Because the kitchen is the place in which you cook food, it’s supposed to be one of the cleanest and safest place in your household. Sadly, for most homes this isn’t the case. Dangerous kitchen products are everywhere.
In fact the most common cookware can be dangerous to our health if not handled properly. Here are seven of them, as complied by The Daily Meal.
Dangerous kitchen products
1. Aluminum cookware
Aluminium is a versatile and inexpensive material. However, acidic foods such as tomato sauce can leech aluminium into the food. Although aluminium is excreted through the kidneys, it remains a top-priority toxin by the United States Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
2. Copper pots
Known for their ability to maintain temperature and conduct heat, copper pots and pans are chefs’ favorite cookware. But acidic food can corrode the copper lining, which can also leech into the food.
3. Plastic cutting board
Plastic cutting boards may be sturdier than wood, but they’re more susceptible to cuts, which can harbor bacteria. That’s why it’s important to clean plastic cutting boards properly by using chlorine-water solution or by running it through hot water. If your plastic cutting board has too many cuts, it’s time to replace it.
4. Plastic cooking utensils
When left in high temperatures, plastic utensils can melt and release harmful chemicals and gasses into the food. Wooden and steel utensils are much safer alternatives.
5. Plastic containing BPA
BPA (bisphenol A) is an industrial chemical used in the manufacturing of plastics, and research shows that it has significant effects on fetuses and newborns. When buying plastic products, make sure to check the bottom and buy only those that have a BPA-free label.
6. Scratched stainless steel
Stainless steel is a versatile material, but it is not at all scratch resistant. Once scratched, it releases minerals such as iron, chromium, and nickel into food. Although these materials aren’t toxic in small amounts, they can cause health problems if too much accumulates in the body.
7. Teflon
Teflon makes cooking food without oil easy, because the non-stick material makes all kinds of food glide on the surface. But according to a study by the Environmental Wellness Group, when Teflon-coated pans can reach temperatures conducive to releasing noxious fumes after only two to five minutes on the stove.