KOMPAS.com – Technological advances have made everyday life easier, especially in household matters.
One tool that is often used to cook hot water is a plastic electric kettle. The affordable price and practical use make many people choose plastic teapots.
However, behind this convenience, there are dangers that threaten health and the environment from plastic teapots.
Also read: How to Use an Electric Kettle Safely
Side effects of plastic teapots
Based on research published in the journal Nature Food, boiling water using a plastic kettle can release more than 10 million microplastic particles into one liter of boiling water.
These microplastics will be transferred to drinks such as tea or coffee, even to dishes that use boiling water.
In the long term, consumption of microplastics can cause health problems such as cancer and infertility.
Risk to baby
The dangers of plastic teapots not only affect adults, but also babies. Research shows that babies fed formula from plastic bottles can ingest up to 2.6 million microplastic particles every day.
The sterilization process and use of hot water in plastic bottles increases the number of microplastic particles released.
Also read: How to Clean Scale on an Electric Kettle
To reduce this risk, it is recommended to rinse the bottle with cold, boiled water using a non-plastic jug.
Impact on the environment
Plastic is a material that is very difficult to decompose naturally. It can take up to 1,000 years for one ton of plastic to completely decompose. Plastic waste, including unused plastic teapots, contributes to environmental pollution.
Many countries are now starting to ban the production and use of plastic teapots in order to protect health and environmental sustainability.
A safer solution
Illustration of an electric kettle.
As an alternative, use a teapot made from stainless steel or glass which is safer for boiling water. Apart from being more durable, this material does not release harmful particles into boiling water.
If you are still using a plastic kettle, consider replacing it for the sake of family health and environmental sustainability.
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