Plastic cutting boards: Surprising health risks and emerging concerns
Everyday items, such as cutting boards, are often made of plastics that can be sources of microplastics. The latest research conducted by scientists from North Dakota State University has revealed concerning results.
11 September 2024 11:32
Plastic cutting boards have been popular in kitchens worldwide for years. They are light, inexpensive, and easy to maintain, making them a convenient choice for many people. However, recent research and analyses may shed new light on their safety. Surprising conclusions are emerging regarding the risks posed by these commonly used kitchen tools. Could plastic cutting boards really be hazardous to our health? It's worth taking a closer look at these unexpected discoveries, which may change our approach to choosing kitchen accessories.
Why could plastic boards be dangerous?
Popular kitchen tools can release microplastics, according to research that included analyzing cutting boards and cutting methods and determining the relationship between the type of product being cut and the amount of microplastics released.
Himani Yadav, a North Dakota State University doctoral student, explains three key aspects of this research. Yadav emphasises the importance of the cutting method.
What influences the amount of microplastics released?
Equally important are the type of material the cutting boards are made from and what is being cut - vegetables, fruits, or meats of varying hardness have different impacts on the amount of microplastics released.
Research has shown that the amount of microplastics released depends on the type of polymer the board is made of (polyethylene or polypropylene). Polypropylene boards release significantly more microplastics compared to polyethylene ones, which are safer in this regard. The differences reach even 70 percent, which on an annual scale means significant exposure to microplastics from the board to food.
Risks associated with using plastic cutting boards
The proposed solution to the problem is to revert to wooden cutting boards, which, however, can become sources of microbiological contamination if not properly maintained.
We should switch to wooden cutting boards. If you clean the wooden cutting board and disinfect it properly, it can go a long way, emphasizes Himani Yadav.
Although the long-term health effects of microplastics are not yet fully known, scientists are concerned about their impact on the hormonal system, the potential for obesity, puberty disorders, male fertility, and the increased risk of cancer.
