Microwaving Plastic: Silent Health Risk? Doctors Warn Against Daily Habit

• Doctors warn that regularly heating food in plastic containers in microwave ovens can slowly impact health due to the release of microplastics and chemicals.
• Dr. Kanika Sood Sharma and Dr. Deepak Jha highlight that while occasional use may not be immediately harmful, long-term exposure poses risks.
• High microwave temperatures can weaken plastic structures, leading to microplastics and chemicals like BPA and phthalates leaching into food, especially with oily, acidic, or spicy items.
• Concerns include potential inflammation, hormonal changes, metabolic stress, and endocrine disruption, affecting fertility, thyroid function, and metabolism over time.
• 'Microwave-safe' labels only mean the container won't melt easily, not that it's chemical-free; experts recommend using glass or ceramic for reheating.