Chloe Zhang
Plastic steamers are convenient and affordable, but are they good for your health? Plastic steamers are potentially unsafe due to the presence of Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used to harden plastic. BPA is classified as an endocrine disruptor, which can interfere with hormone systems and lead to neurological and reproductive issues. While some claim that BPA is safe in low quantities, the irony of using a plastic steamer for healthy cooking remains. Alternatives such as bamboo or stainless steel steamers are recommended to avoid the potential health risks associated with BPA exposure. However, some plastic products labelled as BPA-free may still contain other endocrine-disrupting chemicals, making it crucial to opt for plastic-free alternatives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Health benefits of steaming food | Vegetables retain their nutritional value, and food doesn't soak up oil |
| Plastic steamers | May contain Bisphenol A (BPA), a known endocrine disruptor that can lead to neurological and reproductive problems |
| Plastic marked with #7 recycling symbol | Likely to be polycarbonate plastic, which can leach BPA into food |
| Plastic alternatives | Bamboo, stainless steel, glass, ceramic, metal, and enamel |
| Plastic steamer health risk | Inhaling steam from plastic steamers may increase the risk of cancer |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic steamers can leach toxins into food
The type of plastic used in food steamers is crucial. Plastic marked with a #7 recycling symbol, indicating polycarbonate or hard-to-classify plastics, is considered risky for chemical exposure. These plastics may contain BPA, which leaches more rapidly when heated. As steaming involves high temperatures, plastics with endocrine disruptors should be avoided.
To ensure food safety, consumers are advised to opt for plastic-free steamers made from materials like bamboo, glass, or stainless steel. These alternatives are readily available in department stores or online. While they may lack the convenience of automatic timers or shut-off features, they eliminate the risk of toxic chemical exposure.
Some popular non-plastic food steamers include Secura's 3-Tier Stainless Steel Food Steamer, Miracle Exclusives' Stainless Steel Rice Cooker and Vegetable Steamer, and World Cuisine's Red Enamel Cast-Iron Steamer. Consumers can also opt for inexpensive metal steamer baskets or bamboo steamers, which are effective and safe alternatives to plastic steamers.
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BPA-free plastic products can still leach endocrine-disrupting chemicals
Plastic food steamers are marketed as a healthy way to cook food. However, it is important to consider the materials used in their construction. Some plastics, especially those marked with a #7 recycling symbol, are known to leach Bisphenol A (BPA), a known endocrine disruptor. BPA has been linked to neurological and reproductive problems, including reduced fertility and the development of ovarian cysts in adulthood.
While some plastic products are now marketed as BPA-free, a 2011 study found that these products can still leach other endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). These chemicals, referred to as "estrogenic activity" (EA), were detected in almost all commercially available plastic products sampled, including those advertised as BPA-free. In some cases, BPA-free products released greater amounts of estrogenic chemicals than products known to contain BPA.
EDCs can interfere with the body's hormones, including estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid hormones. They have been linked to various health problems, including autoimmune disorders, hormone-sensitive cancers, obesity, metabolic dysfunction, neurological and behavioral disorders, nervous system damage, and reproductive issues. Exposure to EDCs can occur through food and drink packaged in plastic, as well as through the air, skin contact, and ingestion of microplastics and nanoplastics.
To avoid exposure to EDCs, consumers are advised to opt for food steamers and storage items made from materials like glass, stainless steel, or bamboo. Some recommended non-plastic food steamers include Secura's 3-Tier Stainless Steel Food Steamer, Miracle Exclusives' Stainless Steel Rice Cooker and Vegetable Steamer ME81, and World Cuisine's 4-quart Red Enamel Cast-Iron Steamer. These alternatives ensure that healthy meals are not compromised by potentially toxic chemicals leached from plastic appliances.
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Plastic steamers can expose you to phthalates
The problem with phthalates is that they are endocrine disruptors, which means they can interfere with the production and regulation of estrogen and other hormones. Even minor disruptions in hormone levels can increase the risk of several health problems, including diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular issues.
