4 items I found lurking in my kitchen that can leach microplastics into my food

When you imagine what’s inside your body, you probably picture your heart, brain, and other essential organs — not pieces of plastic. However, plastic in the human body is becoming increasingly common.

It is estimated that Americans consume 39,000 to 52,000 microplastic particles Every year, through The food we eatAnd even the water we drink Kitchen items We use it for preparation, cooking and Storing our food. Microplastic particles are Its length is less than 5 mmThat is, it is smaller than a sesame seed. While more research is needed, Stanford Medicine reports that some… Studies have linked microplastics Cell damage, a weak immune system, abnormal growth of organs, and some types of cancer, among other health problems.

Although it may be easier to stick with plastic containers and kitchen utensils you already have, making simple switches to glass, metal or wooden items may be worth it in the long run. After all, the price of a glass storage container seems reasonable when it comes to protecting your health.

Although microplastics and their potential health effects have been Making headlines For a while, I put off going into my own kitchen to see where they might be hiding. Now it’s time to face the music. This is what I discovered.

1. Plastic storage containers

When I searched my storage container closet, I found several plastic containers. Some I only use to store dry goods, while others are for keeping leftovers in the fridge and reheating them in the microwave. The latter says they are refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave safe, but they all show signs of wear and should definitely be replaced.

A Study September 2024 The researchers found that of the 14,000 known food contact chemicals found in food packaging, 3,601, or about 25%, have been detected in humans. Specifically, 235 FCCs have been found in materials that come into contact with food in humans, including plastic compounds.

There is also particular concern about the use of microwaves and plastic containers. A Study June 2023 The researchers concluded that heating a plastic container in the microwave resulted in the highest release of microplastics and nanoplastics into food, compared to refrigeration, storage at room temperature, and other uses. However, refrigeration and storage at room temperature can still release up to billions of microplastics and nanoplastics into their contents over the course of six months. Nanoplastics are smaller than microplastics, less than 1 micron in size, making them more harmful to the human body.

This is especially a concern with plastic food containers that are not stated to be heat safe, and even then, It may just be marketing jargon. This year, it was reported Rubbermaid is being sued For claiming that its plastic containers are “microwave safe” and “freezer safe” while still releasing microplastics into the food. A representative for Rubbermaid did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

that Revised August 2024 Researchers have found that even during freezing and thawing, microplastics can be released from the interior surface of food containers. Another concern is that if frozen, the plastic can separate from the containers and contaminate your food.

While BPA-free containers, which don’t contain the synthetic chemical bisphenol A, may be better because you’re avoiding it. Potential health effects (Although again, more studies are needed), glass containers are your best bet.

Replace plastic food storage containers

I plan to replace the current plastic containers The glass ones. I’ve already replaced a few with new ones Tupperware Voila Set – Safe for the oven, microwave, freezer, dishwasher, and under the broiler (with the lid) – which is what the brand sent me to try. However, I also want to store smaller containers.

2. Black plastic spoon

Like plastic containers, plastic kitchen utensils can also release microplastic particles into your food, according to A June 2024 Systematic review.

I only use wooden cutting boards, metal cutlery, a silicone spatula for mixing room-temperature ingredients, and wooden and metal cooking utensils, so I thought I was safe from plastic utensils — until I noticed one thing: a black plastic spatula. I know I should have gotten rid of it by now but it is the perfect presentation for flipping pancakes and fried eggs. Writing this article is the wake-up call I need.

Replace plastic spoon

I plan to replace my black plastic spoon with a metal or wooden one. I already have several wooden spoons, but none of them are wide enough, so I might choose a stainless steel fish spoon, like this one. OXO Good Grip Stainless Steel Fish Fryer ($18) or Victorinox 40415 Slotted Wood Turner ($54).

3. Air fryer

I have a Philips 3000 series air fryer, and after researching their construction, I was surprised to find that the Philips air fryer parts are mostly coated with non-stick PTFE, a type of plastic.

Phillips says This is a popular coating that is compliant with current legislation relating to food contact materials. However, A Study June 2024 I found that PTFE-coated cookware, such as an air fryer, can still release microplastics and nanoplastics if the coating is scratched with hard, sharp tools or used at higher temperatures.

Replace the plastic covered air fryer

CNET’s pick for Best air fryer overall he Crispy ninjawhich is made of glass and free of PFAS and PTFE, thanks to its crunchy plate that uses a nano-ceramic coating, not plastic. I will add this to my Holiday wish list.

4. Tea bags

I found dozens of tea bags in my personalized tea jar and in the kitchen cabinet where I store extra boxes, but I was shocked to learn that they didn’t just contain my favorite teas.

A Revised February 2025 She found that tea bags are the largest contributors of microplastics to hot tea when the bag and string are steeped, as more than a billion microplastics and nanoplastics can be released into the liquid. It also doesn’t matter whether the tea bags contain plastic used to heat seal the bags or are biodegradable, as the latter can still be made from plastic.

Upon examining all my tea bags, I found that most of them claim to be biodegradable, meaning they are made from plant materials and contain no plastic. However, I have some tea bags that do not have this label, which means they may contain microplastics.

If you’re wondering what the difference is between biodegradable and compostable eco-corporations, it is a non-profit eco-corporation says Oceanwatch Australia Biodegradable products are made from organic elements that can decompose over time in the right environment, such as… Fertilizer binwhile biodegradable products can be made from either plant materials or petroleum-derived plastic (which can leave behind microplastics).

Replace tea bags that may contain microplastics

Instead of relying on non-biodegradable tea bags for a hot drink, I can opt for loose leaf tea instead. I already have it Stainless steel tea strainer Which I can use for soaking. To make sure nothing gets into the water I use to make tea, I use a Glass electric kettlesuch as CNET’s favorites OXO Adjustable Temperature Kettle ($120).

My final thoughts

Although there is no need to panic and replace every plastic item in your kitchen in a hurry, as more studies are needed to confirm the health effects, there is no harm in slowly replacing plastic kitchen utensils with those made of silicone, wood, metal or glass, especially if you are heating, cooling, washing or freezing them. After all, a glass a day can keep plastic particles away.