Recent research findings from China indicate that simply placing hot food in plastic takeout containers may put consumers at risk for cardiovascular diseases, even if the containers are not placed in a microwave.
The research team conducted experiments with rats, allowing them to drink boiled water placed in the lids of plastic food containers intended for takeout, with varying durations of 1 minute, 5 minutes, and 15 minutes over a period of 3 months.
The results of the experiment were shocking, as regardless of how long the plastic was in contact with hot liquids, the rats experienced disruptions in their gut microbiota and exhibited inflammation in their bodies, which increased the risk of heart and vascular diseases.
The researchers also found significant damage to the heart muscles of the test rats, leading them to conclude that ‘frequent exposure to plastic is significantly associated with an increased risk of heart failure.’
Since the plastic containers used in the experiment only came into contact with hot liquids poured into them and were not placed in a microwave, this study suggests that simply consuming hot food from plastic takeout containers may increase the risk of heart disease.
To gather comprehensive data, the research team also asked 3,200 people to respond to a survey regarding their exposure to plastic and their cardiovascular health. It appeared that those who frequently consumed food from plastic containers seemed to have more heart-related issues, particularly experiencing heart failure.
However, this case study has some shortcomings, as the researchers could not accurately assess what type of plastic was present in the bodies of the test rats, nor did they find any rats that actually developed heart and vascular diseases.
At the same time, the human study relied solely on self-reported data rather than laboratory experimental results, and the research team acknowledged that the connection between the plastic food containers and cardiovascular symptoms could be influenced by other factors.
Nonetheless, this is the latest evidence suggesting that microplastics in food packaging may pose serious health problems.
The authors of the study report acknowledged that further research is needed to clarify the health impacts of long-term exposure to plastic products.
Even though these experimental results seem shocking and extreme, they still recommend that ‘in the meantime, to prevent health hazards from plastic products, it is necessary to avoid using plastic containers for food at high temperatures.
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