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Microplastics, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, and Heavy Metals in Milk: Analyses and Induced Health Risk Assessment
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Researchers detected microplastics, cancer-linked PAH chemicals, and heavy metals in multiple brands of commercial and raw milk samples. The microplastics were mostly fibers made of polyamide, polyurethane, and polyester, and children were estimated to consume up to four times more microplastics per unit of body weight than adults through milk consumption, highlighting dairy as an overlooked exposure route.
The current study aims to develop isolation protocols for several contaminants of emerging concern (i.e., microplastics (MPs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and heavy metals (HMs)) from different commercial brands and raw milk samples and also to quantify and characterize the risks of these contaminants pose to human health. The quantification, shape, color, and chemical composition of MPs were achieved using optical microscopy, micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Based on the MP dimensions highlighted by the aforementioned techniques, it can be stated that their length ranges between tens of micrometers and a few centimeters; plus, the thickness in some cases reaches more than 15 µm, and the structure of the MPs can be mostly described as a fibriform with a glossy/matte aspect. The polymeric structures identified were polyamides, poly(methyl methacrylate), polyurethane, polyester, and polyethylene. Chemical investigations (PAHs and HMs concentrations) were performed by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, respectively. The pollution load index (1.091-7.676) and daily intake of MPs for adults (0.021-1.061 n·kg-1·d-1) and children (0.089-4.420 n·kg-1·d-1) were calculated. It can be concluded that the presence of MPs in milk supports the hypothesis that microplastics can act as carriers for other contaminants (HMs and PAHs), thus increasing the threat to health.
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Researchers assessed health risks from microplastics found in various milk and dairy products, including conventional, organic, and raw varieties. They found that yogurts showed consistently higher associations with certain polymer contaminations, and strong correlations existed between microplastic concentration and exposure-related risk parameters. The study suggests that routine consumption of contaminated dairy products represents an emerging dietary exposure pathway for microplastics.
Abundance and characterization of microplastics in milk and dairy milk products with a special emphasis on possible health risk assessment: A global systematic review.
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This review combined global studies on tiny plastic particles found in milk and dairy products, finding levels ranging widely depending on testing methods used. Infant formula and breast milk showed the highest contamination, suggesting children may face greater exposure through these products than adults through other dairy items.
Microplastics in the commercially available branded milk in Bangladesh: An emerging threat for human health
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Researchers found microplastics in all 25 commercially available milk brands tested in Bangladesh, with powdered milk containing more particles than liquid milk. Children were estimated to be exposed to 3.4 times more microplastics than adults through milk consumption, raising concerns about the health impacts of early-life microplastic exposure through a staple food.
Microplastics contamination of milk and milk products in Bangladesh: Characterization, dietary exposure, and risk assessment
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Researchers analyzed raw, branded, and processed milk samples in Bangladesh and found microplastic contamination in all types, with branded milk containing the highest average concentration at about 156 particles per 100 mL. Children showed higher dietary exposure than adults, and the dominant particles were small transparent fibers made of polymers including PTFE, PET, and nylon, highlighting the need for monitoring and regulation in the milk supply chain.
Microplastics in Dairy Products: Occurrence, Characterization, Contamination Sources, Detection Methods, and Future Challenges
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Researchers reviewed 17 studies on microplastic contamination in milk and dairy products and found concentrations ranging from undetectable to over 10,000 particles per kilogram, with baby milk powder showing the highest levels. The most common plastics found were polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, and polyester, including some types considered harmful to human health. The study highlights that dairy products are particularly susceptible to microplastic contamination from packaging, processing equipment, and the environment.
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