We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Steam disinfection releases micro(nano)plastics from silicone-rubber baby teats as examined by optical photothermal infrared microspectroscopy
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used advanced infrared microscopy to examine whether steam-sterilizing silicone baby bottle teats releases microplastics. They found that repeated heating caused hydrothermal decomposition of the silicone, releasing both micro- and nanoplastic particles into the wash water. The findings raise concerns about infant exposure to tiny plastic particles from a routine and widely recommended bottle-cleaning practice.
Silicone-rubber baby teats used to bottle-feed infants are frequently disinfected by moist heating. However, infant exposure to small microplastics (<10 μm) potentially released from the heated teats by hydrothermal decomposition has not been studied, owing to the limitations of conventional spectroscopy in visualizing microplastic formation and in characterizing the particles at the submicrometre scale. Here both the surfaces of silicone teats subjected to steam disinfection and the wash waters of the steamed teats were analysed using optical-photothermal infrared microspectroscopy. This new technique revealed submicrometre-resolved steam etching on and chemical modification of the teat surface. Numerous flake- or oil-film-shaped micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) (in the size range of 0.6-332 μm) presented in the wash waters, including cyclic and branched polysiloxanes or polyimides, which were generated by the steam-induced degradation of the base polydimethylsiloxane elastomer and the polyamide resin additive. The results indicated that by the age of one year, a baby could ingest >0.66 million elastomer-derived micro-sized plastics (MPs) (roughly 81% in 1.5-10 μm). Global MP emission from teat disinfection may be as high as 5.2 × 10 particles per year. Our findings highlight an entry route for surface-active silicone-rubber-derived MNPs into both the human body and the environment. The health and environmental risks of the particles are as yet unknown.
More Papers Like This
Characterization of microplastics in tap water by optical photothermal infrared
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used optical photothermal infrared spectroscopy to characterize microplastics in tap water, identifying particles as small as a few micrometers that conventional FTIR techniques cannot resolve. The higher detection sensitivity revealed that microplastic concentrations in drinking water are likely underestimated by standard methods.
Baking releases microplastics from polyethylene terephthalate bakeware as detected by optical photothermal infrared and quantum cascade laser infrared
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers baked PET plastic bakeware at 220 degrees Celsius and found that significant numbers of microplastics were released into the water, with the amount increasing substantially after repeated baking cycles. The particles were mostly between 1 and 20 micrometers in size, small enough to potentially be absorbed by the body. This study provides direct evidence that using plastic bakeware at high temperatures is a meaningful source of microplastic exposure in food.
Analisis Mikroplastik Pada Botol Susu Plastik Bayi Dengan Metoda FTIR
AI summary Read the abstract
This Indonesian study analyzed baby bottle plastics using infrared spectroscopy to detect microplastics released during use. Plastic baby bottles are a known source of microplastic exposure in infants, and identifying the specific polymer types released helps characterize the nature and potential risks of this common exposure.
Microplastic release from the degradation of polypropylene feeding bottles during infant formula preparation
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Identification and characterization of microplastics released during the actual use of disposable cups using laser direct infrared imaging
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that disposable polypropylene and polystyrene cups release over 1,000 microplastic particles per liter when filled with hot water, with higher temperatures producing more particles. Using a disposable cup three times a day could mean unintentionally swallowing 294 to 402 microplastic particles daily. The study suggests that reusable cups release fewer microplastics and may be a safer choice for regular hot beverage consumption.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.