Delivery Food in Plastic Containers Increases Risk of 'Simbujeon' (Heart Failure)

Continuous Exposure to Plastic Leachates Poses Risks

A study has found that eating food stored in plastic containers may increase the risk of congestive heart failure.

On the 12th (local time), the British Guardian reported that researchers from Ningxia Medical University in China analyzed the intestinal environment and heart tissues of laboratory mice after long-term administration of chemicals leached from plastic containers filled with hot water. The experiment showed that the higher the frequency of plastic exposure, the greater the risk of congestive heart failure. The cause was attributed to increased inflammation due to changes in the gut microbiota. Congestive heart failure refers to a condition where the heart's pumping function to circulate blood throughout the body is impaired, leading to decreased heart function.

In the experiment, the researchers poured boiled water into plastic containers and left it for 1 minute, 5 minutes, and 15 minutes respectively, then fed it to mice over several months. Subsequent analysis of the mice's gut microbiota and metabolites revealed an increase in metabolites related to inflammation and oxidative stress. Harmful gut bacteria that damage cells and cause inflammation also increased. Additionally, damage was observed in the heart muscle and tissues. The researchers speculated, "We suspect that inflammation in the gut entered the bloodstream and damaged the heart."

However, there was no significant difference between the water left in the plastic containers for 1 minute, 5 minutes, and 15 minutes. This may imply that continuous ingestion of plastic leachates, which may contain over 20,000 chemicals including bisphenol A and phthalates, is harmful in itself.

The researchers also conducted a survey of 3,179 adults. They asked participants 12 questions regarding plastic exposure, including whether they used plastic items such as shopping bags, tea bags, water bottles, lunch boxes, takeout containers, and tableware. The results showed that overall, higher exposure to plastic increased the risk of heart failure by 13%.

Meanwhile, amid a recent surge in cancer incidence among young people, 'microplastics' have been identified as a potential cause. Studies have confirmed potential links between microplastics and infertility, colorectal cancer, reduced lung function, and chronic lung inflammation. Research published last year revealed that plastic particles can penetrate the brain and testes, be transferred from pregnant women to fetuses, and may interfere with antibiotic efficacy.

Experts recommend avoiding placing hot food in plastic containers or microwaving them, and suggest using glass containers for food packaging whenever possible.