Maya Ellison
Plastic is everywhere, from our rivers and oceans to our food and water sources. Plastic containers are a common source of plastic exposure, with microplastics and nanoplastics (tiny plastic particles) shedding off into our food and beverages. This can occur even at room temperature, but heating plastics, especially in the microwave, accelerates the process. Chemicals leaching out of plastics can have adverse health effects, such as reduced fertility. Fatty and oily foods should be avoided in plastic containers as their fat-soluble chemicals are more likely to leach into these foods. While the exact extent of chemical exposure from plastic packaging is unknown, it is clear that plastic and heat do not mix well.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Microplastics | Microplastics from containers flake into food, accounting for 30% of plastic intake from food |
| Nanoplastics | Nanoplastics are tiny particles that are invisible to standard light-based microscopes |
| Harmful chemicals | Chemicals like phthalates, bisphenols, and polychlorinated biphenyls can interfere with hormones and reduce fertility |
| Heat | Heating plastics, especially in microwaves, increases the rate of chemical migration into food |
| Fatty foods | Chemicals in plastic are fat-soluble and more likely to leach into fatty foods |
| Recycling | Recycling can introduce hazardous chemicals into other materials |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic containers exposed to heat
Plastic containers are widely used for storing and reheating food due to their convenience and availability. However, the safety of using plastic containers, especially when exposed to heat, has been a subject of debate and concern among health experts and consumers.
The primary concern with plastic containers is the potential leaching of chemicals into food, especially when heated. Plastics are made with various chemicals, such as bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and PFAS, which have been linked to adverse health effects, including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. When plastic containers are heated, they can break down, releasing trace amounts of microplastics and chemicals into the food. This breakdown is more likely to occur when plastic is heated, old, or subjected to repeated use or washings.
Some types of plastics, like Polypropylene (PP), are generally considered safer for food use due to their heat resistance and low chemical leachability. PP has a high melting point, making it suitable for containers holding hot food, and it is widely recognised for its safety in contact with food. However, not all plastics are created equal, and their chemical compositions vary widely, resulting in different levels of heat resistance and potential chemical leachability.
To reduce the risk of chemical exposure, it is recommended to avoid heating food in plastic containers, especially in the microwave or oven. Instead, opt for alternative materials like glass, stainless steel, or lead-free ceramic. Additionally, handwashing plastic containers instead of using a dishwasher can help minimise their exposure to heat.
While some plastic products claim to be "microwave-safe," investigations have shown that heating food in plastic containers can still result in the release of chemicals. Therefore, it is advisable to exercise caution and limit the use of plastic containers for storing or heating food, especially when other safer alternatives are available.
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Fatty foods in plastic containers
Plastic containers are a convenient and inexpensive storage solution for food items. However, the presence of various chemicals in plastics and their potential to leach into food, especially fatty foods, is a growing concern.
Plastics contain numerous chemicals, including phthalates, bisphenols (BPA, BPS, BPF), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). These chemicals have been linked to adverse health effects, such as reproductive issues and reduced fertility in both men and women. The risk of chemical leaching increases when plastics come into contact with heat, fatty foods, or acidic foods.
Fatty or oily foods, such as butter, cheese, meat, and lasagna, should be avoided in plastic containers. The fat content in these foods can facilitate the leaching of chemicals from the plastic into the food, especially during long-term storage or exposure to high temperatures. This not only contaminates the food but also poses potential health risks associated with the ingested chemicals.
To reduce the risk of chemical leaching and contamination, it is recommended to use alternative materials for storing fatty foods. Glass, ceramic, or stainless steel containers are safer options. These materials are non-reactive, stain-resistant, and suitable for both hot and cold foods. Additionally, they provide better ventilation, preventing moisture buildup and maintaining the freshness and safety of the stored food.
By making informed choices and opting for alternative storage materials, consumers can minimize the potential health risks associated with chemical leaching from plastic containers, especially when dealing with fatty or oily foods.
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Plastic microfibres in drinking water
Plastic food containers can leach toxins into food, especially at high temperatures (above 40°C/104°F). Microplastics can also shed into food from containers through friction. A study in the Journal of Hazardous Materials found that microplastics from containers accounted for 30% of plastic intake from food.
