A leading environmental health expert has issued a stark warning to households across the UK, urging people to never put plastic in a microwave, even if it is labelled as 'microwave safe'.
The Hidden Dangers in 'Safe' Labels
Dr Shanna Swan, a professor of environmental medicine and reproductive health at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, delivered the caution during a recent appearance on the globally popular Huberman Lab podcast. She explained that common plastic additives like BPA and phthalates are not chemically bound to the plastic itself.
"If you put anything in a container that has these chemicals in it, and then put it in a hot environment, they will come out of the plastic and go into the food," Dr Swan stated. This risk applies not only to microwaving but also to everyday scenarios like leaving a plastic water bottle in a hot car.
Why Heat Makes Plastic a Problem
The core of the warning centres on endocrine-disrupting chemicals. When heated, plastics can leach these compounds into food and drink. BPA is often used to harden plastics, while phthalates make them soft and flexible.
Dr Swan emphasised that the term 'microwave-safe' is misleading for health-conscious consumers. "'Microwave-safe' just means that the plastic won't melt in the microwave," she clarified, noting it does not mean chemicals won't migrate into your meal.
Protecting Your Health from Plastic Exposure
The discussion highlighted the broader impact of these chemicals, linking them to potential disruptions in fetal development, puberty, and adult health, as well as contributing to concerns about declining global fertility rates.
To reduce exposure, Dr Swan and other experts recommend several key actions:
- Reduce disposable plastic use wherever possible.
- Make healthier choices for food preparation, consumption, and storage, opting for glass or stainless steel containers.
- Select personal and household products that are free from harmful toxins.
The warning was amplified on social media, with one post starkly summarising: "'Microwave-safe' is a LIE if you care about your hormones. Your fertility is literally on the line."
For anyone concerned about hormone health and long-term wellbeing, the advice is clear: avoid heating plastic and consider safer alternatives for storing and reheating food and drinks.
