Dashing malware: why you shouldn't keep fakes for Barbie
Chemical traps lie in wait for people in the seemingly safest space — their own home. Basic knowledge of chemistry and physics and compliance with safety regulations will help not to put your health at risk, scientists believe. Under what conditions you should not be afraid of non—stick frying pans, how uranium glass literally poisons life, and how scary toys from the dashing nineties are - in the Izvestia material.
The Toxic doll
Nowadays, many objects and materials around us can be life-threatening if safety precautions are not followed, says Ilya Starodubtsev, head of the laboratory of the Department of Automation at the Institute of Physico-Technical Intelligent Systems at the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI. First of all, we are talking about a reaction to extremely high temperatures, which triggers a cascade of chemical processes.
— Our world consists of products from the chemical industry, which, when ignited, usually begin to emit toxic substances. And if a fire starts, then, according to the rules of civil defense, labor protection and fire safety, you can not try to extinguish it, but you need to duck and leave the burning building," Starodubtsev comments.
According to the expert, even a fire extinguisher is potentially dangerous. The contents of one of these devices, carbon dioxide— are cooled to -40 degrees on average when used. An inexperienced person can at least injure his hand, especially if the cone of the fire extinguisher is made of a material that does not differ in thermal insulation properties.
"Everything from furniture to insulation wires and finishing materials can be a source of danger," the expert continues. — During a fire in the Permian nightclub "Lame Horse" in 2009, the air in the room was filled with highly toxic substances. Most of the people died not from fire and damage, but from inhaling these harmful fumes that came from the material.
The substances, being in a gaseous state, entered the lungs and solidified, literally clogging the respiratory organs.
Unpleasant surprises await us even in the most peaceful, seemingly peaceful places. For example, the source of harmful substances can be found in a box of old toys.
— In the 90s of the last century, for example, cheap analogues of Barbie dolls were sold. Inexpensive but unhealthy lead paint was used in the manufacture of these fakes," the expert says.
Is it necessary to be afraid that the neighbors are irradiating
Most of the fears are related to the kitchen. But modern household appliances such as a microwave oven and an induction hob are not dangerous from the point of view of physicists. Microwaves emit energy that heats up food, but, according to Starodubtsev, this radiation mostly remains inside the chamber where the food is located. And some of the side radiation goes beyond the back of the microwave.
— You can only get hurt if you stick your head in the microwave and stand there for a long time. But it's like taking a knife and cutting out some organs," the expert says ironically.
Suspicious people who are separated from neighboring microwaves by a wall should also not worry. "Microwave energy has a small wavelength. It doesn't go through walls," Ilya Starodubtsev reassures.
"An induction cooker can theoretically cause harm, but again, if you stand leaning over it at a distance of 10-30 cm, at least two hours a day for six months," Starodubtsev comments.
But utensils, especially those that have served for more than one year, require critical attention. It is important to know when and under what circumstances old pots cannot be used.
Why it's better to throw away aluminum pans
Irina Kirsh, Head of the Department of Industrial Design, Packaging Technology and Expertise at ROSBIOTECH University, Doctor of Chemical Sciences, warns that aluminum cookware can pose certain health risks if used improperly.
— The main problem is that when heating and cooking acidic dishes, aluminum can be released into food. With regular consumption of food cooked in such dishes, metal can accumulate in the body and have a negative impact on human health," the professor comments.
According to Irina Kirsch, the potential association of excess aluminum with disorders of the nervous system is of particular concern. Studies show that this metal can be deposited in brain tissues, although the exact mechanism of its action is still being studied.
— It is important to understand that modern anodized cookware (with special surface treatment) is much safer than conventional aluminum — it practically does not allow metal to enter food. But old aluminum pots and pans, especially those with damage, should be replaced," the professor warns.
But you should not be afraid of aluminum foil intended for cooking, since repeated use of the same piece of foil is not implied.
— In addition, special foil coated with a layer of special "food grade" varnish is used for baking and packaging of some food products. She has passed the necessary sanitary and hygienic examination, has permission to contact food products and is completely safe for humans," comments Irina Kirsh.
Is a Teflon frying pan dangerous
Recently, non-stick frying pans have become Internet horror stories. Fans of such utensils are frightened by poisonous fumes, which are allegedly released during cooking and can lead to intoxication.
— A high-quality frying pan made of fluoroplast (they are called Teflon) is completely safe when used correctly. This material is an inert polymer. In addition to tableware, various prostheses and implants for medical purposes are made from it, and its safety has been confirmed by clinical studies," the professor reassures.
