Plastic boards are one of the most used utensils in the kitchen and in the preparation of dishes. Are they that dangerous? Oncologists clarify, tell us what's at stake and what can happen.
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14/09/2026
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Ton plastic boards at home? Are they so harmful to your health? A group of oncologists talked about this issue, all to see whether or not it is time to throw away these utensils and exchange for other alternatives in your kitchen.
The plastic boards end up being very useful at home in the preparation of various dishes. However, some consider them harmful. I wonder if that's the way it is. Parade magazine has spoken to some oncologists to understand what is at stake and what concerns they should have.
The risk of microplastics
The truth is that currently the plastic is everywhere, but is the risk that high? When cutting food on a plastic board, the truth is that some small particles may eventually be ingested.
“Small plastic particles can be released when using a plastic cutting board with a knife“, begin by saying Timothy Byun.
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Doctor James McCloskey is of the same opinion. “The repeated mechanical abrasion of the blade of a knife scrapes and can leave tiny particles on the surface of the board, which mix with the food that is preparing it.” They cite some studies that have shown the presence of board microplastics in some foods.
The doctor explains what this is about. “ The amount of particles released depends on factors such as cutting, plastic type and hardness of the food being cut. These microplastics are then ingested with the meal and, although the full effects on long-term health are still being investigated, the potential risks include inflammation and imbalance of the intestinal microbiota.”
Goodbye, plastic boards in the kitchen?
This is one of the points that oncologists warn that although the presence and microplastics may exist, the truth is that it is not realized how dangerous this can be.
“ There was never any study that demonstrated the effects of microplastics on health, using actual doses. There's also no evidence of plastic in the livers. The lifetime exposure is 0.015 grams for 70 years, and even this amount passes through our organism without being expelled” says doctor Chris DeArmitt.
The expert also cites a 2022 study published in the Global Environmental Change journal. “Scientists compared media coverage of microplastics with what science shows and found that 93% of articles claim there is a threat when most scientific studies show otherwise.”
Thus, they point out that there is no scientific evidence of the real problem that microplastics may have in health, despite leaving some risks. “These tiny plastic particles, which are common in the environment and have been found in various human organs and even in tumors, can induce chronic inflammation, a known risk factor for cancer. In addition, studies in cells and animals indicate that microplastics can cause DNA damage and oxidative stress, both processes that can promote cancer growth.”
Reduce plastics in the kitchen
Therefore, as a precaution, you should want to reduce the use of plastics in the kitchen. So instead of plastic boards you can choose bamboo, wood or even metal versions. Plastic spatulas can also be avoided as well as the use of plastic containers to heat food in the microwave.