THE BASIC CONCEPTS OF ALLERGIES: WAXES
Although many shoppers are unaware of the fact, certain fruits and vegetables are sold with a coating of paraffin wax. The wax on parsnips and rutabagas is so thick that you can scrape it off with your fingernail. But other so-called fresh produce, such as cucumbers, green peppers, and apples, are often sprayed with a light coating of paraffin to improve their appearance and shelf life. Not surprisingly, this petroleum-derived wax can contribute to the health problems of susceptible persons.
Some people think it is safe to eat such foods if they simply peel the wax away. But wax particles stick to the cut surfaces of waxed fruits and vegetables. To prove this, you simply have to peel a parsnip or other heavily waxed vegetable and then dip it into boiling water. Wax droplets may rise to the surface of the water, despite the fact that you supposedly removed the wax through peeling.
Peeling a commercial cucumber or apple is more effective in removing the wax. But these produce may still contain other chemical residues that can cause problems.
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