There are different types of glass and they have different qualities and constituents. It is not all glassware that is safe for drinking. It is based on this that consumers ask: is borosilicate glass safe to drink from?
When people worry about not knowing what sort of glass to buy, I understand because there are so many options on the market that determining which one is safe can be difficult.
However, suppose you’re considering buying the appropriate sort of glass. In that case, you’re on the right track, because considering buying the right product is a terrific first step toward making a positive lifestyle adjustment.
I indicated in my post, “Does Borosilicate Glass Contain Lead”, that borosilicate is expensive, which is why most producers have converted to soda-lime.
This is most likely why people opt for low-cost or average-quality goods that won’t break the bank. However, the truth is that if you truly want to enhance your health and make great life changes, you must constantly prioritize your health over anything else.
Now that we’ve cleared everything up, let’s get down to business: is it safe to drink from borosilicate glass? Let’s find out below.
IS BOROSILICATE GLASS SAFE TO DRINK FROM?
Yes, Borosilicate glass is safe to drink from because it is free of lead and BPA.
One of the benefits of utilizing borosilicate glass is that it aids in sustainability and keeps plastic trash out of landfills, which is good for the environment.
Because plastic pollution is a major issue, using a reusable bottle or jug made of borosilicate glass can be extremely beneficial. Plastic pollution is harmful to both our health and the environment as a whole.
READ ALSO: IS OPALWARE MICROWAVE SAFE?
READ ALSO: OPALWARE VS PORCELAIN.
READ ALSO: BOROSILICATE VS REGULAR GLASS.
IS BOROSILICATE GLASS MICROWAVE SAFE?
The principal glass-forming components of borosilicate glass are silica and 15% boron trioxide. Is borosilicate glass microwave safe? Yes, it is microwave safe because its composition is incredibly heat resistant and, unlike other types of glass, can be reheated in a microwave.
It can sustain sudden changes in high temperature without breaking or splitting and is thicker for added strength. It can be heated up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Despite being more resistant to thermal shock than other glasses, borosilicate glass can nevertheless break or crack when subjected to abrupt temperature fluctuations. Microwave-safe borosilicate glass mugs are shown below.
MICROWAVE SAFE BOROSILICATE GLASS CUPS
These borosilicate glass cups are lightweight and sturdy and can handle rapid temperature fluctuations between hot and cold.
It is particularly resistant to heat and explosions. It’s safe to use in microwaves, dishwashers, and refrigerators, and it’s long-lasting enough to withstand regular usage.
Even when drinks are heated in the mug, the handles remain cold. The handle is the perfect size to put your hand in.
CLEAR BOROSILICATE GLASS MUGS
These insulated coffee mugs with twin walls made of borosilicate material can resist temperatures of 30°C to 400°C.
Because it is heat resistant, the one-of-a-kind design keeps your fingers safe and cool. As a result, you won’t get burned when drinking your beverages.
These lovely coffee mugs can be used in the microwave, freezer, or dishwasher, but hand washing is recommended. They are more heat-resistant, have higher transparency, are thinner and lighter than regular glass, and are more durable.
They’re BPA- and lead-free, scratch- and shatter-resistant, and made to last.
IS BOROSILICATE GLASS HEAT RESISTANT?
Yes, borosilicate glass is resistant to both heat and cold. During normal use, this glass may be heated to 392 degrees Fahrenheit to 446 degrees Fahrenheit, and it can withstand temperatures as high as 752 degrees Fahrenheit for brief periods of time.
They are heat resistant because their coefficient of thermal expansion is extremely low, making them resistant to thermal shock.
This implies that temperature changes do not put the glass under as much stress. Without fracturing, a borosilicate dish can be removed from the oven and placed on a cool counter.
BOROSILICATE VS PYREX
Pyrex was made of borosilicate glass from 1915 to 1980 until Corning Glass Works shifted to soda-lime glass. The transition was made not because borosilicate is hazardous and can leach harmful substances, but rather because it is more expensive to produce. Borosilicate vs pyrex; let’s talk about their differences
The elements boron trioxide and silica combine to form borosilicate glass.
Pyrex used to be manufactured of borosilicate glass, but it is now made of soda-lime glass.
Soda-lime, which is utilized in the production of pyrex, is less expensive than borosilicate.
Pyrex glass is heat, chemical, and electrically resistant.
The low coefficient of thermal expansion of borosilicate glass is well-known. This is why it can withstand thermal shock.
Borosilicate and pyrex are both nontoxic and quite safe to use.
Both Pyrex and borosilicate can be used in the oven, microwave, dishwasher, and freezer.
