Microplastics in your cutting boards
When you're preparing meals, the last thing you want to think about is consuming plastic particles. Yet, that's exactly what might be happening with your plastic cutting board. Recent studies have shown that plastic cutting boards that are so common today, can release thousands of microplastic particles with regular use.
Every time your knife creates those visible scratches and grooves in your plastic cutting board, you're not just marking the surface – you're creating tiny plastic particles that can end up in your food. These microplastics are smaller than 5mm and can be microscopic, making them impossible to see with the naked eye.
A 2023 study published in the Environmental Science & Technology journal found that a typical plastic cutting board can release between 14,000 to 71,000 microplastic particles per year under normal use conditions. These particles don't just disappear – they end up in our food and, subsequently, in our bodies.
Here is another 2021 study that shows how microplastics can end up in our meat.
Why should you be concerned about microplastics? Research has linked microplastic exposure to various health concerns:
- Potential hormone disruption
- Digestive system irritation
- Cellular damage
- Inflammation responses
- Possible carcinogenic effects
The solution? Switch to natural alternatives like wooden or bamboo cutting boards. These materials not only avoid the microplastic issue but also offer additional benefits:
- Natural antimicrobial properties
- Self-healing surface that resists knife marks
- More sustainable and environmentally friendly
- Better for knife maintenance
- Longer lasting when properly maintained
Below are my top recommendations for safe, high-quality cutting boards that won't leach microplastics into your food. As a bonus point I made sure these products are also also ont using harmful coating that is often used to make cutting boards smoother. These options have been carefully selected based on material quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability.
Until next time,
—Sherzod
PS What about rubber, marble or titanium cutting boards? Yes there are aso tiatnium or marble cutting boards that are safe. But they will likely dull your knives faster and rubber cutting boards arent 100% safe from my reearch. Wood is the best option.
Check out these safer alternatives on Cleanshopping.co
