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Release of microplastics from breastmilk storage bags and assessment of intake by infants: A preliminary study
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Researchers tested six commercially available breastmilk storage bags and found they released large numbers of microplastic and submicron particles during simulated normal use. The particles were identified as plastics using spectroscopy analysis, raising questions about infant exposure through stored breastmilk. The study suggests that single-use plastic baby food packaging may be an overlooked source of microplastic ingestion for infants.
The occurrence of microplastic contaminants in food intended for human consumption has been widely explored. Yet, investigations on plastic and other particle debris in baby food packaging remain scarce to date. Our study shows the release of abundant micro-sized and submicron-sized particles, floccules (<300 μm), and fragments (1-50 μm) during the simulated use of commercially available single-use breastmilk storage bags. Six best-selling products of breastmilk storage bags were selected in our study. Most of the particles released from breastmilk storage bags that were identified as plastics were found to be polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and nylon-6 using micro-Raman spectroscopy. The weight of the particles released from three randomly selected bags of the same product type was determined to be in the range of 0.22 and 0.47 mg. Submicron-sized particles (<0.8 μm) with irregular spherical or oval shapes were present. Microplastics and other particles ingested by infants from the use of breastmilk storage bags were estimated to be 0.61-0.89 mg/day based on the average daily breastmilk intake by infants. This study provides new insights into the exposure to microplastics and other particle debris in commonly used infant products.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.