BOROSILICATE PROPERTIES
What attributes are employed to make borosilicate glass? The following are the properties of borosilicate:
- It has a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than other varieties of glass, making it more resistant to temperature changes.
- The material strength of borosilicate glass is extremely strong. It is more resistant to blunt force impact than other varieties of glass. It can withstand temperatures of up to 300°C.
- At 20 degrees Celsius, borosilicate has a shear modulus of 26.5-27 GPA and a Knoop hardness of 400-480.
- When exposed to an acidic environment, it can withstand corrosion and breakage.
- Borosilicate glass consists of 4 percent sodium oxide, 2-3 percent aluminum oxide, 13% boric oxide, and 80% silica.
BOROSILICATE VS GLASS
Let’s take a look at some of the differences and similarities between borosilicate vs glass.
Natural raw materials such as limestone, soda ash, and sand are used to make glass while borosilicate is made of boric oxide, silica sand, alumina, and soda ash.
Both borosilicate and glass are non-toxic and do not leach dangerous chemicals into food or beverages. They also do not absorb odors or flavors and are nonporous.
Both glass and borosilicate are resistant to thermal shock. They can survive extreme heat and cold as well as unexpected temperature fluctuations.
Unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer, borosilicate and glass are both microwave safe.
Because it is more sturdy and thicker, borosilicate glass is more dishwasher safe than ordinary glass.
Glass and borosilicate can be used in the oven and freezer.
WHAT IS BOROSILICATE GLASS USED FOR?
What is borosilicate glass used for? Borosilicate glass is utilized for a variety of uses by various manufacturers because it is safe, non-toxic, resistant to thermal shock, exceedingly durable, and shatterproof. Borosilicate glass can be used for the following purposes:
- Cookware and bakeware, such as pots and pans.
- Glassware for laboratories.
- Spectacular lenses.
- Thermal protection.
- Medical device implantation, such as prosthetic hip joints.
- Exterior aircraft lenses.
- Water bottles and jugs.
IS BOROSILICATE GLASS BREAKABLE?
Borosilicate glass is strong, resistant to thermal shock, and does not split when subjected to drastic temperature changes.
Borosilicate glass can break or crack when exposed to unexpected temperature changes or if not handled correctly, despite being more resistant to thermal stress than other glassware.
IS BOROSILICATE GLASS OVEN SAFE?
Certain glassware is not intended for use in ovens. Because of these factors, borosilicate glass has demonstrated that it is oven safe:
- Properties: Chemical resistance, temperature resistance, and thermal shock resistance. It can tolerate temperatures better than any other glass.
- Heat resistance: It is capable of withstanding high temperatures without cracking because of its heat resistance. Up to 75 degrees Fahrenheit can be applied to it without harm.
- Durability: Due to its firmness, it is more difficult than any other variety of glass. More intricate shapes can be created with it. It can be used in chemistry labs because it resists acid erosion better than other materials, and it also contains ingredients that create glass, such as sodium oxide, aluminum oxide, and both silica and boron oxide. It can withstand the heat of an oven for a longer time and remain intact.
Before placing the glass in the oven, it is advised that you carefully check your dish for oven-safe indicators.
WHAT GLASS IS SAFE TO DRINK FROM?
Any glass that is devoid of lead, BPA, and does not leach cadmium or other hazardous compounds is safe to drink from. Borosilicate glass is a superb example of lead and BPA-free glass.
IS BOROSILICATE GLASS SAFE FOR BOILING WATER?
Yes, because it is sturdy, thick, heat, break, and shatter-resistant, can withstand thermal stress and is resistant to temperature changes, borosilicate glass is safe for boiling water.
IS BOROSILICATE GLASS SAFE OR TOXIC?
Due to its resistance to chemical and acid deterioration, borosilicate glass is completely safe and non-toxic.
CAN BOROSILICATE GLASS LEACH?
Because boron makes the glass less soluble and prevents undesired substances from seeping into the glass, food, or drink, borosilicate glass does not leach.
IS BOROSILICATE GLASS CHEMICAL FREE?
The two ingredients that are found in borosilicate glass in large quantities are silica and boron trioxide. But unlike other varieties of glass, borosilicate glass is more heat resistant because these chemicals are safe and environmentally beneficial.
In addition to being heat- and acid-resistant, borosilicate glass does not leach harmful substances.
CONCLUSION
Is borosilicate glass safe to drink from? Apart from being non-toxic, borosilicate glass has several other advantages, like being resistant to heat stress, being durable and shatterproof, being superior to normal glass, and is created using environmentally acceptable chemicals.
So, if you’re looking for a glass that’s devoid of lead and BPA, consider borosilicate. Yes, it is pricey, but it is well worth it.