"A friend of mine is very much opposed to using a plastic kettle, for fear of some of the toxins leaching into the water. He therefore will use only a metal kettle. Is there any basis for this?"
In terms of the situation with plastic kettles- it is one that is answered "it depends"---some kettles can be problematic although in general the leaching of plastic materials is normally very limited and of no medical consequence. You will find many different comments on this question on the internet and some will be good and others will be written by over-eager interpreters of the issue. The best advice is to consult the Consumer Product Safety Directorate of the federal government.
