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Analysis of Microplastics in Aerophone(Plastic Recorder) Through FT-IR Microscope
Summary
Good news for band class: researchers tested plastic recorders (the flute-like instruments kids play in school) to see if playing them releases microplastics into saliva, and found no meaningful amounts at mouth-like temperatures. The tiny traces of plastic detected were likely contamination from manufacturing or packaging, not from the recorder itself breaking down during use. While it's reassuring for now, the researchers still suggest developing safer alternative materials since microplastics remain a broader health concern worth monitoring.
The purpose of this study was to measure the extent of microplastics generated from soprano recorders, a plastic instrument used in schools, using FT-IR spectroscopy. The sample temperature was set using distilled water heated to an child oral temperature of 37-38°C as the test solution, and the results are as follows. First, no microplastics were detected in the four soprano recorders sold online. Second, the detailed detection results of microplastics found polypropylene, polycarbonate, and polystyrene at levels below the analysis standards. It was determined that the plastics discovered in the detailed search were likely due to cross-contamination, such as introduction during the manufacturing process or distribution, rather than being detected in the analysis material itself. Although it is difficult to completely eliminate plastics today, it is necessary to raise awareness by raising awareness to refrain from using products, developing measures to ensure students' healthy music performance, and developing alternative materials.