Microwaving Plastic Can Release Harmful Particles

Scientists warn that microwaving plastic containers can release billions of tiny particles into food, according to a study by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The researchers heated baby food containers made from FDA-approved polypropylene and polyethylene, finding that just three minutes in a 1,000-watt microwave could release around 4.22 million microwaving plastic and 2.11 billion nanoplastic particles from a single square centimeter of plastic.

While the impact on health remains uncertain, studies suggest that these particles might be harmful to biological processes. In tests, kidney cells exposed to plastic particles experienced significant damage, highlighting potential toxicity. The study underscores the need for further research and the development of safer polymers.
Re-reported from the article published in Science Alert