Heating Food in Plastic Containers for Children? ... Significantly Higher Risk of Heart Disease and Infertility in Adulthood

A study has found that continuous exposure to plastic products during childhood significantly increases the risk of developing various chronic diseases such as heart disease, infertility, and asthma in adulthood. In particular, the researchers pointed out that even the common habit of placing plastic containers in the microwave can exacerbate these risks. The research team advised using glass or stainless steel products instead of plastic and avoiding putting plastic containers in the microwave or dishwasher.

A study has found that continuous exposure to plastic products during childhood significantly increases the risk of various chronic diseases such as heart disease, infertility, and asthma in adulthood. An AI-generated image to aid understanding of the article. ChatGPT

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A research team from NYU Langone Health in the United States published the results of a comprehensive analysis of hundreds of recent studies on plastics on September 21 in the international journal The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health. By reviewing data from thousands of pregnant women, fetuses, and children, the researchers confirmed that certain chemicals in plastics can cause a variety of chronic diseases, including heart disease, infertility, asthma, and obesity.

The study focused on three types of chemicals: phthalates, which make plastics flexible; bisphenols, which make plastics hard; and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which block heat and water. These substances are widely used in everyday products such as food packaging, disposable cups, cosmetics, and receipts. In particular, when plastics are heated or chemically cleaned, microplastics and nanoparticles are released, making it easier for them to enter the body.

Microwave oven stock photo. Photo by Getty Images Bank

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According to the study, these chemicals cause inflammation throughout the body and disrupt hormone functions that regulate growth, metabolism, and immunity. Childhood exposure, in particular, has been linked to adverse effects on brain development, including decreased IQ, autism spectrum disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Leonardo Trasande, the lead author and professor of pediatrics at New York University, emphasized, "This analysis confirms that plastics are a key factor in prolonging childhood diseases into adolescence and adulthood. If you want to ensure your children's health and longevity, you must consider lifestyle changes to reduce plastic exposure."

The research team suggested simple preventive measures that can be practiced in daily life: replacing plastic containers with glass or stainless steel, avoiding placing plastics in the microwave or dishwasher, and minimizing the use of unnecessary disposable items and packaging. Professor Trasande advised, "You can reduce your child's exposure without any special cost. In particular, heating plastics in the microwave significantly increases the release of chemicals, so it is safer to avoid this practice."

The researchers also stressed the need for stronger government regulations and consumer education. This is because the use of cheap plastic products is more common in low-income areas, which can widen health disparities. However, they clarified that these findings do not deny the use of plastics in essential areas such as medical devices. "Even if we cannot completely eliminate the convenience of plastics, reducing unnecessary use and choosing safe alternatives in daily life is key to protecting health," the research team concluded.

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