ITV's Dr Amir Khan says microwave mistake 'ramps up risk' of contamination

Millions of people across the world think nothing of a common cooking habit that one TV doctor has now abandoned. Speaking on his No Appointments Necessary podcast alongside Cherry Healey, Dr Amir Khan claimed he no longer does one thing in the kitchen following studies about the risk of microplastic contamination. The practising GP, known for his appearances on ITV shows such as Lorraine and Good Morning Britain , said: "

Now that I know what I know about the dementia study and the carotid artery study - it's something that I do not do anymore. Not because it's definite, but because it might be possible. "

When you store food in plastic containers, it increases the risk of that food absorbing some of the microplastics within that container. If you then put it in the microwave, the heat really ramps up that risk . The plastic becomes a little bit more unstable, and it gives off these microplastics into your food."

During the podcast, Dr Khan acknowledged that many people would be worried about how to heat up these convenient meals that come pre-packaged in plastic containers with plastic film lids. To steer clear of what he dubbed "microplastic central", the doctor recommended that the safest option is to transfer meals into a bowl or saucepan whenever possible. Some ready meals now come in cardboard or compostable trays, but you should still check for thin plastic film lids.

Use a ceramic plate or silicone lid to cover, if necessary. Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments measuring less than five millimetres, produced either through the breakdown of larger plastic items or manufactured deliberately for industrial or consumer purposes, such as in cosmetics and personal care products, reports the Express . These particles pose a long-term threat to human health by getting into vital organs, including the blood, liver, and placenta, and triggering oxidative damage, chronic inflammation, and cellular damage.

Consumed or breathed in via food, water, and air, these particles and their hazardous chemical additives have been connected to heart disease, cancer, reproductive complications, and disrupted metabolism . Once microplastics enter the environment, they are virtually impossible to fully remove, making them an ongoing global pollution crisis. To minimise your exposure as much as possible, switch to glass, ceramic, or stainless steel containers rather than plastic ones, particularly when heating food.

Cut down on bottled water, processed foods, and seafood in your diet, as these often contain higher levels of microplastics. Regularly clean household dust, which commonly contains airborne microplastics. Research has shown that people who consume bottled water daily ingest over 90,000 additional microplastic particles compared to those who drink tap water.

Experts are demanding urgent regulations to address the risks linked to everyday drinking habits. The BBC recommended in a recent report switching to reusable glass or stainless steel water bottles to minimise exposure. It claimed that a study found that the straightforward act of screwing a plastic bottle cap on and off significantly increased the amount of microplastics in the water it contained.

With each twist on or off, it produced 553 microplastic particles per litre of water. Annelise Adrian, a senior programme officer with the plastics and material science team at World Wildlife Fund, explained: "

Studies are coming out showing that there are way more micro- and nanoplastics in bottled water than previously thought".