A word of caution regarding breast milk: a correspondence

Abstract

Properties such as durability, flexibility, plasticity, and low cost of production have led to plastics being widely used in a variety of consumer products. Global plastic production is estimated to be 370 million tonnes out of which two thirds are being manufactured in Europe and Asia1. Through atmospheric agents and photooxidation with bacteria, plastics degrade into microparticles called microplastics (MPs)2,3. Particularly, MPs enter the body through respiration, ingestions, and dermal contact. They have a myriad of harmful inflammatory effects, oxidative stress, and an increased risk of allergic diseases2,4. Studies have shown MPs are a major concern when pregnant women are exposed to foreign bodies that may reach the placenta and have adverse effects on the fetus2,3. Previously, MPs have been found in organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, and placenta2,3. However, a recent study by Ragusa and colleagues has identified traces of MPs in breast milk. Ragusa and colleagues evaluated 34 breast milk samples using Raman Microspectroscopy and found MPs in more than 75% of the samples (26/34)2. Both placenta and breast milk contain traces of MPs that raises risks for neonates constantly exposed to the toxic particles. Specifically, the Plasticenta study by Ragusa et al3 identified MPs originated from plastic/rubber found in a variety of products women use such as cosmetics, foundations, nail polish, textile (cotton/polyester), fragrances, lipstick, mascara, and eye shadows. Therefore, pregnant women should resort to using organically produced cosmetics that will limit toxin exposure. Should mothers stop breastfeeding completely, knowing that there are MPs in breast milk? The benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the risks that breast milk contains the best standard of nutrition that enhances the immune system and growth of the infant. Some suggestions to counter the presence of these foreign bodies can be the use of paper bags instead of plastic bags, glass bottles instead of plastic ones, and finally raising public awareness and promote laws that reduce plastic pollution in the environment. Healthcare professionals should strive to educate mothers on limiting the use of toxic elements present in cosmetics. A relevant question to ponder is where can MPs accumulate the most in the body. Currently, there is a scarcity of knowledge on how MPs accumulate in humans and which organ yields the highest content of the toxin. Therefore, apart from breastmilk containing traces of MPs, there is insufficient research on the pathological problems that neonates could potentially face in the future with regard to development or even organ damage. Ethical approval None. Sources of funding None. Author contribution M.I.S.: Conceptualisation, literature review, writing - original draft, writing - reviewing and editing. A.R.S. and T.Z.: Literature review, writing - original draft, writing - reviewing and editing. S.A.S.: Writing, reviewing and editing. Conflict of interest disclosures The authors declare that they have no financial conflict of interest with regard to the content of this report. Research registration unique identifying number (UIN) None. Guarantor Moeez I. Shiraz. Consent None. Provenance and peer review Not commissioned, externally peer reviewed.