There are many different options of the tableware you can use to eat. Just to mention a few, melamine tableware, glass tableware, disposable tableware made of plastic or paper, or ceramic tableware.
Why you should not use melamine tableware
Melamine is becoming more and more popular over the years, and it's not difficult to see why. Even though melamine tableware does not have the same sturdy and classy feel as ceramic tableware does, they have bright colourful appearances which matches their ceramic counterparts, and extremely durable and lightweight.
Melamine tablewares are very difficult to chip or break. The most durable stoneware plate does not compare with melamine plate in terms of durability. This will mean less replacement cost. Their lightweight feature also means that a person can carry more plates easily.
Despite these advantages, melamine may not be the best option for everyday use because of the health risks involved. Research have concluded that melamine exposes health risks when exposed to heat above 71° C as certain chemicals may leak and contaminate the food or drink. Therefore, you should not put a melamine tableware in the microwave.
Melamine tablewares are very difficult to chip or break. The most durable stoneware plate does not compare with melamine plate in terms of durability. This will mean less replacement cost. Their lightweight feature also means that a person can carry more plates easily.
Despite these advantages, melamine may not be the best option for everyday use because of the health risks involved. Research have concluded that melamine exposes health risks when exposed to heat above 71° C as certain chemicals may leak and contaminate the food or drink. Therefore, you should not put a melamine tableware in the microwave.
Why you should not use disposable tableware
Undeniably, disposable tableware has become an integral part of our life. Whenever we buy food take-outs or delivery, we will be served food in disposable containers, even hot food and liquid. This is the norm in our culture, especially in an urban life-style.
Disposables tableware and cutleries make life easier as you don't need to wash them, just throw them away. The downside of this is not only does it create more waste for the environment, but they also expose health risks for our body.
Disposables tableware and cutleries make life easier as you don't need to wash them, just throw them away. The downside of this is not only does it create more waste for the environment, but they also expose health risks for our body.
The health risk from using disposable tableware will depend on the materials and quality of the product. Some materials exposes more health risk than others.
Polystrene/ styrofoam
- contains styrene which is a carcinogen that is linked to leukemia, lymphoa, and other cancers. These chemicals can leach out into your food especially when heated. In fact, styrofoam has been banned in New York City due to this risk.
Polystrene/ styrofoam
- contains styrene which is a carcinogen that is linked to leukemia, lymphoa, and other cancers. These chemicals can leach out into your food especially when heated. In fact, styrofoam has been banned in New York City due to this risk.
Paper plates
- may contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which may contribute to various long and short-term health problems including headaches, loss of coordination, and damage to your liver, kidney, and central nervous system.
- may also contain chlorine, which is used to bleach paper products. The waste product of this is dioxin which can cause reproductive and developmental problems, damage immune system, and is a carcinogen.
- may contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which may contribute to various long and short-term health problems including headaches, loss of coordination, and damage to your liver, kidney, and central nervous system.
- may also contain chlorine, which is used to bleach paper products. The waste product of this is dioxin which can cause reproductive and developmental problems, damage immune system, and is a carcinogen.
Plastic cups and plates
- may contain Bisphenol A (BPA) which causes reproductive harm, early puberty, and even linked to breast cancer.
Minimizing risk with disposables
The level of risk with using disposable tableware will also depend on how you use them. If you use them for hot food, or even reuse them repeatedly instead of disposing them after single use, the risk will be much higher. So, next time you go to buy food take-out, you might want to consider bringing your own reusable container!
- may contain Bisphenol A (BPA) which causes reproductive harm, early puberty, and even linked to breast cancer.
Minimizing risk with disposables
The level of risk with using disposable tableware will also depend on how you use them. If you use them for hot food, or even reuse them repeatedly instead of disposing them after single use, the risk will be much higher. So, next time you go to buy food take-out, you might want to consider bringing your own reusable container!
Why ceramics?
Ceramic withstands heat because it has been heated to 1250 °C during production. It does not change shape or leak even with heat exposure.
There is additional risk when the ceramic has
It is best to avoid disposable tableware as they contain various chemicals, and some even known to be carcinogenic. While melamine tableware is safe for cold food, in cultures like Indonesia where hot food is the norm for meals, it is best to use ceramic tableware.
Resources: https://www.mamavation.com/featured/dangerous-disposables-toxic-dinnerware-that-destroys-the-world.html
There is additional risk when the ceramic has
It is best to avoid disposable tableware as they contain various chemicals, and some even known to be carcinogenic. While melamine tableware is safe for cold food, in cultures like Indonesia where hot food is the norm for meals, it is best to use ceramic tableware.
Resources: https://www.mamavation.com/featured/dangerous-disposables-toxic-dinnerware-that-destroys-the-world.html