Is Tupperware Cancer Causing?
by Administrator
Filed under Tupperware Overview
Tupperware. You have heard of this plastic ware. Tupperware products are the ones that have airtight seals. The seals are virtually leak proof as well, but some are concerned that Tupperware is cancer causing. Plastics can leach into food, they say. Plastics can cause any number of disease, one of which is believed to be cancer.
Tupperware and Cancer
Perhaps the greatest concern with plastics is Bisphenol A (BPA). This substance was invented in the 1930s when scientists were looking for a way to make synthetic estrogens. BPA is the building block for plastics that are manufactured from polycarbonate. From such plastics, BPA leaches into food or beverages, and is believed to cause medical concerns. Those who link Tupperware and cancer are fearful that Tupperware products may contain BPA.
Tupperware Products Are Usually Not Made from Polycarbonate.
The majority of Tupperware products that are intended for food and beverage are made from polyethylene and polypropylene.
* Polyethylene: Most seals, including large ones, are made of linear low density polyethylene. Tupperware products such as the ice cube tray, Freeze-N-Save containers, Jel-Ring mold, and Ice Tups set all are made of high density polyethylene.
* Polypropylene: Special seals, such as those used in microwaveable Tupperware products, are made of polypropylene. Polypropylene is the type of plastic used in the manufacture of Tupperware products you would buy for food storage and food service also. This means you can freely use Tupperware products such as canister sets, cereal bowls, and tumblers, as well as children’s plates and cups.
Some Tupperware Products Do Contain BPA
Despite the fact that Tupperware products are said to meet or surpass Federal government safety standards for food contact applications; and despite the company claims that they routinely test Tupperware products and manufacturing materials to ensure stringent quality and safety standards; some Tupperware products do contain BPA.
Polycarbonate, manufactured from bisphenol A (BPA), is used by Tupperware in the manufacture of their Rock ‘N Serve microwave line, the base of the Meals-in-Minutes Microsteamer, and the “Elegant” Serving Line.
Tupperware no longer offers other items that had been made from BPA: the TupperCare baby bottle, the Pizza Keep’ N Heat container, and the Table Collection.
Is Tupperware Cancer Causing?
The bottom line is that, if you are fearful that Tupperware is cancer causing, you will probably want to do your homework before throwing away all Tupperware products. Based on current scientific study, some seem to be safe.
Thanks for the info, but I am wondering where you got this info. It is not available to the public (I called Tupperware myself today, asking about it.) Jan Stevens at Tupperware told me that the “clear” glass-like Tupperware is polycarbonate but is BPA free. He told me that crystal wave is polypropylene, as is most of their products. He told me that most seals are polyethylene. He also told me that this info and more is in the works to be available to consumers, hopefully in a few weeks, but maybe not until the next couple of months. He did say there is some info available to consultants. When I originally spoke with a customer care rep, he offered to email it to me. Let’s see if it comes after all. I called a couple of hours ago and as of a few minutes ago, the email has not yet come.
I would be interested to know if it is BPA free polycarbonate. I was under the impression most, if not all polycarbonate had BPA. This website from the polymer science learning centre indicates there is a BPA free type:
http://www.pslc.ws/mactest/pc.htm
But I still wonder if Tupperware is the BPA free type and if so could they please get the info out to the public. I’m not in the loop though – is it already available to the public?
For other info on polycarbonate see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polycarbonate
I was on their website today, trying to find some information, and couldn’t find anything. Just remember, if the plastic has a #3, #6, or a #7 in the middle of the recycle symbol, it isn’t safe.
Does anyone know if their sports bottles are safe. I bought 2 last year for my children. They are the adult sized ones with the storage comparment on the bottom.
I am afraid to use them now, as I don’t know if they are safe.
If anyone knows please e-mail me – thanks.