Assessing the release of microplastics and nanoplastics from plastic containers and reusable food pouches: implications for human health
A recent study investigated the release of microplastics and nanoplastics from plastic containers and reusable food pouches under various conditions, such as microwave heating, refrigeration, and room-temperature storage. The results showed that microwave heating caused the highest release of microplastics and nanoplastics into food, with some containers releasing millions of microplastic and billions of nanoplastic particles in just 3 minutes. Even after six months of storage, millions to billions of particles were still being released. Polyethylene-based pouches released more particles than polypropylene containers. Exposure modeling estimated daily intake for infants and toddlers consuming microwaved food or drinks. In vitro tests revealed that these released particles caused significant cell death in human kidney cells. The findings raise concerns about the potential health risks of microplastic and nanoplastic contamination in everyday food storage and heating practices.