ISLAMABAD: A new peer-reviewed study by Chinese researchers has found that frequent exposure to plastic takeaway containers may significantly increase the risk of congestive heart failure.
The study, published in the journal Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, suggests that chemicals leaching from plastic packaging alter the gut microbiome, triggering inflammation that damages heart tissue.
The study involved a two-part approach: an observational survey of over 3,000 people in China and a laboratory experiment on rats.
The first part examined the correlation between individuals who frequently consumed food from plastic containers and their likelihood of developing heart disease.
The second part involved exposing rats to water that had been boiled and poured into plastic takeaway containers, allowing chemicals to leach into the liquid. The rats consumed this water regularly over a three-month period.
Plastics and heart disease risk
According to the study, “The data revealed that high-frequency exposure to plastics is significantly associated with an increased risk of congestive heart failure.”
Researchers found that even short-term exposure to plastic leachates altered the composition of gut bacteria, leading to inflammation and oxidative stress—both of which are linked to cardiovascular diseases.
The study also noted that plastic contains thousands of chemicals, including bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which have been associated with various health risks, including cancer, endocrine disruption, and reproductive harm.
However, the research did not specifically identify which chemicals were responsible for the observed effects.
Impact on gut microbiome and heart tissue
To measure the effect of plastic leachates, researchers placed boiling water in takeaway containers for one, five, and fifteen minutes before giving it to rats to drink over several months. They then analysed changes in the rats’ gut microbiota and heart tissue.
The study found that ingestion of these leachates led to significant changes in the intestinal environment, altering microbiota composition and producing metabolites associated with inflammation.
The researchers also examined heart muscle tissue and discovered notable damage, regardless of whether the plastic exposure lasted for one minute or fifteen.
This suggests that any level of exposure to plastic leachates could pose health risks. “The study shows plastic exposure as a significant cardiovascular disease risk factor regardless of duration,” the authors wrote.
Human study reinforces findings
In addition to the rat experiment, researchers conducted a survey of nearly 3,200 people in China, asking them about their consumption of food from plastic containers and their cardiovascular health.
The survey indicated that individuals with higher plastic exposure had an increased risk of heart failure. However, the researchers acknowledged limitations in this part of the study, including reliance on self-reported data and the lack of biological samples from participants.
Experts have long warned against using plastic for hot food and beverages, as heat accelerates the leaching of harmful chemicals.
Previous research cited in the study found that microwaving plastic containers can release as many as 4.2 million microplastic particles per square centimetre.
While the study did not provide specific recommendations for reducing plastic exposure, public health advocates suggest avoiding microwaving food in plastic, transferring hot food to glass or stainless-steel containers, and opting for biodegradable or reusable alternatives.
