What Causes a Burned Plastic Smell in a Microwave?
Like plastic containers, many plastic wraps have been designed to endure the heat of a microwave oven. These wraps contain labels stating they are "microwave-safe." These plastics can only withstand heat to a certain degree, though, above which they may begin to melt. Styrofoam, likewise, may be labeled as “microwave-safe,” but nearly all Styrofoam containers begin melting when the food gets too hot inside of them, leading to a smell much like that of the burned plastic.
