Harvard-trained doctor warns against three common kitchen items, citing possible health risks
Dr. Saurabh Sethi told followers on TikTok to discard plastic chopping boards, scratched non-stick pans and regular scented candles and recommended safer alternatives
Harvard-trained gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi urged people to dispose of three common household items — plastic chopping boards, scratched non-stick pans and regular scented candles — in a social media video, saying they can leach chemicals or particles that may harm health over time.
Posting to his TikTok channel @DrSethiMD, which has roughly 500,000 followers, Dr. Sethi said the video has been viewed more than 8,000 times. He warned that repeated exposure to tiny plastic particles, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and ingredients found in many scented products can build up in the body and interfere with hormones and other biological systems.
On plastic chopping boards, Dr. Sethi said "knife marks can shed tiny plastic particles into your food," and that microplastics are now found in many everyday items including food, clothing and household goods. He suggested better options such as well-maintained wood or bamboo boards, or glass boards, while noting glass can dull knives more quickly.
Regarding non-stick cookware, he cautioned against using scratched or chipped pans because of PFAS, a broad class of synthetic chemicals used to make products water- and stain-resistant. "Older pans often use PFOA, which is linked to reproductive and hormonal issues," he said, and added that while many modern non-stick pans are labeled PFOA-free, scratches can still release microscopic coating particles and any additives trapped inside. He recommended alternatives such as stainless steel, cast iron or pure ceramic cookware.
Dr. Sethi also advised against regular scented candles, saying many contain phthalates, which have been associated with hormone disruption, and paraffin wax, which can release soot and volatile organic compounds when burned. For those who want candles, he suggested unscented options made from soy, coconut or beeswax.
Experts and regulators have increasingly scrutinized microplastics, PFAS and certain fragrance chemicals for potential health and environmental effects. PFAS are persistent in the environment and have been linked in scientific studies to a range of health outcomes, including impacts on the immune system, lipid metabolism and reproductive health; some forms of PFAS have been the subject of regulatory action and international review. Phthalates have been studied for possible effects on fertility and endocrine function, and indoor air pollutants from burning paraffin have raised concerns about air quality.
Dr. Sethi framed his recommendations as measures to reduce long-term exposure. He said the risk from these items "builds up over years of use," and urged people to consider replacing or avoiding damaged or chemically treated household products. The video reflects growing public attention to everyday sources of chemical exposure, and follows a broader pattern of guidance from public health advocates who advise reducing contact with persistent or endocrine-active substances when feasible.
Consumers looking to limit exposure can consider product labels, manufacturer guidance and independent testing when choosing cookware, cutting boards and scented products. Public health agencies and scientific organizations continue to review the evidence on long-term effects of microplastics, PFAS and certain fragrance chemicals, and may update guidance as new research emerges.