Burnt toast could be more toxic than TRAFFIC FUMES, scientists warn

The Sun (UK) ^ | February 17, 2019 | Jon Rogers

[ProtectOurFreedom]

Burnt toast can expose people to more pollution than if they were standing at a busy road junction, a study has claimed.

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found burnt toast was especially harmful and the safest way was to “go for gold” – allowing the bread to turn a light gold colour.

The team of experts built a mock-up of a three-bed house and equipped it with monitors to assess how everyday activities impacted on air quality.

Roasting and frying can also prove to be toxic, the research found.

Researchers in the US found the least harmful way to make toast was to turn the bread a light golden brown rather than burning it

But researcher Marina Vance said the biggest shock was discovering just what the impact of toasters was.

It was found they sent toxic particles into the air the moment they are switched on, The Times has reported.

Vance said at a meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science: “When you make toast, the heating element starts warming up the debris and gunk in the toaster which includes oils.”

Revealing the early results of the research the assistant professor added: “Add to that the bread itself - it’s going to emit a range of things.

“We found ethanol, a by-product of yeast...If there’s tiny pieces of bread touching the heating element you can see the smoke, maybe from crumbs at the bottom of the toaster - they will all make a lot of particles. It led to what would be considered ‘very unhealthy’ air pollution levels if compared to outdoor air quality standards.”

[trisham]

I hear you. :) We had 7 in our family. Our toaster received quite a workout. I remember standing on a chair stirring eggs in a frying pan for the Saturday family breakfast and making toast when I was 8.

[Mears]

“This won’t stop anyone from blaming 2nd hand cig smoke for anything.”

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LOL——or 3rd hand smoke-—I even saw an article on that once.

.

[DPMD]

If, by accident or neglect, I happen to burn it, I do. It’s fine with butter, lots of butter.

[trisham]

Butter and bacon make everything better!

[Pete from Shawnee Mission]

I did, I sent the article to Ms. Pete who is now reviewing it. She is checking the list against my list of...well...bothersome substances! It was good to have some science behind me!

[gcparent]

My dad would always make the sacrifice and eat the burnt toast if we burnt it. First he would scrape it with a knife. Lived thru depression. He was frugal.

[trisham]

My parents were the same for the same reason. :) I remember my mother loved liverwurst sandwiches:

I don't know if anyone eats liverwurst any more.

[Mears]

I have Braunschweiger liverwurst in my frig now——I love the stuff.

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[trisham]

That’s great! I always loved it too. :)

[nickedknack]

Understand, and God bless you. I have an oil lamp by which my mother studied before the REA came through to provide electricity in ~1939. Water pump out front for well water (later a pump at the kitchen sink) and an outhouse in the back. No indoor plumbing until 1947 when my father, now married to my mother, helped convert the cistern to a septic tank and build a bathhouse over it. My parents lived more like those in the 19th Century than the 20th, but my father worked his way through college, fought in WWII, rose to senior rank, obtained his doctorate, and taught university after he retired from the Army. He could have done none of it without my mother by his side (the family First Sergeant!) I haven’t known gnawing hunger except during my military survival training, but I never will forget how fortunate I am to live in the USA.

[gcparent]

Dad lived healthy to 97 so burnt toast didn’t harm him.

My husband loves liverwurst. I can’t stand the smell.

[beethovenfan]

...and monkeys COULD BE flying out of my a$$.

[trisham]

It’s a bit strong. :)

[Mears]

Looks like you were blessed with great parents,God bless them.

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[motor_racer]

In other words, Traffic fumes are less toxic than burnt toast.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

So playing in traffic isn’t as deadly as we once thought?

[nickedknack]

Thank you, they were, and I was. They rest together at Arlington National Cemetery, where one day (not too soon and the Lord willing!) I hope to, as well.

[gcparent]

Does anyone else remember toasters before pop ups? They used to open from both sides. Easy to burn.