Phthalates can enter our food supply in several ways. They can get into food from the plastic in the tubing, conveyor belts, and gloves used during food processing, and they can even enter directly into meat and produce via contaminated water and soil.
Because phthalates are so ubiquitous in our environment, it is challenging to avoid them completely. However, one way to reduce exposure is to avoid using plastic appliances, such as food steamers, that come into contact with food. Instead, opt for food steamers made from non-toxic materials like bamboo, stainless steel, glass, or high-quality silicone.
While some plastic food steamers are marketed as "BPA-free," this does not guarantee that they are safe. Manufacturers often replace BPA with similar chemicals like BPS or BPF, which may be just as harmful, if not more so. Additionally, some low-quality plastics contain other additives like antimony and styrene, which can cause nervous system damage and respiratory issues.
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Alternatives to plastic steamers include bamboo, stainless steel, glass, and cast iron
Plastic steamers may leach toxins into your food, potentially causing neurological and reproductive problems. This is ironic, as steaming food is considered a healthy way of cooking. So, what are the alternatives to plastic steamers?
Bamboo steamers are a popular alternative to plastic steamers. They are often used in Chinese restaurants that serve dim sum. Bamboo steamers are listed as 100% natural, which is a plus for those avoiding plastic. However, they can take longer to dry than other materials, and the wet wood could be a breeding ground for mould. Bamboo steamers are usually available in the kitchen section of most department stores and are also available on Amazon.
Stainless steel steamers are another option. They are available in both stovetop and electric versions. Stainless steel steamers are often sold in sets with separate pans, allowing you to cook multiple dishes at once. Brands that sell stainless steel steamers include Secura, Miracle Exclusives, Lotus Foods, and World Cuisine.
Glass steamers are also an option. World Cuisine, for example, sells a red enamel cast-iron steamer with a tempered glass colander and lid.
Cast iron steamers are another alternative to plastic steamers.
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Plastic steamers may increase the risk of cancer
Additionally, a 2011 study published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that even plastics marked "BPA-free" can leach other endocrine-disrupting chemicals into food or drinks. These chemicals, referred to as "estrogenic activity" (EA), were detected in almost all commercially available plastic products sampled, regardless of the type of resin, product, or retail source. In some cases, BPA-free products released greater amounts of estrogenic chemicals than products known to contain BPA.
The potential health risks associated with plastic steamers have been highlighted by celebrities like Jillian Michaels, who refused to promote steam fresh products on "The Biggest Loser" due to concerns about steaming food in plastic bags. Michaels' concerns centre around the transmission of BPA and phthalates from plastic to food during microwaving. However, it is important to note that bags specifically manufactured for microwave steaming do not contain BPA or phthalates, and many other types of plastic containers are deemed safe for microwave use.
While the link between plastic steamers and cancer may not be definitively established, public health advocates recommend avoiding plastics, especially those marked with #7, for storing, heating, or serving food and drinks to minimise potential chemical exposure. To eliminate the risk of toxin leaching, consumers can opt for food steamers made from alternative materials such as bamboo, glass, or stainless steel. These non-plastic options are readily available in most department stores and online retailers, offering a safer alternative to plastic steamers without compromising convenience or functionality.
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Frequently asked questions
It is generally advised to avoid steaming food in plastic bags as they may contain Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used to harden plastic, which can leach into food when heated. However, some bags are specifically manufactured for microwave steaming and are considered safe.
Alternatives to plastic steamers include bamboo, glass, ceramic, and stainless steel steamers, which are considered safer as they do not contain harmful chemicals that can leach into food.
Check the recycling symbol on your plastic steamer. If it is marked with #7, it likely contains polycarbonate plastic or other hard-to-classify plastics, which are considered risky in terms of chemical exposure. It is recommended to avoid using such containers for storing, heating, or serving food.
