Do PP takeout containers shed nanoplastic when you pour cold water too?
Yes. Research shows that polypropylene containers release nanoplastics into both hot and cold water.
What's actually in it
Polypropylene (PP) is a type of plastic commonly used for takeout containers because it is cheap and durable. You might think it is only a problem when you heat it up, but that is not the case. These containers are made of polymers that can break down into tiny pieces called nanoplastics. These particles are so small they can move through your body and have been found in human fluids, according to a 2026 study in J Adv Res.
What the research says
A 2025 study in J Agric Food Chem tested how much plastic is released from these containers. The results were clear: the containers shed nanoplastics into both hot and cold water. This means your cold leftovers are picking up plastic particles just by sitting in the container.
This is a concern because of what we are learning about how these particles affect the body. The same 2026 study in J Adv Res linked the presence of microplastics and nanoplastics in the body to health issues like a lower ovarian reserve. This peer-reviewed research shows that these plastics are not just inert waste. They are active particles that can interact with your health.
The research at a glance
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