There has long been a common question asked by many people; “Are Mylar bags toxic?”
The short answer is no, properly manufactured Mylar bags are not toxic when used as intended. However, like any packaging material, safety depends on quality, composition, and proper usage.
Food, medication, supplement and emergency supply Mylar bags are very commonly used by individuals.
Below you will find a medically sound breakdown that can help clarify how Mylar works and the potential risks that Mylar may pose to your health.
What are Mylar Bags?
Mylar is a brand name for biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate, often abbreviated as BoPET. It is a type of polyester film.
Generally speaking, in the case of packaging, the following types of layers represent the structure of a typical Mylar bag:
- A layer of polyester film gives strength to the package.
- An aluminum foil layer acts as a barrier against loss or entry of oxygen, or light to the product.
- An inner seal layer made of food grade polyethylene serves to protect the product inside the packaging.
Each of the layers together form a multilayered barrier pouch that protects the contents from:
- oxygen
- moisture
- ultraviolet light
- contaminants
The actual materials used in the construction of Mylar bags are chemically stable and inert in an environment that is reasonably controlled for storage.
Are Mylar Bags Safe for Long Term Food Storage?
Yes, Mylar bags are generally considered safe for long-term food storage provided that they are packaged in “food grade” bags, and that the manufacturer has passed the regulatory requirements.
- High Quality Mylar Packaging Does Not:
- Contain BPA,
- Leach any harmful chemicals into dry food items,
- Have been approved for use with food,
- Are Widely Used for Grains, Rice, All Dehydrated Foods, and Prepared Emergency Ration Foods.
Mylar is preferred over thin plastic packaging materials due the stronger oxygen barrier that helps limit spoilage and oxidation.
Does Any Standard Mylar Film Contain BPA or Other Harmful Chemicals?
While standard Mylar films do not contain BPA, Polycarbonate, and other EPA regulated compounds, it is good practice for anyone to check the quality and safety (both of those) of the products that they buy.
BPA is also typically associated more with the polycarbonate plastic or epoxy resin than polyester-based plastic films such as BoPET.
Most importantly, low quality or unregulated imported pouches that are not certified as a food contact material may include unknown additives to the product. Thus, it is very important to buy from a reputable manufacturer.
When choosing Mylar bags, you should look for:
– FDA approved food grade bags
– Manufacturing specifications provided in writing
When it comes to barrier packaging for pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, the regulations surrounding safety are even more stringent.
Are Chemicals Able to Leach Into Food or Medicine?
When using properly manufactured Mylar bags under normal conditions, they will not leach chemicals into dry food products.
The risk of chemical leaching increases when:
– Mylar bags are exposed to excessive heat
– Mylar bags are not manufactured out of food graded materials
– The food is acidic or oily and not packaged properly
For example, high fat content foods will require an inner layer of Mylar specifically designed to mitigate against migration of the raw material into the contents of the package.
Foil barrier bags are used frequently in a medical or pharmaceutical setting for:
Apart from the fact that they are barrier packaging, there are a number of reasons why Mylar and foil laminate pouches are used in the healthcare field:
– Protect light sensitive medications from degradation
– Prevent oxygen degradation
– Maintain sterility
– Extend life of materials requiring storage for extended periods of time
Many products prescribed in oncology care and cardiology care are extremely moisture and UV sensitive. As a result of this, the potency of the medication will diminish with time without the use of barrier packaging.
This is why medical grade Mylar based barrier bags and pouches are used throughout hospitals and pharmaceutical facilities around the world.
Are Mylar Bags Safe?
There are risks associated with the improper use of Mylar.
Some examples of how not to use Mylar bags include:
– Heating Mylar bags in a microwave
– Storing highly fatty or liquid food without using a proper liner
– Utilizing industrial Mylar pouches not manufactured for food storage
– Reusing damaged or degraded bags
Most of the toxicity issues related to the use of Mylar bags stem from misuse and/or low grade materials used to manufacture the bag. The toxicity does not originate from Mylar (polyester film).
How Custom Mylar Bags Improve Safety and Compliance
Mylar bags are not all made to the same specifications; therefore, many companies offer custom Mylar bag packaging that meets the exact specifications needed in health care, dietary supplement manufacturing and food storage.
Custom Mylar bags enable manufacturers to:
– Make use of certified food grade inner layers.
– Vary levels of thickness for improved barrier protection.
– Include UV blocking features to protect light sensitive items.
– Incorporate oxygen or moisture control systems.
For example, prescription medications often require higher levels of aluminum barrier materials in the packaging to prevent degradation due to light exposure. Similarly, some types of nutritional supplements require specific types of laminate construction to minimize oxidation.
By using an experienced manufacturer of barrier packaging solutions and having an established track record of providing tested, safe materials, your company can ensure compliance with government regulations regarding the production of custom Mylar bags. Most companies that provide FDA compliant custom Mylar bag manufacturing typically offer both performance and regulatory compliance with regards to food, wellness and drug applications.
To Answer the Question: Are Mylar Bags Toxic?
Properly manufactured food grade Mylar bags are not toxic.
They can be used for:
– Preserving food
– Preparing for emergencies
– Storing pharmaceutical products
– Packaging medical supplies
The safety of Mylar barrier bags correlates to:
– Material certification
– Intended use
– Storage conditions
Mylar barrier packaging is safe and stable for long-term storage of dry food and many health-related products when properly sourced and used.
