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Loading...Dangers of Microwave Popcorn
- a Care2 favorite by Terri Hall
- 331 comments
When it’s movie night and you’re getting ready to break out the popcorn, using an air popper or jostling a pot of kernels in a heart-friendly oil on your stove top might be your best choices.
A report from the FDA indicates that a chemical coating used in microwave popcorn bags breaks down when heated into a substance called perfluorooctanoic (PFOA). The Environmental Protection Agency has identified PFOA as a “likely carcinogen.” Another study has found an acid that can be extracted from the chemical causes cancer in animals and is “likely to cause cancer in humans.”
A second potential danger in microwave popcorn is diacetyl, an FDA-approved chemical found in the fake butter flavoring. There’s even a debilitating respiratory disease called “popcorn workers lung,” (the medical name of the condition is bronchiolitis obliterans) suffered by microwave popcorn factory workers caused by extended inhalation of the chemical’s fumes. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, (NIOSH) concluded that diacetyl needs further study so that workers in the flavorings and snack industry are no longer at risk
The Food and Drug Administration continues to study whether consumers can develop lung disease from inhaling diacetyl. In response to the concerns regarding the risks of diacetyl exposure, a number of microwave popcorn manufacturers have discontinued using it in their products.
Pop Your Own
Here’s the way to make popcorn on your stove top: Pour 3 tablespoons of olive oil (or grapeseed oil if you prefer a more neutral taste) into a heavy, 3 quart or larger pan and place on medium high heat. Put two kernels in, and when one has popped, pour in 1/3 cup of pop corn (white or yellow) and cover pan. When corn begins to pop, shake constantly allowing steam to escape from popping kernels–otherwise popcorn will lose its crunch. Remove pan from heat immediately when popping stops or it will burn. Pour into a large bowl and season to taste.
Related Links:
6 Healthier Alternatives to Movie Popcorn
Bad News About Movie Popcorn
Read more: All recipes, Appetizers & Snacks, Food, Health, diacetyl, microwave, popcorn
By Terri Hall Jackson, Care2 contributing writer
Terri Hall
Terri Hall lives in the Hudson Valley with her family. In addition to writing, Terri works with public television and radio stations/networks in the area of new media, and leads workshops on authentic and empowered living.
Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may
not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.
people are talking
cool. i bet that would work anywhere. i use baking soda on the top shelf a teen boys room.
This article~~waste of time except for the butterfly rewards.
I like salt, but I use it sparingly.
Even a cat practices yoga. Cute and healthy video))
The thing in the picture - "bread" - is in fact oscypek, I don't know who put it there... it's made …
331 comments
+ add your ownInstead of using microwave popcorn I use the EZ Popcorn Maker from Viatek. The EZ Pop allows me to pop healthy jumbo popcorn without the dangerous chemical diacetyl. What's more, the EZ pop is manufactured with FDA food grade plastic which does not contain dyes or recycled plastics deemed harmful to humans. Not only is the EZ Pop a safer alternative, but a healthier alternative. Unlike microwave popcorn bags, the EZ Pop allows you to control the amount of butter and salt you use, eliminating extra calories and harmful chemicals. I got mine at: http://www.viatekproducts.com/ez-popcorn-maker/
Good info except that olive oil is not high or medium heat tolerant and should not be used. Grapeseed, canola, and safflower oils are safe at medium heat. Better yet, use an air popper!
scary--especially when there was a separate danger of a chemical that was found to impact lung capacity (see lawsuit article)
Damn it! I love microwave popcorn! Its just so convenient!
thanks
Microwaving popcorn isn't bad if you use a microwave popcorn bowl. You don't even need to use any oil and only have to add butter or salt to it if you really want to. The bad thing about microwave popcorn is the toxins in makeup of the bag and the stuff those companies pass as "butter".
Microwaves might be quick and convenient but not necessarily healthy.
Shirley, I do mostly the same thing. I use 1/4 to 1/3 cup of kernels, no oil, and don't need a staple--fold the top of the bag over twice and crease, and it stays closed. (With 1/2 cup kernels, it opens the bag.) A little olive oil cooking spray after it's popped will help whatever seasonings you add stick to it.
My current favorite is to sprinkle with a little Greek seasoning mix. Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan tastes absolutely decadent.
Thank you
Shirley T. that sounds like the most useful tip I have found on the poll site.
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