Assessing the Release of Microplastics and Nanoplastics from Plastic Containers and Reusable Food Pouches: Implications for Human Health

This study investigated the releaseof microplasticsand nanoplasticsfrom plastic containers and reusable food pouches under differentusage scenarios, using DI water and 3% acetic acid as food simulantsfor aqueous foods and acidic foods. The results indicated that microwaveheating caused the highest release of microplastics and nanoplasticsinto food compared to other usage scenarios, such as refrigerationor room-temperature storage. It was found that some containers couldrelease as many as 4.22 million microplastic and 2.11 billion nanoplasticparticles from only one square centimeter of plastic area within 3min of microwave heating. Refrigeration and room-temperature storagefor over six months can also release millions to billions of microplasticsand nanoplastics. Additionally, the polyethylene-based food pouchreleased more particles than polypropylene-based plastic containers.Exposure modeling results suggested that the highest estimated dailyintake was 20.3 ng/kg & BULL;day for infants drinking microwaved waterand 22.1 ng/kg & BULL;day for toddlers consuming microwaved dairy productsfrom polypropylene containers. Furthermore, an in vitro study conductedto assess the cell viability showed that the extracted microplasticsand nanoplastics released from the plastic container can cause thedeath of 76.70 and 77.18% of human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293T)at 1000 & mu;g/mL concentration after exposure of 48 and 72 h, respectively. Plastic baby food containers and pouchesmay release particlesinto food via refrigeration and room-temperature storage, as wellas microwave heating, which has potential risks to infants and toddlers.

Automated summary

This study revealed that microwave heating caused the highest release of microplastics and nanoplastics into food compared to other usage scenarios. Plastic containers and reusable food pouches can release millions to billions of particles through refrigeration, room-temperature storage, and microwave heating. The released microplastics and nanoplastics can potentially lead to cell death and pose risks to infants and toddlers.