Dr Burkart warned of the dangers of microplastics (stock) (Image: Getty)
Have you ever reheated the remains of the previous night’s in the microwave? A toxicology expert has warned of the dangers of doing so with the food still in its plastic container.
Speaking on Steven Bartlett’s Diary of a CEO Podcast, Dr Yvonne Burkart explained that even after a few seconds billions of microplastic plastics will be released into your food “just from a tiny square centimetre”.
Steven duly grabbed a plastic container, admitting it was “super convenient” for his lunch at work, before questioning whether they were safe.
“Absolutely not,” Dr Burkart affirmed in a clip of the show shared to . “Do not microwave plastic containers.” Re-emphasising her microplastic caution, she continued: “With microplastics, they’re hard – it’s a solid mass. It does not break down in the body.”
Studying a marking on his own container, Steven asked the doctor if a “BPA free” note meant his plastic was exempt from her warning. However, she responded: “That’s great, but it’s still plastic.”
Dr Burkart closed: “It’s still microplastic. It’s still nanoplastic releasing. And it probably has phthalates [a group of chemicals that are used to make plastics more flexible and durable] in it depending on the type of plastic.”
In response, one user said: “Same for ready meals or takeaway plastic containers, or even at work if you bring leftovers in plastic put it on a normal plate to microwave.” A second said: “Well , I’ve learnt something. Will not use plastic containers in the future.”
The doctor’s recommendation is backed up by , which reports on its website: “Microwaving plastic can release harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates into your foods and drinks. Therefore, you should avoid microwaving plastic, unless it’s labelled for this specific use.”
[STORAGE] [FOOD] [HEALTH]
It adds: “The main concern with microwaving plastic is that it can cause additives – some of which are harmful – to leach into your foods and beverages. The primary chemicals of concern are bisphenol A (BPA) and a class of chemicals called phthalates, both of which are used to increase the flexibility and durability of plastic. These chemicals – especially BPA – disrupt your body’s hormones and have been linked to obesity, diabetes, and reproductive harm.”
Dr Burkart also used the podcast to warn that recent studies show babies are being born with microplastics in their system. “When babies are born they pass their first bowel movement called meconium,” she explained. “And in the meconium, microplastics have been found so that means babies are being exposed to microplastics in utero.”