Dr. Shanna Swan, a renowned fertility expert, recently issued a warning on a health podcast about the possible risks of microwaving food in plastic containers. She explained that this practice could have detrimental effects on fertility due to the release of harmful chemicals from the plastic when heated.
Plastics are commonly manufactured with chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates to improve their strength and durability. However, these substances are not firmly bonded to the plastic material, which allows them to leach out, especially when exposed to heat.
While regulators generally maintain that the average levels of exposure to these chemicals are considered safe, numerous studies have established a link between these substances and fertility problems.
Phthalates, in particular, are known to interfere with hormonal activity, including disrupting testosterone, the primary male sex hormone. This disruption has been associated with decreased sperm count and quality in men.
However, these chemicals don’t just affect male fertility; research also suggests that phthalates can negatively impact women’s ovaries, further compromising reproductive health.
During the podcast, listeners were strongly advised to avoid exposing their food to these chemicals, particularly in warm conditions, as heat exacerbates the release of these harmful substances.
Dr. Swan specifically highlighted food as a significant source of exposure to harmful plastics. To minimise risk, she recommended choosing organic products whenever possible, as these are less likely to contain pesticides that may also include phthalates.
British food safety regulators have noted that, based on current evidence, the levels of exposure to these chemicals are not currently considered harmful. However, the Food Standards Agency is actively reviewing new data on BPA following recent studie
s. Furthermore, exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals like BPA and phthalates has been suggested as one of the potential factors contributing to the global decline in fertility rates.
The podcast further emphasised the significant impact these chemicals can have on reproductive health, particularly for men. For example, phthalates are linked to lower sperm counts and poor sperm quality.
In addition to this, it was highlighted that heating plastic in any form could pose serious health risks. Actions as seemingly harmless as leaving a plastic water bottle in a car on a hot day were cited as examples of potentially dangerous practices that could lead to the release of harmful chemicals into consumable products.
How These Chemicals Can Also Cause Cancer
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical that can mimic the hormone estrogen by interacting with estrogen receptors α and β in the body. This interaction can lead to changes in cellular behavior, such as altered cell proliferation, apoptosis (programmed cell death), or migration, which may contribute to the development and progression of various cancers.
For example, studies have associated BPA exposure with changes in ovarian structure, including altered ovarian morphology, an increased prevalence of cystic ovaries, and the development of cystic endometrial hyperplasia.
Research has revealed the widespread presence of BPA in human biological fluids. It has been detected in serum, urine, amniotic fluid, and even breast milk in populations residing in industrialised countries worldwide, indicating significant and ongoing exposure to this chemical.
The estrogen-like effects of BPA are a major concern. Mechanistically, bisphenols, including BPA, bind to estrogen receptors and activate specific genes that promote cell proliferation, which is linked to the progression of breast cancer and other hormone-related conditions.
In addition to its estrogenic effects, BPA has been associated with other serious health concerns. Emerging research suggests a potential connection between BPA exposure and an increased risk of chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
BPA exposure can have damaging effects on critical organs and tissues, particularly during developmental stages. It has been shown to cause harm to the thyroid gland and brain tissues, potentially leading to long-term health implications.
Given these findings, the potential health risks posed by BPA extend beyond its role as an endocrine disruptor, emphasising the need for continued research and efforts to reduce exposure to this pervasive chemical.
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