Microplastic release from the degradation of polypropylene feeding bottles during infant formula preparation

Abstract

Polypropylene-based products are commonly used for food preparation and storage, but their capacity to release microplastics is poorly understood. We investigated the potential exposure of infants to microplastics from consuming formula prepared in polypropylene infant feeding bottles (PP-IFBs). Here, we show that PP-IFBs release microplastics with values as high as 16,200,000 particles/L. Scenario studies showed that PP-IFB sterilisation and exposure to high temperature water significantly increase microplastic release. A 21-day test of PP-IFBs showed periodic fluctuations in microplastic release. To estimate the potential global exposure to infants up to 12 months old, we surveyed 48 regions finding values ranging from 14,600 to 4,550,000 particles per capita per day, depending on the region. We demonstrate that infant exposure to microplastics is higher than previously recognized due to the prevalence of polypropylene-based products in formula preparation, highlighting an urgent need to assess whether MPs exposure at these levels pose a risk to infant health. A formula preparation scheme that reduces the exposure of infants to microplastics is suggested.

Microplastics release from victuals packaging materials during daily usage

“…Although the impacts of MPs on ecosystems and human health are still under discussion, existing studies have shown that MPs can be integrated into habitats through soil transportation, affecting the predation and health of various terrestrial invertebrates 17,18 . The ubiquitous pollution of MPs to the environment, as well as its possible associated risks to the ecosystems and ultimately to human health, has recently attracted a great deal of attention from the public and the scientific community 19‐24 …”

Microplastics and human health

“…The first atmospheric measurements of larger-sized, predominantly fibrous microplastics indicate that plastic particles are a relevant component of fine dust, with, for example, deposition rates in central London ranging between 575 and 1008 microplastics per square meter per day (9). Increased exposure through indoor air, direct swallowing of house dust or dust settling on food (10), and direct exposure to particles released from plastic food containers or bottles, such as polypropylene infant feeding bottles (11), are of special concern. Larger microplastics are likely excreted through feces, or after deposition in the respiratory tract or lungs through mucociliary clearance into the gut (1,2).…”

Micro- and Nanosized Substances Cause Different Autophagy-Related Responses

“…MSs and NSs significantly increase with industrial processes [ 27 , 123 ], human usage [ 105 , 130 ] and garbage fragments [ 131 ]. With the discovery of new techniques, more MSs or NSs contaminations have been found, making biosafety a challenging issue [ 132 ]. Besides, these MSs or NSs can accumulate in our food chain.…”

“…Besides, these MSs or NSs can accumulate in our food chain. Humans can potentially accumulate MSs and/or NSs in the gut, the liver, the kidney [ 133 , 134 ], and muscle tissue [ 135 ], as well as from food items, such as fish [ 136 ], seafood [ 11 , 137 , 138 ], milk [ 132 , 139 ], beer [ 140 , 141 ], sea salt [ 141 , 142 ], sugar [ 143 ], honey [ 143 ], plastic teabags [ 144 ], raw water [ 145 ], tap water [ 141 ], and bottled water [ 146 , 147 ]. In particular, some MSs and NSs engulfing cells are not easily decomposed.…”