Disposable plastic containers may release harmful chemicals into takeaway food, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease. China scientists discovered that disposable plastic containers leak dangerous compounds when heated. These compounds can trigger changes in the body.
A study on rats found that drinking water exposed to chemicals from heated plastic packaging caused gut bacteria alterations. It also led to possible heart damage. The rodents, after consuming the contaminated water for three months, developed misaligned fibers, inflammatory cell infiltration, and mitochondrial swelling in heart tissue. While human effects remain uncertain, the research suggests heated disposable plastic containers may not be safe for food storage.
Ningxia Medical University researchers warn, “It is essential to avoid using disposable plastic containers for high-temperature food.”
PLASTIC EXPOSURE AND HEART FAILURE RISK
This experiment was inspired by a survey of 3,179 older adults in China. Participants with higher plastic exposure were more likely to suffer from congestive heart failure.
Recent studies have detected microplastics in blood clots in the brain, heart, and legs. Concerned about these findings, epidemiologist Yueping Wu and colleagues investigated plastic exposure’s cardiovascular effects.
HEATING PLASTIC RELEASES TOXIC CHEMICALS
For three months, researchers fed 24 rodents chemicals leached from disposable plastic containers heated in boiling tap water. The leachates contained BPA, phthalates, and plasticizers. These chemicals were released when disposable plastic containers were submerged in hot water for 1, 5, and 15 minutes.
The rodents consuming contaminated water showed significant changes in their gut microbiome, particularly in bacteria linked to inflammation.
Inflammation and Heart Disease Risk
Blood tests in exposed rodents revealed increased inflammatory immune messengers—key risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
“These changes might be linked to plastic product leachates disrupting microbiota and inflammatory factors, triggering inflammation and myocardial damage,” the researchers explain.
Plastics degrade faster with heat, but even bottled water, often stored at cooler temperatures, contains microplastics.
MICROWAVE-SAFE PLASTIC MAY NOT BE SAFE
Recent studies show microwaving plastic food containers can release billions of tiny plastic particles into meals, even if labeled “microwave-safe.” Just three minutes of heating disposable plastic containers can release dangerous amounts of microplastics and nanoplastics. However, the amount absorbed by the human body and its long-term effects remain unknown.
PLASTICS FOUND IN CLOGGED ARTERIES
Studies on clogged arteries show that plastic fragments are present in over 50% of plaques. Within 34 months after surgery, patients with plastics in their arteries were 4.5 times more likely to suffer a heart attack, stroke, or death compared to those without plastic exposure.
HOW PLASTICS MAY HARM THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
Researchers believe plastic additives may suppress antioxidant enzymes and trigger inflammation, increasing cardiovascular risk. While plastic pollution’s full impact is still being studied, the growing evidence is alarming.
HOT PLASTIC CUTLERY AFFECTS GUT BACTERIA
A 2023 study revealed that placing hot, disposable plastic cutlery in the mouth reduced the diversity of intestinal microbiota. Similarly, disposable plastic containers pose a risk when subjected to heat.
Before ordering takeaway, consider your food’s temperature and the packaging material.
The study was published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety.
