Microplastics are found in many places around us. A 2025 research review published in Cureus shows that the tiny plastic particles have been detected in human blood, placental tissue, and samples from the stomach and intestines, among other places.
According to Parade, plastic cutting boards may be one of the ways we are exposed to microplastics.
Oncologists Timothy Byun and James McCloskey explain that a knife can scrape tiny pieces of plastic from the surface of a cutting board. These particles can then end up in the food being prepared.
A 2023 study published in Environmental Science & Technology also found that using plastic cutting boards can release microplastics.
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Experiments provide answers
A 2025 study published in Environmental Health Perspectives examined the differences between plastic and wooden cutting boards. Researchers prepared food for mice on the two types of cutting boards over a period of 12 weeks.
After the experiment, mice that were given food prepared on plastic cutting boards had more microplastics in their blood and colon than mice that were given food prepared on wooden boards.
According to McCloskey, the amount of plastic released depends on factors including the type of plastic, how hard the food is, and how it is cut.
Should they be thrown away?
Although microplastics can come from cutting boards and enter the body, it has not yet been proven that they cause cancer.
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According to Parade, both Timothy Byun and James McCloskey emphasize that there is no direct evidence that microplastics cause cancer.
Chemist Chris DeArmitt also points out that realistic levels of microplastic exposure have not been shown to be harmful to human health.
There is therefore no basis for throwing away plastic cutting boards. However, those who still want to reduce their contact with plastic in the kitchen can consider alternatives such as wood, bamboo, metal, or rubber, as recommended by the oncologists.
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This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.