A leading fertility scientist warns that heating food in plastic containers can release chemicals that disrupt hormones, potentially affecting fertility and raising cancer risks.
Emily Stearn and John Ely report for the Daily Mail.
In short:
- Heating food in plastic can release chemicals like BPA and phthalates into the food, which are linked to hormone disruption and fertility issues.
- Studies suggest these chemicals may mimic estrogen or disrupt testosterone, contributing to conditions like cancer as well as global fertility decline.
- Despite regulators claiming typical exposure levels are safe, bans on BPA and certain phthalates have been implemented in products for children and food packaging.
Key quote:
“Never put plastic in a microwave.The BPA, the phthalates, the plasticisers are added to the plastic but they're not chemically bound to it. So 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. Shanna Swan, epidemiologist, fertility expert and EHS senior scientist
Why this matters:
Chemical exposure from plastics is a growing health concern, potentially affecting reproductive health and contributing to rising cancer rates. Some countries have banned BPA in baby bottles and food packaging, but loopholes and weaker alternatives remain a problem.
Read more: A stalled global plastic treaty threatens our future fertility.
