Plastic use daily may pose hidden health risks
Daily plastic use can harm health: simple safety tips
Plastic has become a part of our everyday life. We see it in bottles, containers, packaging, and even in small items around the house. It is common in kitchens, bathrooms, and storage areas. People often reuse plastic containers or bottles without thinking about the possible risks. While plastic is convenient, it can quietly affect our health over time.
Dr Jayesh Sharma, a cancer surgeon from Raipur with more than 25 years of experience, has explained how daily use of plastic can be harmful. He also shared simple ways to reduce exposure and keep ourselves safer at home. Dr Sharma’s message is not meant to scare anyone but to create awareness about everyday risks.
One of the main concerns is chemical leaching. Plastic containers are made from synthetic chemicals. Over time, some chemicals can move from the plastic into food or water. This process is called leaching. Several factors can make leaching worse. First, heat increases the release of chemicals, so heating food in plastic is risky. Second, low-quality plastics leach more than high-quality ones. Finally, older plastic containers lose their protective surface layer, making leaching more likely.
Another concern is microplastics. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that are too small to see. They form when larger plastic items break down due to sunlight or other environmental factors. Dr Sharma explains that microplastics are now found almost everywhere — in food, in water, in our lungs, and even in our blood. They can enter cells and become part of the body. Over time, this may cause health issues.
When plastics enter the body through leaching or microplastics, they can cause problems such as endocrine disruption, which affects hormone balance, and inflammation, which can stress tissues over time. While there is no strong proof that plastics directly cause cancer, some biological pathways are still being studied. The overall risk seems small, but it is still something worth being careful about.
How to make plastic use safer
Dr Sharma has shared simple ways to reduce plastic-related health risks. One important step is to avoid heating food in plastic. Just because a container is labeled “microwave-safe” does not mean it is free of chemicals. It only means the plastic won’t melt. Instead, it is better to use glass or ceramic containers for hot food and reheating.
For water storage, overhead tanks are usually made from stable plastics. They do not release harmful chemicals if the water is below 50°C. Bathing water stored in buckets is also generally safe, as it is not meant for drinking. For babies, BPA-free milk bottles are relatively safe, but glass or steel bottles are better. Silicone nipples and high-quality silicone moulds can be used safely for feeding and baking at moderate temperatures.
Reducing exposure to microplastics is also important. Almost 50 percent of microplastics enter the body through drinking water. Using a water filter is a simple and effective way to reduce this risk. Microplastics are often more concentrated indoors than outdoors, so proper ventilation is helpful. Regular vacuuming and mopping can also reduce the accumulation of microplastics in the home.
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Dr Sharma’s advice emphasizes small but important changes in daily habits. Using safer containers, avoiding heating food in plastic, filtering water, and keeping living spaces clean are practical ways to lower risks. While plastic cannot be completely removed from daily life, these steps help limit its impact on health.
In conclusion, plastic is everywhere in our lives, and its hidden risks should not be ignored. Chemical leaching and microplastics can quietly affect our health, but simple changes can make a big difference. By following Dr Sharma’s tips, we can continue using plastic safely while protecting our health.
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