The
use of plastic-polythene as containers for take-away is a common practices in
Ghana and most places in the world.
The
financial convenience is probably the main reason behind this practice.
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Polyethylene (polythene) is a polymer that is thermoplastic, meaning that it can be melted to liquid and remolded as it
returns to a solid state.
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WHAT
YOU SHOULD KNOW
1.
The ability of the polythene to melt to liquid means when hot food is put into it,
it starts to shed-off (breakdowb) some chemicals which can be harmful depending
on the load.
2.
Breakdown of the polythene not only takes place with hot foods but with cold oily,
watery or sticky foods as well.
3.
The frequent habit of eating foods served in polythene leads to a build-up of a
harmful chemical called plasticizer
phthalate (A component of polythene).
4. Plasticizer phthalate ingested in high
concentrations over a period can lead to various complications.
COMPLICATIONS
Phthalate
load in humans is associated with the following;
1.
Hormonal imbalances
2.
Increases in allergy
3.
Reduced fertility among men and women.
4.
A couple of studies done on the harmful nature of phthalate show that it
increases one’s chance of developing obesity, hypertension and breast cancer.
5.
Lactating mothers who eat from polythene take-away and eventually ingest phthalates,
have the undesired result of passing it to their babies through their breast
milk. Several unhealthy complications can result over
the time to the baby.
CONCLUSION
As
much as possible avoid collecting very hot foods in polythene. Cooking at home
will help you lower this canker.
FOR CONSULTATION
Call Our Nutritionist- +233277279565
