Myth:Freezing your plastic bottles can release carcinogens into whatever you are freezing.

Truth:If there were dioxins in plastics feezing wouldn't release them heating it would. But you still shouldn't freeze plastic bottles the way they are supposed to be used. Drink then recycle. (If you really need frozen drinks use the containers that are approved for reuse and freezing.)

Myth:You should never put plastic in the microwave.

Truth:When some plastic containers get hot, the additives used to make plastic flexible can dissolve into your food. These are commonly found in soft plastics like the kind your meat is wrapped in, and flexible containers like the one yogurt is in.

You should use the safe plastic that has a label saying they are microwave safe. They are strong and can handle repeated use. (Throw out all unsafe plastics and just stick with the microwave safe ones.)

Myth:Your raw meat should never be put on a wooden cutting board.

Truth:Wood and plastic are both safe. Make sure after using them clean the board properly. Wash with soap and running water. Then dry it off with a paper towel, if you leave it to dry bacteria can grow. (For added safety have two different boards. One for meat and one for fruits and vegetables.)

Myth:Your should rinse meat before cooking it and wash vegetables whenever you want.

Truth:Actually the opposite is true. If you wash meat befoe cooking it it actually creates a hazard. You might even scatter juices and salmonessa all over.

You should wash all fruits and vegetables that won't be cooked. Don't just soak the vegetables run them under the water.

Myth:Serving juice in a ceramic pitcher can expose you to an unsafe amount of lead.

Truth:Ceramics aren't dangerous if they have been glazed properly. To confirm that your ceramic pitcher is safe, check with the manufacturer or get a lead-testing kit. (If you are in total doubt use it for decoration.)

Myth:A clean kitchen is a healthy kitchen.

Truth:If you use a sponge or dish towel to clean your kitchen you probably are spreading germs all over the place. Paper towels are the safest to clean with. Use a paper towel in hot, soapy water, and then dry with with a clean dry paper towel. (Use a sponge to wash your dishes and use paper towel to clean up spills.)

Myth:You can use either hot or cold water to cook with.

Truth:Cold weather is better to cook with. Hot water can pick up lead from pipes. Most pipes now are lead-free which means there may be up to 8% lead still in it. Get in the habit of using cold water. To cut down on your risk of being exposed to lead.

Myth:You should use an antibacterial soap instead of regular soap to wash your hands after handling raw meat.

Truth:Most people have antibacterial soap in their homes and at work. But they aren't really needed. They have found no evidence that antibacterial soap works better than regular soap. (Remember, regular soap does the job safely and is better for the environment.)

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