Question

Is it advisable to use recycled plastic containers for storing food?

Answer 1

Plastics are the polymer with high molecular mass. Plastic cannot be degraded easily so it has a very adverse effect on the environment and is considered as one of the pollutants. The disposed plastic which has been recycled has the chances of containing harmful chemicals.

Complete step by step answer:
Plastics are the organic polymer which have malleable characteristics and can be molded in any form. The plastics have high molecular mass and are derived from petrochemicals. Nowadays plastics are used in packaging materials, it is used in industries for making bottles and other materials. Plastics have many harmful effects as it is considered as one of the pollutants for the environment. As plastics cannot be degrade easily they remain in the soil for many years. When plastics enter the drainage system, they block the pipes and cause water logging. When plastics are disposed openly it can be consumed by animals which can lead to stomach and intestine diseases and cause severe affect. The waste released from the plastic manufacturing industry is disposed in the water bodies which causes water pollution and affect the aquatic life.
Plastic waste management is employed to control the pollution caused by the plastics. The three main ways used to manage the plastics are reduce, reuse and recycle.
If recycled plastics containers are used to store food, there are the chances that the contamination from the disposed plastic is remained in the recycled plastic which will react with the food and form acid which on consuming can cause severe affect to the body. So, it is not advisable to use recycled plastic containers for storing food.

Note: Even though polycarbonate plastics are strong and have long lasting properties they can easily break under high temperature so it is advisable not to microwave the food present in the plastic bowl.