Plastic is used everywhere in daily life, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. We reuse bottles, containers, and storage boxes without much thought. But a cancer surgeon has warned that regular plastic use can quietly affect health over time.
Dr Jayesh Sharma, a Raipur-based cancer surgeon with over 25 years of experience, recently shared simple advice on how plastic exposure happens and how people can reduce risks. His message was not meant to scare people, but to encourage safer habits.
One major concern is chemical leaching. Plastic is made from synthetic chemicals, and some of these can slowly move into food or water. Dr Sharma explained that leaching increases when plastic is heated, when low-quality plastic is used, or when containers become old and worn out.
Another issue is microplastics. These are tiny plastic particles formed when plastic breaks down due to heat, sunlight, and ageing. Microplastics are now found in food, drinking water, air, lungs, blood, and even inside cells. This means plastic exposure is no longer just external—it is entering the body.
Once inside, plastics may disturb hormone balance and cause inflammation in tissues. Dr Sharma clarified that there is no strong proof that plastic directly causes cancer, but some biological effects are still being studied. The risk may be small, but it is worth reducing exposure where possible.
He suggested simple changes at home. Avoid heating food in plastic, even if it is labelled “microwave-safe.” Use glass or ceramic for hot food and reheating. Overhead water tanks are generally safe below normal temperatures. Baby bottles are usually BPA-free, but glass or steel is safer. Bottle nipples should be silicone, and good-quality silicone moulds are safe for baking at moderate heat.
To reduce microplastic intake, Dr Sharma advised using a water filter, improving indoor ventilation, and regularly vacuuming and mopping floors. These small steps can lower everyday plastic exposure.
