or wrapping food products or for heating in microwave oven. A Chinese-language article currently circulating on the Internet has caused widespread alarm, warning that di-ethylhexyl adipate (DEHA), a chemical material commonly used in plastic wrappers, could interfere with normal hormone metabolism and cause serious health problems like breast cancer, infertility (by reducing sperm count), birth defects, and other hormone-related diseases.
Medical experts at leading hospitals confirmed the potential hazards of plastic packaging materials containing DEHA.
They said the thin plastic membranes like Saran wraps used by consumers to preserve food or contain hot drinks can also create health hazards. The problem can get even worse when they are placed along with food or meal boxes into microwave ovens.
The various plastic, wrappers made of different materials such as polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate (PC), and polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), tend to melt and release toxic substances into foodstuffs at high heat.
Officials at the Department of Health (DOH) said they have no plans to ban DEHA at present because the material will only cause real problems when it is absorbed into human body in excess amount.
This is why even the European Union (EU) nations do not prohibit the use of the material. But consumers should always avoid placing any plastic packaging materials in extremely high heat, they said.
Aside from Saran wrap, DEHA has also been widely used in plastic toys for toddlers in Taiwan, some medical experts pointed out.
They said countries in the EU have banned the use of DEHA in children's toys. The experts said government agencies should take action to prevent possible harm to young children. Parents should also wash their children's hands after they play with plastic toys, they suggested.
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