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The released micro/nano-plastics from plastic containers amplified the toxic response of disinfection by-products in human cells
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Researchers found that plastic feeding bottles, food containers, and paper cups all release micro and nanoplastics when exposed to hot water. While these released particles alone were not toxic to human cells, they significantly amplified the toxicity of disinfection by-products commonly found in drinking water, with the strongest effect seen in liver cells. Infants face the greatest risk from this interaction because of their higher exposure through heated formula in plastic bottles.
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) released from plastic containers pose significant food safety concerns; however, their release patterns in different containers along with their impacts on other pollutants remain poorly understood. This study revealed that feeding bottles, food containers, and paper cups released approximately 10 microplastics and 10 nanoplastics after hot water treatment. These released MNPs were nontoxic in six cell types, whereas they significantly amplified the toxicity of disinfection by-products (DBPs), a widely existing contaminant in drinking water. The joint toxicity was influenced by MNPs size, the types of cells and DBPs, with a maximum synergistic efficiency of 57.89 ± 4.64 % in human hepatic carcinoma cells (HepG2) exposed to nanoplastics from feeding bottles and iodoacetamide. Additionally, the exposure assessment indicated that released MNPs posed greater risks to infants. These findings suggested that while MNPs alone were nontoxic, their interactions with DBPs presented potential risks, particularly for sensitive populations.
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Micro (nano) Plastics Released from Plastic Food Containers
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Researchers found that plastic food containers release micro- and nanoplastics into food under both hot-water and microwave heating, with the quantity increasing with repeated reuse, raising concerns about dietary exposure from everyday kitchen plastics.
Microplastic release from the degradation of polypropylene feeding bottles during infant formula preparation
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Researchers found that polypropylene baby bottles can release millions of microplastic particles per liter when exposed to the high temperatures used during sterilization and formula preparation. The study estimated that bottle-fed infants could be exposed to significant levels of microplastics during their first year of life, with hotter water temperatures leading to greater particle release.
Assessing the Release of Microplastics and Nanoplastics from Plastic Containers and Reusable Food Pouches: Implications for Human Health
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Researchers found that microwaving food in plastic containers can release up to 4.22 million microplastic and 2.11 billion nanoplastic particles per square centimeter in just 3 minutes, with infants and toddlers facing the highest estimated exposure from heated baby food and drinks. Cell studies showed these released particles killed up to 77% of human kidney cells at high concentrations, raising serious concerns about everyday plastic food container use.
Microparticles and microplastics released from daily use of plastic feeding and water bottles and plastic injectors: potential risks to infants and children in China
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Researchers found that daily-use plastic feeding bottles, water bottles, and medical injectors commonly used for Chinese infants and children release significant numbers of microparticles and microplastics when exposed to heat and sterilization. The study estimated that infant exposure through these sources could be substantial, raising concerns about microplastic ingestion during early development.
Release of Nanoplastics from Polypropylene Food Containers into Hot and Cold Water
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Researchers tested polypropylene food storage containers and found they release both nanoplastics and microplastics into water, with significantly higher amounts released when hot water at 90 degrees Celsius was used compared to room temperature. The nanoplastics ranged from 122 to 397 nanometers in size and were chemically confirmed as polypropylene. The study provides direct evidence of nanoplastic exposure from everyday food container use and highlights the importance of including these tiny particles in health risk assessments.
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