Doctors Warn: Reheating Food in Plastic Linked to Dementia Risk

Doctors are issuing urgent warnings about the potential dangers of reheating food in plastic containers. A recent study connects this practice to an increased risk of dementia, revealing a significant presence of microplastics in the brains of individuals diagnosed with the condition. Researchers discovered that using plastic containers in microwaves exposes individuals to microplastics, which accumulate as toxins in the human brain. This exposure is a growing concern, prompting medical professionals to advise caution and offer safer alternatives.

A groundbreaking study has revealed a disturbing link between reheating food in plastic containers and the accumulation of microplastics in the brain, possibly increasing the risk of dementia. Researchers found that individuals diagnosed with dementia had three to five times higher levels of microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) in their brains compared to those without the condition.

Microplastics: A Hidden Threat

Microplastics and nanoplastics, defined as small plastic pieces less than five millimeters long, pose a significant threat to human health. These particles have been shown to damage DNA and elevate the risk of cancer. The study further revealed that the concentration of plastics in the brain was alarmingly high, ranging from seven to 30 times greater than in other organs such as the liver or kidney.

beyond cancer, MNPs have been linked to a host of other health problems, including cell death, alterations in the gut microbiome, the formation of blood clots, and an increased risk of heart attacks. These findings underscore the urgent need to understand and mitigate the risks associated with microplastic exposure.

Expert Recommendations for Reducing Exposure

In response to the study’s findings, a panel of doctors has offered practical advice on how to minimize exposure to MNPs. A key recommendation is to replace plastic containers with safer alternatives when reheating food, particularly in the microwave.

Dr. Nicholas Fabiano, from the University of Ottawa’s Department of Psychiatry and lead author of the commentary, expressed deep concern about the rapid increase in microplastic contamination.

The dramatic increase in brain microplastic concentrations over just eight years, from 2016 to 2024, is particularly alarming.
dr. Nicholas Fabiano, University of Ottawa

Dr. Fabiano further noted that this increase mirrors the exponential rise in environmental microplastic levels, highlighting the pervasive nature of the problem.

The Dangers of Heating Food in Plastic

Dr. Brandon Luu, an Internal Medicine Resident at the University of Toronto, explained the specific risks associated with heating food in plastic containers. According to Dr. Luu, this practice can release BPA and phthalates into the air, which are then absorbed by the food and later ingested.

BPA, short for bisphenol A, and phthalates are industrial chemicals commonly added to plastics to enhance their durability. Though, these chemicals can leach out of the plastic when heated, posing a health hazard.

Heating food in plastic containers—especially in the microwave can release substantial amounts of microplastics and nanoplastics.
Dr.Brandon Luu, University of Toronto

Dr. Luu emphasized the importance of making simple changes to reduce exposure.

Avoiding plastic food storage and using glass or stainless steel alternatives is a small but meaningful step in limiting exposure.
Dr. Brandon Luu,University of Toronto

The Mayo Clinic has also warned that “forever chemicals” found in plastics are released when the item is reheated, further contributing to the risk.

Additional Research Reinforces Concerns

A 2023 study by University of Nebraska researchers found that microwaving plastic containers releases billions of nanoplastics and millions of microplastics per square centimeter of the container. The Nebraska team further discovered that embryonic kidney cells died two days after being exposed to those particles, highlighting the potential toxicity of these microplastics.

Adding to the growing body of evidence, a separate 2024 study from researchers in India found that heating food-grade plastics, or food that has been in contact with plastic, releases BPA, which leaches into the food. The researchers concluded that this consumption of BPA is a “potential candidate for causing serious health hazards.”

The Role of Drinking Water

Beyond reheating food, drinking water is another significant source of MNP exposure. Dr. Luu noted that switching from bottled to filtered tap water alone could reduce microplastic intake from 90,000 to 4,000 particles per year.

Bottled water alone can expose people to nearly as many microplastic particles annually as all ingested and inhaled sources combined.

He further stated:

Switching to tap water could reduce this exposure by almost 90 percent, making it one of the simplest ways to cut down on microplastic intake.

Impact on Fertility

The concerns surrounding plastic exposure extend beyond dementia risk. A world-leading fertility scientist recently advised against using plastic containers in the microwave due to their potential impact on fertility. Dr. Shanna Swan, an epidemiologist at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, warned that consumption of BPA and phthalates, released when heating containers in the microwave, can cause fertility issues.

BPA is believed to chemically mimic the female sex hormone estrogen, which, in high doses, can disrupt normal hormone balance and perhaps fuel tumors. Phthalates are also thought to harm fertility by disrupting hormones, particularly testosterone. Evidence suggests that women’s ovaries are also adversely affected by phthalate exposure.

Conclusion: Taking Action to Protect Your Health

The mounting evidence linking microplastic exposure to serious health risks, including dementia and fertility problems, underscores the importance of taking proactive steps to reduce exposure. By avoiding reheating food in plastic containers, opting for glass or stainless steel alternatives, and switching to filtered tap water, individuals can substantially minimize their intake of these harmful particles and protect their long-term health. The findings from these studies serve as a critical reminder of the potential dangers lurking in everyday habits and the need for informed choices to safeguard our well-being.