Eating from plastic takeout containers may increase the risk of congestive heart failure, with researchers linking the exposure to gut biome changes that trigger inflammation and circulatory damage.
Tom Perkins reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- A study of over 3,000 people in China found a significant association between frequent plastic takeout container use and congestive heart failure.
- Researchers exposed rats to plastic-leached chemicals from boiling water in containers, observing gut microbiome disruptions linked to inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Heart muscle damage was detected in exposed rats, though the duration of plastic contact with hot water did not alter the extent of harm.
Key quote:
“The data revealed that high-frequency exposure to plastics is significantly associated with an increased risk of congestive heart failure.”
— Study authors
Why this matters:
Plastics contain thousands of chemicals, including BPA, phthalates and PFAS, known to interfere with hormones and increase health risks. When exposed to heat, plastics can leach microplastics and toxic compounds into food and beverages, potentially disrupting gut health and increasing inflammation. With plastic packaging widespread in food systems, exposure is nearly unavoidable, raising concerns about long-term health effects.
Related EHN coverage: PFAS with your pizza? People who eat more takeout have higher levels of harmful chemicals in their bodies
