As someone who's always looking for ways to live a healthier, more sustainable life, I've been doing a lot of research lately on the safety of microwaving food in plastic containers. It's something that many of us do without a second thought, but as it turns out, there may be some serious health risks involved. Let's learn more about this below and look into some safe microwavable alternatives!

The Health Risks of Microwaving Plastic

Recent studies have shown that microwaving food in plastic containers can cause tiny plastic particles, known as microplastics and nanoplastics, to leach into your food. These particles can then be ingested and potentially absorbed into your body, which has raised concerns among health experts.

A study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology found that microwaving plastic containers released up to 4.2 million microplastics and 1.2 billion nanoplastics per square centimetre of plastic. Yikes!

Many plastics contain chemical additives, such as BPA (or BPA substitutes like BPS and BPF) and phthalates, which can also leach into your food when the container is heated. These chemicals are known as endocrine disruptors, meaning they can mimic or block the actions of natural hormones in the body, leading to various potential health problems. Studies have linked exposure to these chemicals with:

• Obesity and diabetes
• Reproductive problems and infertility
• Certain types of cancer, such as breast and prostate cancer
• Developmental issues in children, including neurodevelopmental disorders
• Immune system dysfunction
• Cardiovascular disease
• Thyroid disorders

These findings highlight the potential for significant exposure to plastic particles when microwaving food in plastic containers. It's a no-go.

While governing bodies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do regulate the use of plastic in food packaging, experts argue that the current guidelines may not be sufficient to protect consumers from the potential risks associated with microwaving plastic.

The "Microwave-Safe" Plastic Myth

Did you know that plastic containers labelled as "microwave-safe" simply mean that they won't melt or break when heated? It doesn't guarantee that harmful chemicals won't leach into your food.

It is the same for "BPA-free plastics". A study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives tested over 450 plastic products, including many labelled as BPA-free, and found that nearly all of them leached chemicals with estrogenic activity. Simply replacing BPA with other chemicals does not eliminate the potential health risks associated with plastic food containers. It is still releasing other endocrine-disrupting chemicals when microwaved. 

The Long-Term Effects of Plastic Exposure

While the immediate effects of consuming microplastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals from plastic containers may not be obvious right away, the long-term consequences of chronic exposure are a growing concern among health experts.

Studies have shown that endocrine disruptors can have multigenerational effects, meaning that exposure during pregnancy can impact not only the developing foetus but also future generations. Animal studies have demonstrated that exposure to these chemicals can lead to altered brain development, reproductive abnormalities, and increased susceptibility to certain diseases in offspring.

Furthermore, the cumulative effect of exposure to multiple endocrine-disrupting chemicals over a lifetime is not well understood. As these chemicals are ubiquitous in our environment, found in everything from food packaging to personal care products, the potential for combined exposure and synergistic effects is a significant concern.

Safer, Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Plastic

At Go For Zero, we believe in prioritising your health and the health of the planet. That's why we reseach and test alternatives to plastic food containers. We are passionate to help you make the transition away from potentially harmful plastics and switch to safer, more sustainable alternatives for food storage and reheating.

Here are some plastic-free, eco-friendly food storage solutions we use and recommend:

1. Glass containers: glass is non-porous and won't absorb food or leach chemicals when heated. Just be sure to choose containers that are labelled oven-safe and microwave-safe
2. Togo range of reusable, leak-proof silicone containers: These versatile containers are perfect for storing leftovers, packing lunches, and reheating meals. Made from premium, food-grade silicone, they're microwave-safe, freezer-safe, and dishwasher-safe. See a video about them here 
3. Silicone food pouches: Reusable and eco-friendly, these pouches are made from food-grade silicone, which is free from harmful chemicals and can withstand high temperatures without leaching. They're also easy to clean and come in a variety of sizes and colours.

Making a Difference, One Choice at a Time

Making changes to your daily habits can be challenging, but every effort to reduce your exposure to potentially harmful substances counts. By choosing to avoid microwaving plastic and opting for safer alternatives, you're taking an important step towards protecting your health and the environment.

Remember, small changes can add up to a big impact over time. As more people become aware of the potential risks associated with microwaving plastic and demand safer options, companies and policymakers will have to respond.

If you have any questions about the potential risks of microwaving plastic or need help finding the right plastic-free alternatives for your needs, please don't hesitate to reach out to askusanything@goforzero.com.au. We're here to support you on your journey to a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.

With love, Ellie x