Dr Amir Khan (Image: ITV)
Millions of people around the world don’t think twice about a common cooking habit that a TV doctor has given up. Speaking on his No Appointments Necessary podcast with Cherry Healey, Dr Amir Khan said he is cautious about using plastic food containers or water bottles after studies showed a risk of microplastic contamination.
The practising GP, known for his appearances on ITV programmes like Lorraine and Good Morning Britain, said: “Now that I know what I know about the dementia study and the carotid artery study – it’s something that I do not do anymore. Not because it’s definite, but because it might be possible.
“When you store food in plastic containers, it increases the risk of that food absorbing some of the microplastics within that container. If you then put it in the microwave, the heat really ramps up that risk. The plastic becomes a little bit more unstable, and it gives off these microplastics into your food.”
During the podcast episode, Dr Khan said people may be concerned about how to cook convenient, ready meals from supermarkets that come in plastic containers with plastic film lids. To avoid “microplastic central” when cooking these, the doctor suggested the safest option is to transfer the meals to a bowl or pan, if possible.
What are microplastics? Why are they harmful?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles smaller than five millimetres in length, resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic items or made specifically for industrial or consumer use, such as cosmetics and personal care products.
Microplastics are harmful to humans because they infiltrate organs, including the blood, liver, and placenta, causing oxidative damage, chronic inflammation, and cellular death. Ingested or inhaled through food, water, and air, these particles and their toxic chemical additives are linked to heart disease, cancer, reproductive issues, and disrupted metabolism.
How to avoid exposure to microplastics?
Microplastics are nearly impossible to remove completely once they enter the environment, making them a persistent global pollution issue. To avoid microplastics as much as possible, opt for using glass, ceramic, or stainless steel containers instead of plastic, especially when heating food.
Reduce the amount of bottled water, processed foods, and seafood in your diet. These often contain higher concentrations of microplastics.
Clean household dust frequently, as it often contains airborne microplastics. Wear clothes made of cotton, wool, linen, or hemp to reduce plastic fibres released during washing.
Research has revealed that those who drink bottled water on a daily basis ingest over 90,000 more microplastic particles than those who drink tap water. Experts are calling for urgent regulations to manage the risks associated with daily drinking habits.
The BBC suggested in a recent report to switch to reusable glass or stainless steel water bottles to reduce exposure. It claimed that a study found the simple act of screwing a plastic bottle cap on and off dramatically increased the amount of microplastics found in the water it carried.
With each twist on or off, it generated 553 microplastic particles per liter of water. Annelise Adrian, a senior programme officer with the plastics and material science team at World Wildlife Fund, said: “Studies are coming out showing that there are way more micro- and nanoplastics in bottled water than previously thought”.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
