Putting plastic in the microwave is contentious. There are reports warning about leaching chemicals and statements from the FDA that some plastics are “microwave safe.”

However, a recent study found that almost all commercially available plastic containers leach detectable amounts of hormone-disrupting chemicals like BPA and BPA substitutes when exposed to microwaving, boiling water, and sunlight.

In some cases, products marked BPA-free released more hormone disrupting chemicals than their counterparts made with BPA. (Here are the 4 Most Dangerous Types Of Plastic.) 

Whether you use plastic containers marked microwave-safe is up to you, but no matter what, don’t microwave containers that are not explicitly marked. 

Plastic storage containers like yogurt cups, take-out containers, and margarine tubs can melt, warp, and potentially leach harmful chemicals. Any container that originally held cold or frozen food is unsafe to microwave unless it explicitly says otherwise.

What about plastic wrap? While the USDA recommends that plastic wrap marked microwave-safe should not touch food when microwaving, it may be best to just avoid it all together. You won’t have to worry about potential leaching and you will reduce harmful plastic waste. 

Related: Is There BPA In Your Food? This Simple Tool Can Tell You