Why It’s A Bad Idea To Reuse Margarine Tubs

According to Allrecipes, plastic containers made to hold margarine aren’t necessarily designed to store food after the tub is empty. They suggest storing and heating foods in glass containers or on a microwaveable plate. 

Why all the fuss about plastic containers? Polycarbonate plastic is used to make various products ranging from water bottles to epoxy resins to plastic pipes. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), microwaving plastics may break down polycarbonate, releasing a chemical known as Bisphenol A (BPA). 

The NIEHS claims that most human exposure to BPA comes from food and beverages. In fact, the CDC conducted a study between 2003 and 2004 to determine how much BPA could be measured in test subjects’ urine. They found levels of BPA in nearly every person tested, which means that BPA exposure is widespread in the U.S. population.

How does BPA affect human health? The CDC says it’s still unknown at this time. However, studies conducted on lab animals indicate an impact on the reproductive system is possible. They claim that additional research is needed to determine the effects of BPA on humans. However, the National Library of Medicine suggests that BPA plays a role in endocrine, hormone, and metabolic disorders.