Microplastics Derived from Food Packaging Waste—Their Origin and Health Risks

Abstract

Plastics are commonly used for packaging in the food industry. The most popular thermoplastic materials that have found such applications are polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), and polystyrene (PS). Unfortunately, most plastic packaging is disposable. As a consequence, significant amounts of waste are generated, entering the environment, and undergoing degradation processes. They can occur under the influence of mechanical forces, temperature, light, chemical, and biological factors. These factors can present synergistic or antagonistic effects. As a result of their action, microplastics are formed, which can undergo further fragmentation and decomposition into small-molecule compounds. During the degradation process, various additives used at the plastics’ processing stage can also be released. Both microplastics and additives can negatively affect human and animal health. Determination of the negative consequences of microplastics on the environment and health is not possible without knowing the course of degradation processes of packaging waste and their products. In this article, we present the sources of microplastics, the causes and places of their formation, the transport of such particles, the degradation of plastics most often used in the production of packaging for food storage, the factors affecting the said process, and its effects.

Polystyrene nanoplastics aggravate reproductive system damage in obese male mice by perturbation of the testis redox homeostasis

“…15,16 Infertility affects approximately 7% of men worldwide and interferes with a normal and healthy life. 17,18 In male patients with obesity, the incidence of infertility increased three-fold [19][20][21][22] and therefore, has led to an increasedattention on the reproductive health problems caused by obesity.…”

“…23 Thus, convenient high fat food items that come with disposable plastic packaging carry a potential contamination of MPs and NPs. 20,21 This indicates the danger of the coexistence of a high-fat diet and NPs in the modern diet. At present, the effect of PS-NPs on the reproductive system of obese mice has not been investigated adequately.…”

“…Plastic packaging is widely used in food storage and packaging, and MPs and NPs have been found in many food items 23 . Thus, convenient high fat food items that come with disposable plastic packaging carry a potential contamination of MPs and NPs 20,21 . This indicates the danger of the coexistence of a high‐fat diet and NPs in the modern diet.…”

Designing healthier and more sustainable ultraprocessed foods

“…The presence of these packaging chemicals in foods may have adverse health effects, especially if they are consumed at relatively high levels over long periods (Hirt & Body‐Malapel, 2020; Tumu et al., 2023). The production and disposal of packaging materials can also lead to environmental pollution (Kadac‐Czapska et al., 2023). Consequently, it may be advantageous to reduce the use of petroleum‐based packaging materials (especially those containing potentially toxic additives) to protect UPFs.…”

Into the Nanograms─Sensitive Detection of Microplastics in Passively Sampled Indoor Air Using F-Splitless Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry

“…In addition, airborne microplastics have been found to originate from agricultural land from both plastic mulch and municipal waste-composted fertilizers . Microplastics also enter the air from tire wear, , clothing, , ocean microplastics, municipal garbage incineration, , landfills, carelessly discarded single-use plastics, , polymer manufacturing plants, plastic recycling facilities, agricultural practices, and construction materials, among other sources. Thus, it is essential to monitor and analyze this type of pollution, to mitigate possible impacts on the environment and human health …”