According to the expert, fluoroplast has a unique chemical resistance and does not interact with food at cooking temperatures up to 200 degrees, therefore it has high non-stick properties and biological inertia.
— However, it is important to remember that any coating has its limits of operation. If the Teflon surface is heated at temperatures above 260 degrees, which happens when an empty frying pan is strongly heated, the coating may begin to break down with the release of harmful substances. This is especially true for inexpensive thin pans with poor—quality coating, warns Irina Kirsh.
To avoid such situations, the professor advises to follow simple rules: do not overheat the dishes and replace them in a timely manner if the coating is damaged.
"High—quality cookware with a multilayer Teflon coating and a thick bottom significantly reduces any potential risks, making cooking convenient and safe," the specialist summarizes.
The professor believes that it is quite possible to trust polymer tableware, which is made from special grades of polymers approved for contact with food. These materials are resistant to various chemicals found in food products. They have proven safety in the modes and operating conditions specified for the product, including when heated in microwave ovens. However, it must be borne in mind that they are completely safe if the conditions and terms of use of the dishes are strictly observed.
— Research confirms that glass is also a safe material for tableware. Such dishes are chemically inert and do not emit any substances even when in contact with aggressive media. Its thermal stability makes it a good choice for any type of heat treatment of products," Irina Kirsh continues.
Lyudmila Gurchenko's risky hobby
Beautiful and dangerous — this is about products made of so-called uranium glass. Previously, in order to get spectacular shades, uranium compounds were added to the raw materials. Products made of such glass were especially popular in the 19th and 20th centuries, but then they were discontinued. The reasons are the harmfulness of production and the active use of these components in other, more important areas.
— Uranium reserves are generally limited on Earth. Another 70 years, and there will be no uranium. It has become expensive because it is widely used in the energy sector, in the space industry, medicine, geology, and the military industry," says Ilya Starodubtsev.
According to the physicist, uranium glass emits more than 1 microsieverth per hour (mSv, a unit of measurement for doses of ionizing radiation). For comparison, the radiation dose received by the body during the day as a result of the natural radioactive background is 6.5 µSv. Beautiful uranium glass is a source of alpha and beta rays. There were also products that were a source of even weak gamma radiation.
— A lot depends on how this glass was made, at what temperature it was blown and what additives were added there, — Ilya Starodubtsev comments. — Depending on the temperature and the amount of uranium, different colors were obtained — from green to yellowish. The radiation power also depends on the size of the product.
However, there is no need to rush to throw away your grandmother's rarities if you cherish them. You just need to know how to handle them.
— Uranium glass is safe if it stands in a sideboard behind ordinary glass — it delays radiation. Polyethylene or a piece of wood can serve as an easy barrier to alpha and beta rays. It is better that there is nothing alive in a radius of 10-20 cm. And I wouldn't eat or drink from such dishes. Under certain temperature conditions or under the influence of, for example, acetic acid, this uranium will begin to "come out" of the glass and attach to products in the form of gas, the physicist warns.
Actress Lyudmila Gurchenko
According to Ilya Starodubtsev, the main danger of uranium glass is that such dishes can fall and break. And if a microscopic fragment accidentally enters the body, then there will be a source of ionizing radiation inside the person. Hypothetically, this piece of glass can come out naturally, but even with this option, it will have time to cause harm to health. The expert emphasizes that the mammary gland in women and the gonads (sex glands) in men are most sensitive to alpha and beta radiation. The thyroid gland and red bone marrow are also affected by radiation.
Since decorative items made of uranium glass are not produced, they can be found (if you are lucky) at flea markets or, if funds allow, purchased at antique auctions. At one time, such rarities were collected by Lyudmila Gurchenko. These objects were displayed on the windowsill of her apartment — the actress liked to admire the uranium glass when the rays of the sun fell on it. However, it is believed that the diagnoses of the star (rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease and hypertension) are not related to exposure to harmful glass.
Meanwhile, it is not a fact that the owners admire the uranium glass. Sometimes less valuable items made of vitriol glass are given out for such products. It is also worth being afraid of such fakes, since not the most useful additives, in particular lead or copper salt, give it beautiful shades. Vitriol glass, like uranium glass, glows beautifully under ultraviolet light because both types have a similar crystal lattice. Therefore, you can only determine what exactly you have found with the help of a dosimeter.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
