Research from the University of Nebraska has clear advice: Don’t nuke plastic.
Experts have found that our “just stick it in the microwave” mentality is releasing vast amounts of tiny plastic particles – in some cases, more than 2 billion nanoplastics and 4 million microplastics per square centimeter (almost one-sixth of a square inch).
Worryingly, they are not yet sure how these synthetic materials affect our bodies.
“Even this study should be a wake-up call — not just for new parents, but also for the FDA [Food and Drug Administration]” Judith Enck, former EPA administrator and president of the advocacy group Beyond Plastics, told Wired.
“They need to be more proactive.”
What was studied?
As part of a study that began in 2021, Nebraska researcher Kazi Albab Hussain and his team microwaved FDA-approved plastic baby bottles. The bottles are filled with water and other liquids that simulate food and heated for three minutes.
Results show that children are ingesting microplastics as a result.
“For the sake of my children, I cannot completely avoid using plastic,” Hussain said. While studying, he became a new father. “But I can avoid those [scenarios]which leads to the release of more microplastics and nanoplastics. People should know these too and should make wise choices. “
What are microplastics?
They are tiny plastic particles found on Earth’s highest peaks and deepest oceans. Henry Ford Health reported that 77% of people tested in one study had microplastics in their blood.
Some microplastics are made from PFAS, often called “forever chemicals” because they take a long time to degrade. The government estimates that PFAS is present in the blood of up to 97% of Americans.
What are the health effects?
Experts are still studying the effects of microplastics and PFAS on the body, but common sense suggests it won’t do any good.
“Many studies, including ours, have shown that the toxicity of microplastics and nanoplastics is closely related to exposure levels,” Hussain said in the study.
Experts exposed kidney cells to microplastics released during microwave experiments in bottles. They said around 75% of cells were killed – which may have something to do with how microplastics damage our kidneys.
How to avoid microplastics
First, don’t microwave plastic items. Hussein hopes to create a better plastic that releases fewer particles.
“I hope one day these products will be labeled ‘microplastic-free’ or ‘nanoplastic-free’,” he said.
Currently, products such as edible plastic-free food packaging, compostable coffee and tea bags, and glass baby bottles provide the same service, but without the tiny plastic permeators.
