Information on plasticizers, the dangers of dioxins in plastic wrap and DEHA a previously banned softening agent.

Plasticizers are used in everything from cosmetics to toys and teething rings to medical supplies. However, some plasticizers emit hormone-mimicking substances called endocrine disrupters, which are now being examined for potential links to birth defects, cancer or fertility problems. At present, it is not known how much risk resides in low-level exposure to plasticizers or chemicals in plastic ware.

Dioxins and dioxin-related compounds are pollutants that mainly enter the environment (and food supply) as industrial by-products. Particular dioxin compounds are considered to be highly toxic, with known health hazards ranging from birth defects to cancer.

Studies have shown that dioxins may be released into the atmosphere when chlorinated plastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) - a component of some plastic wraps and food packaging - are burnt at high temperatures. There is no evidence to suggest that dioxins are produced when the same plastics are heated in a microwave oven.

DEHA - a softening compound added to plastic - is an ingredient in some plastic wraps. Studies have shown that DEHA can migrate into food.

It is not toxic to human beings though, at least not in the minute amounts resulting from migration from plastics into foods.

Even though DEHA has been regarded as a possible human carcinogen, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency removed it from its list of toxic chemicals in the late 1990s. This was after concluding that there was no evidence to suggest that it caused cancer, gene mutations, liver, kidney, or reproductive or developmental problems or other serious or irreversible chronic health effects.