Fumes from heating a plastic Sterilite container?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the safety of using a Sterilite plastic container as a food dehydrator, specifically concerning the potential release of fumes when heated. Participants explore the implications of the container's material properties and temperature ratings.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the potential fumes from the container if it is heated beyond its rated temperature, suggesting that harmful substances could be released if the polymer is not rated for 150F.
  • Another participant cites information from the Sterilite website, indicating that the container is not intended for use in ovens or stovetops, which may imply limitations on its safe use for heating.
  • A different viewpoint emphasizes the importance of using food-grade materials for food-related applications, questioning the appropriateness of repurposing a container not specifically rated for food use.
  • There is a clarification regarding the term "Sterilite," noting that it is a brand name and not a specific type of polymer, and a request for more information on the material composition of the product.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the safety of using the Sterilite container for heating food. Some participants advocate caution regarding potential fumes, while others question the suitability of the container for this purpose without clear material identification.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions about the specific material properties of the Sterilite container and its temperature limits, as well as the implications of using non-food-grade materials for food applications.

theycallmevirgo
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TL;DR
Do I need to worry about inhaling or ingesting fumes from a Sterilite container heated to 150F?
Howdy folks.
I have a couple spares of these

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NAL6MND/?tag=pfamazon01-20

and I was thinking about repurposing one as a food dehydrator. Do I need to worry about fumes?

IIRC the max temp is 150F.

Will one of these help?

https://www.amazon.com/ELEGOO-Purifier-Battery-Activated-Printer（Pack/dp/B095BTW744/ref=asc_df_B095BTW744/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=647308226327&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5989182475171002304&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003563&hvtargid=pla-1409880341191&gclid=CjwKCAjw7c2pBhAZEiwA88pOF0ClVKKpPasTkbNZ-oSUCWjycF_t73OD0YIkvWzJ6G5UTCnQq8Y1CRoChrwQAvD_BwE&th=1

There's plenty of room even if I wanted to use two or even 4 purifiers.

Thanks so much

Joe
 
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Yes, worry. You should avoid the fumes.
If the polymer is not rated to 150F, the fumes will include the plasticizer, isomer, and breakdown products from the polymer.
 
theycallmevirgo said:
...repurposing one as a food dehydrator.
Rule of thumb: if it's about food, then stick to food (grade/rated).
The linked product is '‎Clothes Storage'.
 
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Sterilite is a business name and registered trademark. It is not a type of polymer.
Sterilite admits that the material is "BPA-free and phthalate-free".
What material identification information is included with the product ?