Plastic is everywhere. In drawers. On shelves. In bottles we reuse without thinking twice. It has quietly become part of daily life, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. And yet, questions around its safety refuse to go away.
Taking to Instagram on November 24, 2025, Dr Jayesh Sharma, a Raipur-based oncologist with over 25 years of experience, spoke about how everyday plastic use can affect health and what actually helps reduce risk. His message was calm. Not alarmist. But clear.
The hidden health risks of daily plastic exposure
Chemical leaching
Plastic containers are made entirely from synthetic chemicals. Over time, some of these chemicals can move into food or water. This process is called leaching.
According to Dr Sharma, a few things make leaching worse:
Heat: The more plastic is heated, the more chemicals it can release
Quality: Low-grade plastics leach more than better-made ones
Age: Old containers lose their protective surface layer, increasing leaching
Microplastics
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that can’t be seen with the naked eye. They form when larger plastic items break down due to sunlight and environmental exposure. Dr Sharma explained that microplastics are now found almost everywhere. In food. In lungs. In blood. Even inside cells. They are no longer an external problem. They are internal.
What happens when plastic enters the body
When plastics enter the body, either through leaching or microplastics, they may trigger:
- Endocrine disruption, affecting hormone balance
- Inflammation, which stresses tissues over time
Dr Sharma clarified that there is currently no strong evidence directly linking plastics to cancer. Some biological pathways are being studied. The risk appears small, but it is not something most people would want to ignore.
Simple changes to make plastic use safer
- Avoid heating food in plastic whenever possible
- “Microwave-safe” only means the plastic won’t melt, not that it’s chemical-free
- Prefer glass or ceramic for hot food and reheating
- Overhead water tanks are usually made of stable plastics and do not leach below 50°C
- Bathing water stored in buckets is not meant for drinking, so the risk is minimal
- Baby milk bottles are BPA-free and relatively safe, but steel or glass bottles are safer overall
- Bottle nipples should be made of silicone
- Good-quality silicone moulds are safe for baking at moderate temperatures
How to reduce microplastic exposure
Dr Sharma noted that nearly 50 percent of microplastics enter the body through drinking water. Using a water filter is the simplest step. Microplastics are also more concentrated indoors than outdoors. Ventilation helps. So does regular vacuuming and mopping.
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice.
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