Papers

61,005 results
|
Article Tier 2

Release of Microplastics from Reusable Kitchen Plasticware and Generation of Thermal Potential Toxic Degradation Products in the Oven

Kitchen plasticware including containers and baking molds was tested for microplastic release during oven use, finding that heating generated both microplastic particles and potentially toxic thermal degradation products at levels dependent on material type and temperature. The results identify reusable kitchen plastics as an underappreciated source of microplastic and chemical exposure during everyday cooking.

2022 Applied Sciences 17 citations
Article Tier 2

Identification and characterization of microplastics released during the actual use of disposable cups using laser direct infrared imaging

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.

2025 The Analyst 5 citations
Article Tier 2

Evidence of Sub‐Micrometric Plastic Release When Heating Food Containers Based on Light Scattering Measurements

Researchers used light scattering measurements to detect sub-micrometric plastic particles released from food containers when heated. They found evidence that food-grade containers release tiny plastic fragments during normal heating conditions, at sizes below what most conventional detection methods can capture. The study suggests that current estimates of microplastic exposure from food packaging may undercount the actual amount released.

2024 Particle & Particle Systems Characterization 2 citations
Article Tier 2

Steam disinfection releases micro(nano)plastics from silicone-rubber baby teats as examined by optical photothermal infrared microspectroscopy

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.

2021 Nature Nanotechnology 214 citations
Article Tier 2

Migration testing of microplastics from selected water and food containers by Raman microscopy

Researchers tested microplastic migration from common food and water containers made of polypropylene, PET, and polystyrene under FDA-guided conditions. The study found that hundreds of thousands of microplastic particles per liter can be released, with higher temperatures, fatty food simulants, and direct microwave heating significantly increasing particle release, suggesting that everyday food container use may be a notable source of microplastic exposure.

2023 Journal of Hazardous Materials 34 citations
Article Tier 2

Micro (nano) Plastics Released from Plastic Food Containers

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.

2023 E3S Web of Conferences 2 citations
Article Tier 2

Evaluating microplastic emission from takeaway containers: A Micro-Raman approach across diverse exposure scenarios

Researchers tested how many microplastics are released from common takeaway food containers made of polypropylene, polystyrene, and PET when exposed to different temperatures and acidic conditions. PET and polystyrene containers released microplastics under all conditions, with significantly more released at high temperatures (100 degrees Celsius). Notably, polypropylene containers released no detectable microplastics, suggesting they may be a safer choice for hot food and beverages.

2024 Food Chemistry 15 citations
Article Tier 2

Analysis of microplastics released from plastic take-out food containers based on thermal properties and morphology study

Researchers found that plastic take-out food containers made of polypropylene, polyethylene, and expanded polystyrene release microplastics into hot water, with over 96% of particles smaller than 10 micrometers and concentrations varying by material type and temperature.

2022 Food Additives & Contaminants Part A 29 citations
Article Tier 2

Characterization of microplastics in tap water by optical photothermal infrared

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.

2024 Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Article Tier 2

Quantification of microplastics released from plastic food containers during rinsing and migration by pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

Researchers measured microplastics released from plastic food containers during normal rinsing and when exposed to different food types and temperatures. All containers released microplastics matching their material, and high-fat foods, extreme temperatures, and longer exposure times increased the amount released. This study confirms that plastic food packaging is an important and direct source of microplastic exposure for people through their everyday meals.

2025 Food Chemistry 9 citations
Article Tier 2

Analisis Mikroplastik Pada Botol Susu Plastik Bayi Dengan Metoda FTIR

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.

2023 Parapemikir Jurnal Ilmiah Farmasi
Article Tier 2

Microplastic and PTFE contamination of food from cookware

Researchers tested whether plastic cookware releases microplastics into food during everyday cooking steps like heating, mixing, and storage, and found that both new and old plastic cookware introduced thousands of plastic particles per year into home-cooked meals. Non-plastic cookware did not add any microplastics, suggesting that switching to non-plastic pots and utensils could meaningfully reduce dietary microplastic intake.

2024 The Science of The Total Environment 45 citations
Article Tier 2

Discrete frequency infrared-guided image for microplastic analysis: Performance and limitations

Researchers evaluated the performance and limitations of a discrete frequency infrared imaging approach using a quantum cascade laser for microplastic analysis, finding that over 90% of fluorescently labelled polyethylene particles larger than 20 micrometers were correctly identified, with throughput-accuracy tradeoffs at high-throughput settings.

