
Cancer does not list DEHA as a carcinogen.
Many people are afraid
to microwave foods in plastic containers and plastic wrap under
the mistaken impression that it will release cancer-causing
chemicals into their food. The US Food and Drug Administration
strictly regulates plastic food containers and approves the ones
marked 'microwave safe.'
Some people still
believe microwave cooking makes food radioactive. Not so,
according to the ACS. The group explains, 'Microwave ovens can
cook food, but they do not otherwise change the chemical or
molecular structure of it. 'Microwave ovens are designed so that
the microwaves are contained within the oven itself,' the ACS
states. When used according to instructions, there is no
evidence they pose a health risk to people.
Cavities you had filled
a many years ago are likely to have mercury in them. Too much
mercury can be bad for your brain, but it is not a carcinogen.
Those mercury fillings also included silver, tin, and copper.
According to the American Dental Association, the combination of
these metals makes the fillings, known as dental amalgams,
completely safe.