Is it safe to use plastic kettles for boiling water for baby formula?

What's actually in it

Plastic kettles are made of synthetic materials that aren't built to withstand high heat without breaking down. When you boil water, these plastics release microplastics and plastic additives directly into the water. These additives include chemicals used to make plastic flexible or durable. When you use this water for baby formula, you are essentially mixing these particles into your baby's meal.

What the research says

The science is clear that handling water in plastic containers leads to contamination. A 2026 study in Water Res found that everyday storage and handling of plastic water bottles significantly increases human exposure to nano- and microplastics. This confirms that plastic is not a stable material for holding or heating water.

Other peer-reviewed research highlights the widespread nature of this problem. A 2026 study in Water Res notes that microplastics are already present in water supply systems, and using plastic heating elements or containers only adds to that load. Furthermore, a 2026 study in J Hazard Mater confirms that plastic particles are found throughout drinking water systems, making it even more important to avoid adding more plastic exposure at home. Finally, a 2026 study in Environ Int performed a screening of additives in baby products, showing that these chemicals are a major concern for infant health.