Do plastic colanders and strainers leach chemicals when hot food passes through?
Worth avoiding. BPA leaches from plastic, especially when heated. Use glass or stainless steel.
What's actually in it
BPA (bisphenol A) is used to harden polycarbonate plastics and line metal cans. It leaches into food and drinks, especially when heated or scratched. BPA acts like estrogen in the body at low concentrations.
Many "BPA-free" products use BPS or BPF instead. Early research suggests these alternatives may behave similarly to BPA.
What the research says
A 2026 study in bmc chem looked at chemical exposure from everyday products and found: 3D self-supporting PANI/CNT/CC composite cathode coupled with CNF/PAM dual network gel electrolyte for high specific capacity flexible zinc-ion battery..
Li J(1), Wang C(2), Zhao K(3), Fatima S(1), Zheng X(1), Sun Y(1.
The research at a glance
What to use instead
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