- Plastic cutting boards, despite previous beliefs, can be harmful to health.
- Research shows that when cutting, plastic microparticles are released, which can penetrate the body.
- Microplastics can lead to bioaccumulation, influence hormonal balance and increase the risk of disease.
- Wondering what board is the safest? Read what experts advise!
Are such cutting boards harmful to health?
For many years there was a belief that they were better than wooden ones. Bacteria from raw meat and fish may remain on the wood, and it also requires appropriate care, such as waxing or oiling. However, recent research shows that plastic cutting boards are not entirely safe and may be harmful to health. Many experiments have been conducted that have shown the harmful effects of plastic in contact with food. Scientists from North Dakota State University in the US warn that cutting food on plastic boards may potentially be harmful. Although short-term studies did not show toxicity, analyzes conducted on mice indicate that microplastics can penetrate the fetus through the placenta. The tests also showed that polypropylene and polyethylene compounds may be released during cutting.
– The estimated amount is several million microplastic particles per year. This may be dangerous. However, detailed toxicity studies of microplastics cannot be performed directly on humans, so they are conducted on cell lines and mice. They found that microplastic particles are passed on to mouse fetuses from the mother. This means that microplastics bioaccumulate in the body. In the long term, with prolonged exposure to microplastics, it can become carcinogenic – Himani Yadav, a PhD student at North Dakota State University in the USA, tells Newseria Innovations.
Some studies have shown that compounds such as polypropylene and polyethylene may affect hormonal balance, infertility and cancer. It is also worth mentioning that plastic cutting boards are not easier to clean than wooden ones. A surface cut with a knife may become a habitat for bacteria and germs.
How to care for plastic cutting boards?
To effectively clean a plastic cutting board, rinse it immediately under warm running water after each use. Then use a sponge or brush and dishwashing liquid to thoroughly scrub the entire surface, paying particular attention to any scratches and recesses. After washing, the board should be rinsed thoroughly with clean water and left to dry completely in a vertical position to ensure air circulation and prevent the growth of bacteria. When cutting raw meat, poultry or fish, after washing it is worth wiping the board with a vinegar solution (1:1 with water) or a special disinfectant liquid, and then rinsing it again. Remember that high temperatures in the dishwasher can deform the plastic, so hand washing is always recommended.
