Kitchen Paper Towels on Hot Pans May Raise Cancer Risk, Expert Warns

Experts are warning that common kitchen items and cooking habits could harm health when repeated over long periods.

Kang Sang-wook, a professor of chemical energy engineering at Sangmyung University, appeared on the YouTube channel "Taste of Knowledge" to discuss the dangers of chemical exposure in daily life. "Diseases like cancer and cardiovascular conditions don't occur immediately from a single exposure to a specific substance, but can become problematic when repeated exposure accumulates over time," Kang said.

Cooking fumes and inhalation of harmful substances during food preparation were cited as major risk factors. A survey found that 32.4% (13,653 people) of 42,077 school cafeteria workers showed abnormalities in lung CT scans. "They may have been affected by exposure to cooking fumes for more than eight hours a day over several years," Kang said. "We need to change our lifestyle habits to reduce both the amount and frequency of exposure."

Kitchen Paper Towels

Many people wipe leftover oil from pans with kitchen paper towels after cooking pork belly or steak, then immediately add fresh oil and continue cooking. However, experts warn that while kitchen paper towels themselves are not dangerous products, caution is needed depending on how they are used.

"Wiping a high-temperature pan with kitchen paper towels and then immediately adding oil to cook is not advisable," Kang said. Since kitchen paper towels undergo chemical treatment during manufacturing, the possibility that decomposition products may remain when they contact high-temperature surfaces cannot be completely ruled out, he explained. Kang added that it is safer to wash the pan once more after wiping before using it again.

Solid Fuel

Kang said the ingredients in white solid fuel used indoors must be checked carefully. Many products used for warming at Japanese-style pubs or homes contain methanol as the main component, he explained. Even small amounts of methanol can cause optic nerve damage, and inhaling it in vapor form can also be dangerous. "Choose ethanol-based solid fuel products, and it's better to use them outdoors if possible," Kang advised.

Wooden Cutting Boards

Wooden cutting boards are divided into laminated wood boards and solid wood boards. Laminated products use adhesives, which can generate fine fragments during cutting, making solid wood products relatively more recommended, he explained. However, proper maintenance is key even for solid boards. The structure of wood can allow detergent to remain inside or moisture to linger, creating an environment for mold growth. "Use baking soda rather than kitchen detergent, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely," Kang said.

Kitchen Sponges

Kitchen sponges retain moisture and food residue easily, creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth. A 2017 study by microbiologist Dr. Markus Egert at Furtwangen University in Germany found 362 species of microorganisms in kitchen sponges. "Plastic-based sponges in particular have increased surface area, making it easier for harmful bacteria to take hold," Kang said. "If you notice a bad smell or slimy texture, replace them immediately."