2024 Green Analytical Chemistry
Article Tier 2

Nanoplastic release from disposable plastics: Correlation with maximum service temperature

Testing five types of disposable plastics confirmed that nanoplastic release correlates with maximum service temperature, with materials used beyond their temperature limits releasing significantly more nanoplastics when packaging hot food, cooking in ovens, or using microwaves.

2024 Journal of Hazardous Materials 9 citations
Article Tier 2

Label-free detection and characterization of secondary microplastics from tea bags

Researchers used advanced microscopy techniques to detect microplastics released from tea bags into boiling water. The study identified several types of plastic materials, including polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and nylon, in micrometer-sized particles across 11 different tea bag samples. These findings suggest that brewing tea in plastic-containing bags may be a direct route for microplastic ingestion.

2024 Optical Engineering 4 citations
Article Tier 2

A Comparative Study About the Amount of Microplastic in Polyethylene Terephtalate (pet) Drinking Water That Was Exposed and Not Exposed by Sun at Environmental Health Laboratory of Poltekkes Kemenkes Semarang at the Year 2020

Researchers compared the amount of microplastics released from different brands and conditions of PET water bottles, finding that UV exposure and bottle age affect how many particles leach into the water. This study highlights bottled water as a direct route of microplastic ingestion for consumers.

2020 Buletin Keslingmas 2 citations
Article Tier 2

Assessing microplastic characteristics in bottled drinking water and air deposition samples using laser direct infrared imaging

Researchers used a rapid laser-based detection method to measure microplastics in bottled water and indoor air, finding an average of 96 plastic particles per liter in bottled water and detecting that indoor textiles are a major source of microplastic particles that settle onto food during meals.

2022 Journal of Hazardous Materials 96 citations
Article Tier 2

Release of Nanoplastics from Polypropylene Food Containers into Hot and Cold Water

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.

2025 Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 2 citations
Article Tier 2

Release of Nanoplasticsfrom Polypropylene Food Containersinto Hot and Cold Water

Researchers investigated the release of nanoplastics (particles <1 µm) from Australian polypropylene food containers into both hot and cold water. Hot water exposure substantially increased nanoplastic release compared to cold water, raising concerns about food safety when heating food in plastic containers.

2025 Figshare
Article Tier 2

Detection of nanoplastics released from consumer plastic food containers by electromagnetic heating pyrolysis mass spectrometry

Researchers developed a rapid method combining electromagnetic heating with mass spectrometry to detect and quantify nanoplastics released from consumer plastic food containers. They found that common containers released measurable quantities of nanoplastic particles, with concentrations varying based on container type and heating conditions. The study provides evidence that everyday food packaging is a direct source of nanoplastic exposure through the diet.

2024 Analytica Chimica Acta 2 citations
Article Tier 2

Characterization of microplastics in tap water by optical photothermal infrared

Researchers characterized microplastics in tap water using optical photothermal infrared spectroscopy, a technique that can identify particles smaller than 10 micrometers with high chemical specificity. The method detected a broader range of particle sizes than conventional FTIR microscopy, revealing higher microplastic concentrations in tap water than previously reported.

2024 Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Article Tier 2

Occurrence of microplastics in commercially sold bottled water

Researchers used advanced infrared spectroscopy to measure microplastics in commercially sold bottled water in China. They found microplastic particles in the samples, with concentrations varying by brand and bottle type. The study adds to growing evidence that bottled water is a significant source of human microplastic exposure, and it estimated the amount people may be consuming daily through this route.

2023 The Science of The Total Environment 132 citations
Article Tier 2

Analysis of Microplastics in Takeaway Food Containers in China Using FPA-FTIR Whole Filter Analysis

Researchers used advanced FPA-FTIR imaging to detect microplastics released from takeaway food containers commonly used in China. The study found that food containers do release microplastic particles, with the type and quantity varying by container material, raising concerns about human exposure to microplastics through everyday food packaging.

2022 Molecules 41 citations
Article Tier 2

Rapid Identification and Quantification of Microplastics in the Environment by Quantum Cascade Laser-Based Hyperspectral Infrared Chemical Imaging

Quantum cascade laser infrared microscopy was evaluated as a rapid method for identifying and quantifying microplastics in environmental samples. The technique showed potential for faster polymer identification compared to conventional FTIR mapping, offering advantages for high-throughput microplastic monitoring.

2020 Environmental Science & Technology 121 citations