Knowledge | Avoid microwaving plastic baby-food containers: study reveals potential health risks of micro- and nanoplastics
A laboratory study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that heating water or milk-based drinks in common plastic baby-food containers may release large quantities of microplastic and nanoplastic particles, potentially posing health risks after long-term ingestion.
Led by a University of Nebraska–Lincoln team, the study examined three types of baby-food containers widely sold in the US: two disposable baby-food containers made of polypropylene and one reusable soft baby-food pouch made of polyethylene. All material types had been certified as safe by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The researchers filled the containers with water or liquids simulating the acidity of fruit, vegetables, or dairy products and heated them for three minutes in a 1,000-watt microwave. They then analyzed the liquids for microplastics, defined as at least 1/1000 millimeter in diameter, and nanoplastics, defined as smaller than 1/1000 millimeter.
Microwaving released large quantities of microplastic and nanoplastic particles into the liquids. Exposure concentrations were highest for infants drinking products microwaved with water and toddlers consuming microwaved dairy products.
First author Kazi Albab Hussain, a doctoral student in civil and environmental engineering at the University of Nebraska, said becoming a father recently motivated the research. “I cannot completely avoid plastic containers for my own baby,” he said, “but I can avoid practices that release more microplastics. The public also has a right to this information so they can make informed choices.”
The team also exposed human embryonic kidney cells to microplastic and nanoplastic particles detected in the heated liquids. Although a single heating cycle produced limited particles, the researchers simulated accumulated doses from repeated ingestion over several days. About 75% of the kidney cells died within two to three days of exposure, indicating substantial toxic potential.
Hussain emphasized: “When we eat food, we usually know its calories, sugar, and nutrients. I believe we should also know how many plastic particles we ingest. Just as we understand how calories and nutrients affect health, recognizing the presence of plastic particles is essential to assessing their potential harm.”
Although the study was not conducted directly in humans, its findings provide important scientific information for parents choosing baby-food containers and heating methods.
Knowledge | Avoid microwaving plastic baby-food containers: study reveals potential health risks of micro- and nanoplastics
Knowledge | Avoid microwaving plastic baby-food containers: study reveals potential health risks of micro- and nanoplastics
A laboratory study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that heating water or milk-based drinks in common plastic baby-food containers may release large quantities of microplastic and nanoplastic particles, potentially posing health risks after long-term ingestion.
Led by a University of Nebraska–Lincoln team, the study examined three types of baby-food containers widely sold in the US: two disposable baby-food containers made of polypropylene and one reusable soft baby-food pouch made of polyethylene. All material types had been certified as safe by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The researchers filled the containers with water or liquids simulating the acidity of fruit, vegetables, or dairy products and heated them for three minutes in a 1,000-watt microwave. They then analyzed the liquids for microplastics, defined as at least 1/1000 millimeter in diameter, and nanoplastics, defined as smaller than 1/1000 millimeter.
Microwaving released large quantities of microplastic and nanoplastic particles into the liquids. Exposure concentrations were highest for infants drinking products microwaved with water and toddlers consuming microwaved dairy products.
First author Kazi Albab Hussain, a doctoral student in civil and environmental engineering at the University of Nebraska, said becoming a father recently motivated the research. “I cannot completely avoid plastic containers for my own baby,” he said, “but I can avoid practices that release more microplastics. The public also has a right to this information so they can make informed choices.”
The team also exposed human embryonic kidney cells to microplastic and nanoplastic particles detected in the heated liquids. Although a single heating cycle produced limited particles, the researchers simulated accumulated doses from repeated ingestion over several days. About 75% of the kidney cells died within two to three days of exposure, indicating substantial toxic potential.
Hussain emphasized: “When we eat food, we usually know its calories, sugar, and nutrients. I believe we should also know how many plastic particles we ingest. Just as we understand how calories and nutrients affect health, recognizing the presence of plastic particles is essential to assessing their potential harm.”
Although the study was not conducted directly in humans, its findings provide important scientific information for parents choosing baby-food containers and heating methods.
Story source:
Collected online