New Delhi .Nowadays, the use of microwave for heating and cooking food has become common in homes. Its use has increased rapidly due to convenience and heating of food in less time. However, heating food by placing any utensils in the microwave is not considered safe. Using the wrong utensils can not only spoil the food but also lead to the risk of fire or other accidents.
Many people do not know which utensils are suitable for microwave and which should not be used. Hastily placing food in ordinary plastic containers or polythene and heating it in the microwave can be dangerous. Due to high heat, plastic can melt and chemicals like Bisphenol-A (BPA) present in it can get mixed with food. In the news, they have been described as harmful for health and there is a possibility of causing serious diseases like cancer.
Metal utensils like steel, copper and aluminum should also not be used in the microwave. Metal objects, including aluminum foil, reflect microwave waves. This may cause sparks to escape from the utensil and create a risk of fire in the microwave's circuits. Therefore, it is advised to avoid keeping any kind of metal object in the microwave.
Caution is also necessary regarding glass and earthen utensils. Ordinary glass utensils can crack when exposed to high heat. In such a situation, it is advised to use only borosilicate glass utensils marked as microwave safe. Similarly, unpolished traditional earthen utensils can also be harmful in the microwave. Such utensils can absorb moisture, which puts them at risk of breaking.
An easy way to identify the right utensil for the microwave is to check the microwave safe mark or symbol on its bottom before using it. According to the news, glass, ceramic and BPA-free grade-5 plastic have been considered suitable for microwaves. While choosing the utensil, it is important to confirm its microwave safety. By using the right utensils, the process of heating food can be kept safe and the risk of major accidents can also be avoided.