How bad is it bad of microwaves or freezing in plastic? Here is what experts say

Many plastic dishes and storage containers are marked “safely in the microwave”, but a recently filed collective appeal raises questions on such assertions.

More specifically, the trial alleges that SC Johnson, the company which manufactures Ziploc products, misleads consumers on the safety of certain Ziploc bags and containers by not adequately warning them that these products could release microplastics when they are microwave or frozen. Despite what their labels say, these articles are “fundamentally unfit for the use of microwaves and freezers” due to the danger of microplastic exposure, the complaint affirms.

“We believe that Ziploc products are sure when used as indicated and that the trial is baseless,” said a spokesperson for SC Johnson in a press release Health.

Whatever the brand, is it really so bad microwave or plastic freezing? Here's what you need to know.

Microplastics are generally defined as plastic fragments less than five millimeters long. When larger pieces of plastic degrade, microplastics are the result.

People are exposed to microplastics of all kinds of ways, food and water that we consume in the air that we breathe. While we come into contact with microplastics, they accumulate inside our body. Modern human brains can contain the equivalent of the value of a plastic spoon of microplastics, according to a recent study.

Researchers always learn exactly how microplastic exposure affects human health, but what they know is not encouraging.

“Where we looked, we found trouble,” said Katie Pelch, PhdA main scientist of the National Resources Defense Council, a non -profit organization devoted to the protection of environmental health. Pelch recently co-wrote a study analyzing previous research (a large part conducted in animals) on the effects on the health of microplastics. She and her colleagues have concluded that microplastics are “suspected” to harm reproductive, digestive and respiratory systems and can be linked to colon and lung cancer.

Other studies have also raised concerns about the impact of microplastics on brain and heart health, among others.

In short, yes. When certain containers made of polypropylene, a type of plastic commonly used for food packaging, were microwave for only three minutes, they released millions and millions of microplastic particles in their content, revealed a study of 2023. Other storage scenarios tested – such as keeping food in plastic containers at room temperature – Time, but not at the same pace as the microwave.

Freezing food in plastic can also increase your microplastic exposure, explained Carmen Marsit, PhdEnvironmental health teacher at the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University. “The freezing process could make plastic more brittle, so you may have more loss of these microplastics in food products,” he said.

Many chemicals used in plastic manufacturing, including “forever” chemicals, phthalates and BPA threaten human health.

PFAS chemicals, alone, have been linked to health risks ranging from the increase in cancer risks and the decrease in immunity to reproductive problems and development delays in children.

When plastic containers are heated in the microwave, “this will really help these chemicals refrain from plastic and in food,” said Marsit Marsit Health.

Sometimes you can easily observe the signs of this process. “If you notice that the plastic container becomes softer [after you microwave it]It is a good sign that chemicals were lifted plastic and in the foods you heat, “said Pelch.

Pelch said the type and number of chemicals you are exposed to depend on the type of plastic you have microwaves. But, in general, it is a good idea to avoid plastic microwave, even if it is stamped with a label of “microwave” safety.

A plastic container “secured in the microwave” should not melt, deform or set fire during the zap, said Marsit. But this does not necessarily guarantee the safety of other risks, such as chemical leachate or microplastic exposure.

It is almost impossible to avoid all plastics. But Pelch said Health There are easy exchanges you can – and should – do in the kitchen.

First of all, choose dishes that are not plastic when you need to heat or freeze food. Although you had to recheck the labeling of your dish to be sure, glass and ceramic ships are often safe for microwave and freezer, while stainless steel can generally be used in the freezer. (If you use a glass container with a plastic cover, remove the microwave before your meal, added Marsit.)

To go further, Pelch recommends replacing other plastic items in your kitchen, such as cutting boards and mixers. Also be aware that non -stick kitchen utensils are generally covered with PFAS chemicals, which can be erased with repeated use. “They are sort of a double blow,” said Pelch. “Now these are microplastics, And They are PFAS.

In a world where a large part of our food is packed in a certain type of plastic, it is probably not possible to go completely without plastic. But in your own kitchen, says Marsit, it is a good goal of “minimizing at least the quantity of plastic contact of food”.