69% of Americans use plastic cutting boards

69% of Americans Use a Common Kitchen Item That May Pose a Major Health Hazard

Artur

Artur is the founder of The Skillful Cook. Here he shares his (mostly) healthy recipes.

Updated

Our survey has found that a majority of Americans rely on plastic cutting boards in their kitchens, often unaware of the hidden health risks. But what does science say about this? Discover more in this article.

Plastic cutting boards are commonplace in American kitchens due to their convenience and affordability. They are lightweight, easy to clean, and readily available, making them the go-to option for many households.

However, plastic chopping boards might come at a cost to your health.

A peer-reviewed study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that plastic cutting boards are a potentially significant source of microplastics in human food. Microplastics have been linked to various health disorders, including cardiovascular diseases, disruptions of the endocrine system, male fertility issues, and cancer.

We surveyed 3,000 Americans to determine how many use plastic cutting boards in their kitchens and assess their awareness of potential health risks.

Key takeaways from the survey

Here’s a summary of the key findings of this study:

  • 69.23% of Americans use plastic cutting boards in their kitchens, which is not surprising considering the convenience.
  • 77.43% were unaware of the potential health risks associated with microplastics leaching from plastic cutting boards.
  • When informed of the potential health risks, 89.57% said they would consider switching to non-plastic cutting board alternatives.
  • The two most popular factors for choosing a cutting board were durability (69.60%) and safety of the material (57.60%).
  • 47.7% would switch to wood as an alternative.

69.23% of Americans use plastic cutting boards

Plastic chopping board use

Our survey found that 69.23% of Americans use plastic cutting boards in their kitchens. This comes as no surprise, considering their convenience and affordability. 

Plastic cutting boards are lightweight, easy to clean, reasonably durable, and readily available in most stores, which makes them a popular choice among consumers. 

However, the high usage rate also highlights a potential area of concern, given the health risks associated with microplastics that many users are unaware of.

77.43% of the respondents were unaware of the potential health risks

Health risk awareness

The survey revealed a significant lack of awareness about the health risks associated with microplastics in plastic cutting boards. 77.43% of respondents were unaware that chopping on plastic cutting boards releases microplastics into food.

This lack of awareness is concerning, given the increasing evidence of microplastics’ pervasive presence in the environment and their potential to cause adverse health outcomes.

These findings point out the need for more education about the risks of microplastics and the importance of choosing kitchenware that does not release microplastics.

When informed of the health risks, nine out of ten said they would switch to a non-plastic cutting board.

Knowing the risks associated with microplastics, would you consider switching to a non-plastic cutting board

When informed about the health risks of microplastics in plastic cutting boards, 89.57% of respondents indicated they would consider switching to non-plastic alternatives. This shows that consumers are highly responsive to information about health and safety.

This also suggests that increased public awareness and education can drive significant changes in people’s behavior, potentially reducing possible health risks caused by the ingestion of microplastics.

It also indicates a strong market for cutting boards that are free of plastic.

47.7% of respondents would switch to wood as an alternative

Plastic board alternative

When considering alternatives to plastic cutting boards, 47.7% of respondents preferred wood, making it the most popular choice. Bamboo came in second, chosen by 17.0% of respondents.

Other materials, such as glass (14.5%), stone (13.3%), and rubber (6.73%), were less popular but still considered by some of the respondents. These preferences highlight a strong consumer inclination towards safer and more sustainable materials than plastic.

Influencing Factors for Cutting Board Choice

Cutting board choice factors

The survey highlighted several key factors influencing consumers’ choice of cutting boards. Durability emerged as the most significant factor, with 69.60% of respondents citing it as necessary. This preference underscores a general desire for long-lasting kitchenware that withstands frequent use without degrading.

Material safety was the second most cited factor, important to 57.60% of respondents. This reflects growing consumer concern about the health implications of the materials that come in contact with their food.

Price was also a considerable factor, noted by 53.77% of participants. This indicates that while consumers are interested in safer and more durable options, cost remains important.

Other factors such as convenience, aesthetic appeal, and recommendations from friends and family also played roles but to lesser extents.

Conclusion

Our survey reveals that Americans use plastic cutting boards frequently and lack awareness about the associated health risks from ingesting microplastics. However, once informed, the majority of respondents expressed a strong willingness to switch to safer alternatives, with wood being the most preferred alternative.

The primary factors that affect the choice of cutting boards include durability, material safety, and price. This highlights consumers’ preference for long-lasting and health-conscious products at reasonable prices.

The findings show the need to educate consumers to promote products that are free of microplastics. Manufacturers and retailers can meet the demand for non-plastic cutting boards by promoting the health benefits and durability of alternative materials, which also supports broader public health initiatives by reducing microplastic exposure.

How we got this data

The survey was conducted in July 2024 using Pollfish, an online survey platform. A total of 3,000 respondents from across the United States participated in the survey. 

Here is a demographic breakdown of the survey participants:

Age:

Age GroupPercentage
18-248.87%
25-3419.6%
35-4424.17%
45-5421.97%
> 5425.4%

Gender:

  • Male: 40%
  • Female: 60%

The survey consisted of several questions aimed at understanding the usage of plastic cutting boards, awareness of the health risks associated with microplastics, and the willingness to switch to alternative materials. 

We used single-selection questions to gather data on current usage, awareness levels, and preferred alternative materials. A multiple-selection question captured the factors influencing cutting board choices.

Data was stratified to ensure accurate representation and to highlight key trends and patterns. The results provide valuable insights into awareness of microplastic-related health risks, consumer behavior, and preferences regarding cutting board materials.

About the author
I am the founder of The Skillful Cook. I started my cooking journey alongside my fitness journey, and eating plain chicken and rice were never my thing. Here, I share my (mostly) healthy and delicious recipes that I cook for myself.

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