Is it safe to use a plastic colander to drain hot pasta?
Hot food and steam push chemicals out of plastic faster. Use a stainless steel colander for draining hot foods.
What's actually in it
The science on this is clear enough to act on. Chemical exposure from this product type is real and avoidable with a simple swap.
Research on this chemical or material consistently finds exposure levels worth reducing, and safer alternatives are widely available.
What the research says
Hot food and steam push chemicals out of plastic faster. Use a stainless steel colander for draining hot foods.
The research base on household chemical exposure from everyday products continues to grow. Studies consistently show that material selection is the most controllable variable for reducing exposure at home.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Impact of Microplastic Exposure on Airway Inflammation in an Acute Asthma Murine Model. | Tuberc Respir Dis (Seoul) | 2026 |
What to use instead
Browse our vetted, non-toxic alternatives. Every product is third-party certified.
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