sterilite storage boxes?

LISA127 · 08-05-04, 10:54 PM

I just received my Oct. 2004 issue of Reptiles in the mail today. On p.16, there is a question/answer on fasting crickets. In the answer, it states:

"New plastics, like that in styrene (the material of stiff, clear plastic shoeboxes) give off a variety of aromas, some of which can be toxic to small animals."

I am currently keeping a baby corn in a sterilite storage box. Now I'm worried. I have had him about 4 days now, and I thought the smell from the storage box was just a normal plastic smell. What do you think?

Thanks.
Lisa

MouseKilla · 08-06-04, 01:00 AM

Well I don't know if it's true or not myself but I do know that thousands of snakes have lived for many years in nothing but plastic tubs. It sounds like they're talking about a specific sort of plastic so who knows if it applies to Sterlite or Rubbermaid containers?

Stiff clear plastic? Doesn't sound like Rubbermaid plastic to me... Sterlite I'm not sure, I don't think I have any to check, just Rubbermaid and whatever it is they sell at Dollarama. lol!

Invictus · 08-06-04, 04:02 PM

I have a whole bunch of snakes in Sterilite boxes, and have never had a problem.

LISA127 · 08-06-04, 07:36 PM

Does it smell weird to you when you open the box??

Invictus · 08-06-04, 07:57 PM

No moreso than a rubbermaid does. I think when the article talked about harm to smaller creatures, they meant crickets and mice and such.

DragnDrop · 08-06-04, 08:16 PM

There has been some research on some plastics releasing estrogen like compounds. It was mentioned on the dart frog lists since film cannisters and petri dishes are common equipment for breeding and egg incubation. I've never heard about sterilite storage boxes being suspect, but I suppose if they're made of similar plastic they might be on the list.