Plastic microfibers have also been found in drinking water. A 2017 study found that 83% of tap water samples from over a dozen countries on five continents tested positive for microplastics. The specific rates varied, but all locations saw plastic in over 70% of samples. These microfibers enter the water system through synthetic fiber clothing, tire dust, microbeads, and the fragmentation of larger pieces of plastic.
A separate study by the Story of Stuff Project in 2020 found widespread plastic microfiber contamination in commercial bottled water. The brands with the highest levels of contamination were Boxed Water, Fiji, Ozarka, and Evian. While the health implications of consuming microplastics are not yet fully understood, it is known that plastics can release phthalates, which interfere with hormones and reduce fertility. They can also contain bisphenols and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
To address microfiber pollution, individuals can filter their drinking water if possible and avoid purchasing bottled water. On a larger scale, water municipalities should improve their filtration systems, and the fashion industry should reduce its use of synthetic materials.
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Plastic containers in the dishwasher
Plastic containers are a widely used kitchen item, from storing leftovers to cutlery and baby bottles. However, there are concerns about the safety of using plastic containers in dishwashers due to the potential risk of chemical leaching.
The concern is that the hot water and high temperatures in a dishwasher can degrade plastic containers, causing them to break down and allowing harmful chemicals to leach into food and drinks. Chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates are commonly found in many plastics and can pose potential health risks when they leach into food. BPA and phthalates are more likely to leach at higher temperatures, especially above 40°C, and with more friction.
Some sources suggest that plastic containers, especially those labelled as dishwasher-safe, can be safely washed in the dishwasher. It is recommended to place them on the top rack, as the heating element in the dishwasher is usually at the bottom, which could cause the plastic to melt. However, others argue that the repeated wear and tear of washing plastic containers in the dishwasher can cause BPA, phthalates, and other chemicals to leach out, even from scratched or worn containers.
To reduce the risk of chemical leaching, some people choose to wash plastic containers by hand instead of using a dishwasher. This avoids the high temperatures and friction that can contribute to leaching. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid heating food in plastic containers, as heating can also increase the leaching of chemicals.
While there are differing opinions on the safety of washing plastic containers in the dishwasher, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions and use plastic products as intended to minimize any potential risks.
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Plastic containers in the microwave
There is evidence that heating food in plastic containers or wraps in the microwave can cause chemicals to leach out of the plastic and into the food. This can happen even at room temperature, but the process is accelerated by heating, especially in the case of wet foods. This is because heat speeds up hydrolysis, the process by which water molecules can break chemical bonds.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that microwaving food is generally safe, but microwaving in plastic containers is associated with increased leaching. This is supported by a study that found that 70% of 455 common plastic products tested positive for estrogenic activity, and when microwaved, this number increased to 95%. Another study found that polypropylene (#5) labelled as "microwave-safe" released 4.2 million and 1.2 billion particles per square centimetre of plastic after being heated in a microwave.
The chemicals that leach out of plastics into food are often endocrine disruptors (EDCs), meaning they disrupt the hormonal signals that regulate vital bodily processes. Many plastic containers and wraps contain plasticizers, which are substances used to make them more flexible, and these can be absorbed by food, especially when heated at high temperatures.
To reduce the risk of chemical leaching, it is recommended to use glass, ceramic, or plastic containers and wraps that are labelled as microwave-safe. It is also advised to avoid single-use containers, such as margarine tubs and takeout containers, as these are more likely to melt and cause chemicals to leach into food. Additionally, old, scratched, or discoloured plastic containers should be replaced, as they can also leach more chemicals.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, plastic can leech into food from containers. Harmful chemicals can leech into food from plastic containers or cans with plastic lining. Heating plastics in the microwave or putting them in the dishwasher can speed up this process.
Heating plastics can cause plastic containers to break down, allowing unknown chemicals to leech into food and drinks. A study by the University of Nebraska found that more microplastics and nanoplastics leached into food when a plastic container was heated in the microwave compared to being refrigerated or kept at room temperature.
Microplastics can release phthalates into the body, which interfere with hormones and may reduce fertility in both men and women. Microplastics can also contain bisphenols A, S and F (BPAs, BPSs, and BPFs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
To reduce exposure, choose foods with minimal packaging and avoid heating plastic containers in the microwave. Avoid storing fatty or oily foods in plastic as chemicals used in plastic are fat-soluble and more likely to leech into fatty foods.
