Read this carefully: THIS IS A HOAX.

It’s been around since 2002, according to Urban Legends Reference Pages. It started off as a summary of some doctor’s health advice on a radio show, and since then has been mis-interpreted, periodically been edited, altered, and added to as it’s been passed around through email over the last several years.

I just received it again from my dad, after he got it from my sister-in-law. I’m guessing she received it from someone she works with. That’s how this mis-information gets passed around.

Here are a few facts:

• Chemicals can be released through heating, but not freezing, so the “don’t freeze your bottled water” thing is complete crap.
• Dioxins are organic pollutants, in our environment, usually caused by various combustion processes, including wild fires and volcanic activity (throw trash burning in there too), and then fall back to earth where “they bind to, or are taken up, by fish and other animals, where they get concentrated and stored in fat.” Consequently, people are mostly exposed to dioxins when they fry and eat meat or fish rich in fat (can you say triglycerides?).
• Here’s the most important part: PLASTICS DO NOT CONTAIN DIOXINS. Actually, dioxins can be produced by burning plastic, but since when are you going to set your Tupperware on fire and pour it over your barbecued spare ribs?

See also Researcher Dispels Myth of Dioxins and Plastic Water Bottles for all the nitty-gritty details and some other healthful advice.

In the article No Link Between Microwave Cooking and Cancer, “frying is the only form of cooking that has ever been associated with the production of trace amounts of dioxins in food. The problem stems from the fact that oils and fats typically used in frying contain triglycerides.”

also from the same article:

“…advice to consumers who still harbor any lingering concerns about using plastics in the microwave.”

“First, use only cookware that is labeled for use in the microwave oven.”

“Second, avoid using plastic storage containers such as margarine tubs, takeout containers and other one-time use containers, all of which can melt or warp, possibly causing chemicals to migrate into the food.”

“Third, never use thin plastic storage bags, brown paper, plastic grocery bags, newspaper or aluminum foil in the microwave oven.”

“On the other hand, microwave plastic wraps, wax paper, cooking bags, parchment paper, and white microwave-safe paper towels are safe to use. And to be extra safe, be sure to not let plastic wrap touch foods during microwave cooking, Weese advises.”

I hope I cleared this up for a few people. These hoaxes drive me nuts, especially when my own family and friends fall for it and keep the chain going. When you get time also check out www.breakthechain.org.

As always, be aware of scam artists, they’re everywhere these days. If they’re not trying to get you to donate to a fake Tsunami fund then they’re trying to sell you a non-existant Dell PC or a bogus DSL service and taking your favorite credit card number over the phone. I get calls like this at work sometimes so I usually recognize them when I hear them. Unfortunately, not everybody is so familiar with these scam artists.

Usually the first thing I do is to ask for the callers name, company name, and the phone number I can call them back at. Scammers will usually just hang up on you at this point. If they do give all of that information then try a Google search and see what comes up. Most websites will have a section for contact information and you can verify the phone number there. However, just because you found a website doesn’t mean it’s not a scam — some of them are very organized, they have temporary offices and several “telemarketers” to make the whole thing sound legitimate. In any case, always proceed with caution regarding telephone solicitations.

Other good places to search are the Better Business Bureau or BBB of the San Joaquin Valley.