Ever microwaved last night’s takeaway leftovers in their plastic container? You might want to think twice before doing so again.
Toxicology expert Dr Yvonne Burkart, speaking on Steven Bartlett’s Diary of a CEO Podcast, explained that even a few seconds in the microwave can release billions of microplastic particles into your food “just from a tiny square centimetre”. Steven, holding a plastic container he admitted was “super convenient” for his work lunches, asked if they were safe.
“Absolutely not,” Dr Burkart confirmed in a TikTok clip taken from the show. “Do not microwave plastic containers.” She reiterated her warning about microplastics, saying: “With microplastics, they’re hard – it’s a solid mass. It does not break down in the body.”
When Steven queried whether a “BPA free” label meant his container was safe, she responded: “That’s great, but it’s still plastic.” Dr Burkart concluded: “It’s still microplastic. It’s still nanoplastic releasing. And it probably has phthalates [a group of chemicals that are used to make plastics more flexible and durable] in it depending on the type of plastic.”
One TikTok user agreed with the stance, responding: “Same for ready meals or takeaway plastic containers, or even at work if you bring leftovers in plastic put it on a normal plate to microwave.” While another said: “Well, I’ve learnt something. Will not use plastic containers in the future.”
Dr Burkart’s advice is backed by Healthline, which cautions on its website: “Microwaving plastic can release harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates into your foods and drinks. Therefore, you should avoid microwaving plastic, unless it’s labelled for this specific use.”
It continues: “The main concern with microwaving plastic is that it can cause additives – some of which are harmful – to leach into your foods and beverages. The primary chemicals of concern are bisphenol A (BPA) and a class of chemicals called phthalates, both of which are used to increase the flexibility and durability of plastic. These chemicals – especially BPA – disrupt your body’s hormones and have been linked to obesity, diabetes, and reproductive harm.”
Additionally, Dr Burkart highlighted that worrying research indicates many newborn babies already have microplastics in their bodies. “When babies are born they pass their first bowel movement called meconium,” she elucidated. “And in the meconium, microplastics have been found so that means babies are being exposed to microplastics in utero.”