"There Are Five Hidden in Your Kitchen Too"... Consumed Daily Despite Risks of Heart Disease and Cancer [Health Talk]

[The Financial News] Everyday household items such as paper cups, teabags, cans, and plastic cutting boards are being flagged for releasing large amounts of microplastics, which can damage DNA and cause cancer. These ordinary products have been identified as major sources of microplastic exposure in daily life, prompting calls for caution.
On the 6th (local time), the Daily Mail reported that American health influencer Dr. Paul Saladino recently revealed, through a social media video, the five household products that release the most microplastics.



The first culprit Dr. Saladino pointed to was the disposable paper cup. The inside of a paper cup is coated with a thin layer of plastic to prevent leaks, but when hot beverages are poured in, this coating breaks down and releases invisible microplastic fragments. In fact, studies have found thousands of microplastic particles in a single disposable cup.
Premium teabags were also highlighted as a risk factor. When smooth nylon teabags are placed in boiling water, the plastic components rapidly break down. Related research has shown that a single plastic teabag can release billions of nanoplastic particles into a cup of tea—far more than what is typically found in tap water.
Baby bottles are of particular concern due to their direct impact on infant health. Although durable polypropylene is commonly used, sterilizing with boiling water or preparing formula with hot water can release millions of plastic particles per liter. Babies, with their lower body weight and developing organs, are especially vulnerable to inflammation, hormonal disruption, and neurodevelopmental issues caused by microplastics.


Canned products were also identified as an unexpected source of contamination. The inside of canned foods and beverages is coated with epoxy resin to prevent metal corrosion, which contains Bisphenol A (BPA). When acidic, salty, or oily foods are stored, the coating can break down over time, releasing microplastics even without heating.
Plastic cutting boards generate microplastics through everyday use. Each time a knife is used on a polyethylene or polypropylene cutting board, tiny plastic fragments are shaved off and can mix with food. Researchers estimate that a single person could ingest tens of millions of microplastic particles annually just from using plastic cutting boards.
Dr. Saladino warned, "These five items are the biggest sources of microplastic exposure in your daily life," adding, "Because of them, you are likely consuming millions of microplastic particles every day."


Microplastics are plastic fragments smaller than 5 millimeters and have been detected in the human body—including the testes, kidneys, liver, placenta, and even in newborns' first stools. Notably, studies have found that about 7 grams of microplastics—the weight of a plastic spoon—can accumulate in the human brain, and this has been linked to serious conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
Experts say that while it is impossible to completely avoid microplastics, lifestyle changes can help reduce exposure. They recommend minimizing the use of disposable plastics, opting for glass or metal containers, washing synthetic fabrics in cold water, choosing whole foods over processed foods, and filtering or boiling tap water before drinking.



hsg@fnnews.com Han Seung-gon Reporter