Dr. Shanna Swan, a renowned expert in fertility and endocrine disruptors, issued a stark warning about the dangers of heating food in plastic containers.
During a recent podcast appearance, she detailed how harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates can leach into food, potentially affecting human reproduction, Mail Online reported.
Dr. Swan appeared on the Huberman Lab podcast and emphasized the risks linked to exposure to certain chemicals when plastic containers are used in microwaves. She noted that these substances, including BPA and phthalates, are designed to enhance the durability of plastics but are not chemically bound, making them likely to migrate into food under heat.
Dr. Swan explained that these chemicals can disrupt the hormonal balance necessary for reproductive health. She highlighted that such exposure could lead to serious consequences, such as diminished sperm quality and lower sperm counts in men.
The fertility scientist pointed out that plastics contain additives such as plasticizers that are not tightly bound to the material. "The BPA, the phthalates, the plasticizers are added to the plastic but they're not chemically bound to it," she stated on the podcast.
Dr. Swan further explained, "So if you put anything in a container that has these chemicals in it and then put it in a hot environment, they will come out of the plastic and go into the food." This led to her stringent advice: "Never put plastic in a microwave."
She underscored her concerns with ongoing global decreases in fertility, which some studies suggest may be partly due to the broad impact of endocrine disruptors like those leaching from plastics.
While the Food Standards Agency in the United Kingdom maintains that the current levels of chemical exposure from plastics are safe, it has enforced restrictions on substances such as BPA and phthalates, especially concerning food packaging and items intended for infants.
Amid these regulatory measures, the Agency is reviewing additional data concerning BPA and hinting at potential changes in its assessment and guidelines in the future. These proactive stances aim to mitigate the public health risks posed by these chemicals.
Despite these reassurances, Dr. Swan urged listeners to seek safer alternatives, suggesting they purchase organic foods to avoid pesticides—another source of phthalates. This aligns with her broader approach to reduce chemical exposures and protect long-term health.
During the discussion hosted by neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman, best known for his health advice on social media, Dr. Swan advocated for detailed changes in consumer behavior. She proposed practical steps to avoid the risks associated with plastic use in food preparation.
Dr. Swan advised opting for food containers made of safer materials like glass or metal, which do not carry the risks associated with plastics when heated. In her words, "You don't want to mix these chemicals and your food, but, if you do, the worst thing is to do it in a heated environment."
Dr. Swan also recommended being cautious about packaging materials and checking for any substances that could lead to health issues. She focuses on empowering individuals with knowledge and practical solutions to decrease their exposure to potentially harmful endocrine disruptors.
As concerns grow over the impact of everyday industrial chemicals on fertility and overall health, experts like Dr. Swan play a crucial role in educating the public about preventive measures. By discussing these issues on platforms like the Huberman Lab podcast, she leverages widespread reach to raise awareness.
This intervention not only aims to reduce current exposures but also seeks to fuel broader changes in public health policies and individual practices that align with the latest scientific understanding of environmental health risks. Moreover, it highlights the importance of taking proactive steps to protect health.
The dialogue surrounding the safety of plastics, especially in kitchen environments, continues to evolve. As a result, new research will likely guide future consumer choices and regulatory frameworks to safeguard health against subtle yet significant environmental risks.
