Although labeled safe for microwaving, plastic containers still pose health risks.
Today, the convenience of the microwave oven in cooking is undeniable. Many people frequently use plastic containers and plastic lids to store or reheat food in the microwave.
However, despite these plastic items being labeled as safe, experts warn that using them in the microwave can be harmful to health.
Microwaves are very popular for reheating food. (Photo: Adobe).
The concept of “safety” here means that these plastic containers maintain their chemical structure when reused in the microwave, meaning they do not melt when exposed to microwave energy.
However, safe plastics can still contaminate food. Microplastics can break down and mix into the food, potentially infiltrating every cell in the body, including the brain, heart, and male reproductive organs.
Experts suggest that not only microplastics but also other chemicals contained in plastic containers may dissolve into food when heated in the microwave.
Bisphenol-A (BPA) and phthalates, which are chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and durable, can leach into food when containers are heated at high temperatures, causing unwanted health side effects.
In 2023, a team of experts from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA, conducted experiments with food containers intended for children. They used deionized water or acetic acid to simulate the interaction between containers and common children’s foods, discovering that microplastics infiltrated the food after being heated in the microwave.
Scientists estimate that children consuming reheated food in plastic containers in the microwave are the most likely to absorb high levels of microplastics.
In another experiment, researchers tested the concentration of microplastics in laboratory kidney cells, and the results showed that only 23% of the cells could survive.
The conclusion is straightforward: The more food containers heated in the microwave, the more detrimental they are to health.
Experts warn of many potential risks from the chemicals in plastics, including cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, neurological issues, hormone disruption, and problems related to conception and childbirth.
A recent study found that individuals with microplastics in their cardiovascular system face a 4.5 times higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, and death.
Glass food containers are safer than plastic, so it is advisable to consider using this type of container when reheating food in the microwave.
If you must use plastic containers, choose those that are BPA-free, but be aware that even BPA-free containers or lids may still contain other bisphenol chemicals, which pose health risks.
