This new understanding turns the "dose makes the poison" logic on its head, suggesting that even tiny levels can cause damage if exposure happens at a particularly sensitive time during development, such as when a fetus's brain or sex organs are forming in the womb. "There are critical windows of vulnerability," says Maida Galvez, M.D., a pediatrician with the Mount Sinai Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit in New York City. "It can be a question of when in addition to how much." Or, as some scientists now put it, "the timing makes the poison," says Andrea Gore, Ph.D., who studies hormone disruptors at the University of Texas at Austin. Freeze for up to 3 months. For best taste and texture, don’t freeze cakes for longer than 3 months. You could stretch it to 4 or 5 months, but the sooner you serve it, the fresher it tastes. Regarding storage, both Glad Press and Seal and Cling Wrap offer compact and space-saving solutions. Both wraps are typically sold in rolls that can be easily stored in kitchen drawers or cabinets. However, Glad Press and Seal has an advantage in terms of its ability to conform to various shapes and sizes. Its flexible nature allows it to be tightly wrapped around the items, minimizing the need for additional storage space. Cling Wrap, although it can also conform to certain shapes, may not be as versatile in terms of its storage capabilities. For efficient use of space, Glad Press and Seal is the more convenient option. Organization

Since the late 1990s, after Hunt found that mice in BPA-contaminated cages developed egg abnormalities, she and dozens of other researchers have linked the chemical to reproductive problems in rodents, including lower sperm counts and abnormal eggs. Phthalates, too, may cause reproductive problems. In 2006, when Harvard researchers studied 463 men seeking treatment at a fertility clinic, the scientists reported that men with higher levels of certain phthalates in their urine had lower sperm counts and sperm motility, as well as damage to sperm DNA, all of which affect the ability to impregnate a partner.In one of the most important human studies so far, Swan measured phthalates in 85 pregnant women in three U.S. cities — Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and Columbia, MO. In that 2005 study, women with the highest phthalate levels were most likely to give birth to sons with smaller penises, smaller testes, and "reduced ano-genital distance" (the space between the testes and the anus). In other words, these baby boys were somewhat de-masculinized, which could signal impaired semen quality and decreased fertility later on. "The results were dramatic," Swan says. "We were surprised by how strong the link was. And, based on animal studies, we're concerned about possibly serious health consequences for these boys as they get older." Early puberty Thawing cakes is easy. Transfer the wrapped cakes from the freezer to the refrigerator one day before decorating/serving. I usually take them out of the freezer container to thaw. The cakes take at least 8 hours to thaw completely in the refrigerator. Sometimes I forget and just let the cake(s) thaw at room temperature, but it’s better they thaw at a slower rate in the refrigerator. The following items contained low levels of phthalates or PBA but the chemicals did not leach into food during microwave heating: The ability to withstand heat is an important consideration when comparing Glad Press and Seal and Cling Wrap. Glad Press and Seal is specifically designed to be heat-resistant, allowing it to be safely used in the microwave and oven. The wrap can withstand temperatures of up to 375°F (190°C) without melting or releasing harmful chemicals. Cling Wrap, especially the PVC variant, may not be suitable for high-temperature applications and can pose a safety risk if used in the oven or microwave. For heat-resistant wrapping and cooking, Glad Press and Seal is the safer option. Suitability for Cooking

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But what scientists like Hunt and Swan and others have come to realize is that chemicals like BPA and phthalates don't play by the rules. Many of their and other studies of endocrine disruptors have found serious health effects at levels as low as 2 micrograms per one kilogram of body weight — that's 25 times lower than the EPA's safe level ."We've been using an oversimplified mode of measurement," says Scott Belcher, Ph.D., associate professor of pharmacology and cell biophysics at the University of Cincinnati. You can freeze just about any cake after they’ve cooled completely. Mega flavorful cakes such as banana cake, chocolate cake, carrot cake, and pumpkin cake freeze and thaw beautifully when wrapped in a couple layers, as detailed above. I find their flavor is even better after the freezing/thawing process! Bundt cakes and pound cake freeze wonderfully as well, just make sure they’re completely cooled and wrapped tightly before freezing. For cheesecake instructions, see “How to Freeze Cheesecake” in my cheesecake recipe. Bake and completely cool a cake/cake layers. These step-by-step photos show round cakes, but you can freeze square, rectangle, Bundt cakes, etc. See my 10 best Cake Baking Tips for best practices on baking and cooling cakes.

While this is terrific news, there's more you should understand. For one thing, we know we have these chemicals in our bodies, and they're getting there somehow. Indeed, nearly every American has BPA coursing through his or her veins, according to data gathered in 2003-04 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — and children have the highest levels of all. The FDA estimates that adult Americans consume, on average, a cumulative 11 micrograms of BPA per day through diet — mostly from the liners in canned foods, say several scientific groups. Is that level a lot? Is it safe? No one really knows yet, but "we're concerned about how much exposure there is to this chemical and possible health repercussions," says Anila Jacob, M.D., a physician and senior scientist for the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit watchdog scientific organization. Glad Press and Seal’s heat resistance not only makes it safe to use in the microwave and oven but also allows for cooking and steaming food. Its ability to create a tight seal helps preserve moisture and flavor during the cooking process. However, it is important to note that while Glad Press and Seal is suitable for cooking, it is recommended to follow safety guidelines and not exceed the maximum heat resistance limit. Cling Wrap, on the other hand, may not have the same level of suitability for cooking, as it may melt or release harmful substances when exposed to high temperatures. For cooking purposes, Glad Press and Seal offers a safer and more reliable choice.

Microwave and Oven Safety

FANTASTIC Product! I’ve meant to write a review for this product for a LONG time. I have a story that has deemed me a life-long user of Press ‘n Seal. Another crucial factor to examine is the durability of the two types of wraps. Glad Press and Seal is known for its strength and resiliency. Its robust construction enables it to withstand minor impacts without tearing or puncturing easily. Cling Wrap, on the other hand, may not be as durable and can tear more easily when stretched or subjected to pressure. The added durability of Glad Press and Seal makes it a preferable choice for wrapping and sealing items that require extra protection. Adhesion Until recently, researchers had no way to detect the small amounts that are at the heart of this controversy. But "now that we can measure these low levels, we see how incredibly potent these compounds are," says David O. Norris, Ph.D., an endocrinologist at the University of Colorado at Boulder. It's possible, say many researchers, that early exposure to chemicals like BPA is making more of us grow up to be chubby, infertile, or more prone to illness as kids and adults. Messing With Our Hormones Clearly good news: None of the samples of sauce or gravy had detectable levels of either BPA or phthalates. Products tested that contained no phthalates or BPA: The results: When food was heated in these containers in the microwave (or, in the case of Press 'n Seal, in a glass bowl covered with the wrap prior to microwaving), all three suspect products passed: "No detectable amounts" (to use the scientific phrase) of BPA or phthalates wound up in either the tomato sauce or the gravy.