Is It Safe To Put Boiling Water In Plastic Containers?

Plastic containers like Tupperware have made life at home much easier. These reusable and airtight containers are perfect for leftovers, weekly meal prep, and all sorts of other food and beverage storage needs. While these containers may seem universally good, there are some things, like boiling water and other hot liquids, you might want to think twice about before putting them in your plastic containers.

Pouring boiling water or any hot liquid into a plastic container poses several risks. The biggest concern is hot liquids can cause chemical leaching in some plastics. Chemical leaching can cause harmful chemicals from plastics to enter the liquid, which you will later consume. Hot liquids can also damage or melt plastic. Opt for sturdy BPA-free plastics, glass, or stainless steel containers for your hot liquids.

If you are wondering whether or not you can pour boiling liquid into your plastic containers, you must understand the answer is complicated. There are many types of plastics, and some are safer than others. Plastics also interact differently when exposed to heat. If you want to know whether or not your Tupperware or other type of plastic container is safe when exposed to boiling water, keep reading.

What Occurs When You Pour Hot Water Into Plastic Containers?

Several scenarios can occur when you pour boiling liquid into a plastic container. If the plastic is thin, cheap, or not meant to contain hot liquids, then there is a good chance it will melt. Water might not spill out, but the container will likely warp, and render itself useless.

Alternatively, you may pour boiling liquid into a stronger plastic container and notice no issues. The problem is, even if the container does not melt, the plastic may contain certain chemicals, including bisphenol A (BPA) chemicals. You can’t see, smell, or taste these chemicals, but they can harm you, especially if you frequently consume them.

Lastly, if you have high-quality plastic that was meant to withstand boiling temperatures, then there is a good chance it is safe for you to pour hot water into this specific type of plastic container. The key is knowing the difference between these types of plastics and understanding the harm some of them can cause.

Reasons To Avoid Adding Boiling Water In Plastic Containers

1. Chemical Leaching 

The number one reason to avoid pouring boiling water, or any hot liquid, into a plastic container is it poses a risk of chemical leaching. Chemical leaching is when the chemicals inside plastic migrate into water and other liquids. 

This is more likely to occur when plastic is exposed to high temperatures, especially hot liquids. Consuming these harmful chemicals can cause all sorts of problems, from developmental issues in children, or nausea and other physical ailments. Consistent exposure can cause more serious, long-term health problems.

2. It Can Degrade Your Plastic Containers

The temperature of boiling water is over 200 degrees. This is very hot for thin and fragile plastics to endure. Even if you don’t notice it, these high temperatures take a toll on some of your plastic containers. The heat will slowly break down the plastic. These containers will be more likely to crack or warp in the future.

3. Risk Of Melting

Another reason to avoid pouring boiling water into plastic is the high temperature of the water can melt the plastic. Don’t be fooled by seemingly sturdy plastic containers. This is particularly true when it comes to takeaway food containers and other single-use plastics. Boiling water can quickly melt a plastic container, creating a mess, and possibly even burning your skin. If you aren’t sure how strong your plastic is, think twice before adding hot substances to it.

4. Plastic Can Change The Smell And Taste Of Liquid

Lastly, you must consider that plastic can also change the taste of your boiling liquid. Some plastics can hold onto or release smells and flavors. This process is far more common when the plastic is hot. It is also more likely to occur in lower-quality plastic containers.

What Are BPAs And Why Are They Dangerous?

Nowadays, you hear all about “BPA-free” and the danger of BPAs when it comes to plastic containers. Since BPAs are released when plastic and hot water meet, you must understand what BPAs are, and why you should avoid consuming them.

BPAs, or bisphenol A chemicals, have been used to make plastics (notably reusable plastic containers) since the 1950s. It has only recently become apparent that BPAs can cause several health issues. There are all sorts of problems these chemicals can cause, and if you are exposed to them frequently, they can be quite severe. 

Some health issues associated with BPA exposure include fertility issues, eye problems, and even problems with your respiratory system. This is why you must confirm your plastic containers don’t contain these harmful chemicals before you put hot liquids in them.

Pouring Boiling Water In BPA-Free Tupperware, Is It Safe?

If your plastic containers are certified BPA-free, you might wonder if this means it is perfectly safe to pour boiling water and other hot liquids into them. In most cases, it is safe to pour boiling water into BPA-free plastic containers.

It is important to note, however, that just because plastic is BPA-free doesn’t mean it can tolerate boiling temperatures. The good news is, in most cases BPA-free plastic containers and Tupperware are also microwave-safe, and in turn, can handle heat. Just make sure your plastic is not heat-sensitive before pouring hot water into it.

Three Materials That Are Safe To Pour Boiling Water In

Now that you understand some of the dangers that pouring boiling water into plastic poses, you probably want to know what types of containers are safe to store hot liquids. While many materials can safely hold hot liquids, only a few are commonly used for food storage. Below are the three most common and safest materials you should seek when looking for Tupperware-style containers for hot liquids.

Glass

Glass Tupperware has become quite common. For one, glass is very safe to use in the microwave and also the dishwasher. It also has a slightly “classier” aesthetic, which makes it the preferred option when it comes to weekly meal prep containers.

Glass is safe to pour boiling liquid into, as long as the glass is tempered and heat-tolerant. While this is considered a standard for glass Tupperware, it’s best to confirm this before purchasing it, as some discount glass containers might not be heat tolerant.

BPA-Free Plastics

As mentioned previously, BPA-free plastic containers are generally considered safe to store boiling water and other hot liquids. When you see the BPA-free label, also look to confirm that it is microwave and dishwasher-safe. If all these qualities apply, then it should be good to use.

Stainless Steel

While less popular, stainless steel is another material that is durable and safe to hold boiling liquid. Steel containers are popular among outdoors enthusiasts and survivalists. Stainless steel does not pose the risk of melting, and it also won’t leach chemicals. 

Keep in mind, however, that steel is a conductor, so the container may be quite hot after you pour hot liquid into it, especially if there is no insulating layer.

Wrapping Up Risks Of Pouring Boiling Water In Plastic Containers

Plastic containers make food storage, and food safety, easier than ever. While these miracle containers are a real life-saver, there are some products you should be hesitant about storing in plastic, especially boiling liquids. 

There are several reasons to avoid pouring hot liquids into plastic containers. For one, hot water can melt or degrade your containers. Furthermore, hot liquids can cause chemical leaching. This is a process where harmful chemicals from your plastic containers migrate into the hot liquid, and in turn, into your body. If you need to store hot liquid, opt for BPA-free plastics, glass containers, or even containers made of stainless steel.

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