Doctors have warned parents against a common cooking technique that could cause harm to children.
Microwaving food in plastic containers can be an easy and quick way to heat food - but it could have dire consequences in some plastic products, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics
Hard plastic containers are often made using chemicals called bisphenols, which can act like estrogen in the body, potentially changing the timing of puberty, decreasing fertility and increasing body fat - reports Mirror Online.
The chemical has been on scientists' radar for years and, despite being legal in the UK in many forms, has been listed as a substance of 'very high concern' by the European Chemicals Agency.
The official Tupperware brand stopped using the chemical in 2010 and the US authorities - which are generally far more permissive about the use of additives and preservatives in food than their EU counterparts - banned its use in baby bottles and sippy cups.
The doctors also warned parents not to give their children food with artificial food colouring in.
Some studies have found a significant number of children who cut it out of their diets showed fewer symptoms of ADHD.
Other food items the report suggested being wary of was grease proof paper and cardboard food packaging, which often contains perfluoroalkyl.
If consumed in excess quantities the chemicals can reduce fertility and muscle control while hindering brain development and bone strength.
The report also recommends limiting children's exposure to phthalates.
Although they are slowly being replaced in the EU, their use in the production of child-friendly flexible plastic means phthalates have been difficult to phase out.
The American Academy of Pediatrics warn they can help children become obese, contribute to cardiovascular disease and even hamper male genital development.
Even a chemical used to reduce static electricity in dry food packaging - perchlorate - can disrupt thyroid function and hinder brain development in young children.
Fortunately the medical association has provided some handy tips that can reduce a child's exposure to these potential harmful chemicals.
- Buy and serve more fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, and fewer processed meats--especially during pregnancy.
- Since heat can cause plastics to leak BPA and phthalates into food, avoid microwaving food or beverages (including infant formula and pumped human milk) in plastic when possible. Also try to avoid putting plastics in the dishwasher.
- Use alternatives to plastic, such as glass or stainless steel, when possible.
- Avoid plastics with recycling codes 3 (phthalates), 6 (styrene), and 7 (bisphenols) unless they are labeled as “biobased” or “greenware.”
- Wash hands thoroughly before and after touching food and clean all fruits and vegetables that cannot be peeled.
