Plastic Food Containers Research Articles

Low-dose bisphenol A impairs the function of mouse decidual stromal cells by activating LUMAN-mediated unfolded protein response

The nonsteroidal estrogenic compound bisphenol A (BPA) is widely present in several industrial and medical products including plastic food containers and sealants in dentistry. There are growing concerns on the toxic effects of this compounds since BPA is known to have reproductive toxicity. This study evaluated the effects of low-dose BPA exposure on decidual stromal cells (DSCs) of mice. The results showed that although 10 nM of BPA have no significant effect on the cell viability, it alters the expression of decidualization-related genes including Prl8a2, Prl3c1, Ptgs2, and Mmp2. Moreover, we found that low-dose BPA exposure induces UPR response in DSCs. However, the expression of the three major UPR receptors (Perk, Ire 1, and Xbp1) did not change significantly. Interestingly, the expression of Luman, a novel receptor of UPR, was significantly upregulated in a dose-dependent manner. Lentivirus containing shLuman sequence was used to generate stable Luman silencing DSCs. It's showed that Luman knockdown could affect the expression of decidualization-related genes in decidual cells after BPA treatment. In summary, these results suggest that Luman plays a key role in low dose BPA-induced decidual toxicity of DSCs in mouse.

Online Food Delivery Platforms and Restaurants’ Interactions in the Context of the Ban on Using Single-Use Plastics

The boom in online food delivery(OFD) platforms brings convenience to both consumers and restaurants but leads to pollution from nonbiodegradable plastic food containers. To reduce pollution, the Chinese government enacted a ban on using multiple single-use plastics, including nondegradable OFD food containers. There may be various interests involved in enforcing the ban, so careful analysis is required before implementing the ban. This study applied evolutionary game theory to examine the interaction mechanism of the problematic behaviors between OFD platforms and restaurants. By theoretical research and simulation, we analyzed the conditions under which the game can converge to the expected outcome. In addition, we discussed the measures that are most important to promote restaurants using degradable food packaging in their service.

Phthalates exposure during pregnancy a study in a Mexican cohort.

A prospective cohort study was conducted to measure the concentration levels of three primary phthalate metabolites (MBP, MEHP, MEP) during pregnancy in a group of women from the State of Mexico. The urinary concentration levels of the three phthalate primary metabolites were measured by gas chromatography mass spectrometry during the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy. The geometric mean and 95 % CI for MBP was 20.38 μg/mL (15.35-27.09); for MEHP 13.43 μg/mL (8.93-20.20), and MEP 52.47 μg/mL (39.88-69.04) adjusted to one g of creatinine. No significant trends were observed among the studied metabolites during the pregnancy period. MBP was higher in less educated women, while women who resided in industrialized zones showed higher levels of MEHP and MEP than women from non-industrialized zones. Consumption of plastic bottled beverages was associated with MBP and MEHP phthalate exposure. Women who used non-registered brands of plastic food containers for storage or for microwave oven use showed the highest levels of MBP and MEP phthalates. The pregnant women in our study were exposed to the three studied primary phthalate metabolites, and this could present a risk to their newborns. To better integrate public health policies, major exploration of potential exposure sources and effects at the regional level is required.

Plastic as substituent material for fine aggregate in concrete

The Plastic is a part of our lives due to its daily usage. So, the consumption of plastic is increasing every year. The decomposition of plastic takes more than thousand years because of its non-biodegradable nature. The plastic harms the society and surrounding environment in all aspects. So, the best way to control the pollution posed by the plastic is recycling. The exponential growth in construction industry, the demand for natural aggregates increases but leads to depletion of natural resources. To overcome this issue plastic used as a fine aggregate replacement in concrete. The majority of the waste coming from the plastic bottles (Polyethylene Terephthalate) and food containers (Polypropylene). So, the recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate and Polypropylene used as a fine aggregate in concrete with percentages of 5%,10%,15%. This paper objective is to assess the effect of Polyethylene Terephthalate and Polypropylene on compressive strength and workability. The workability and compressive strength of PET and PP have given good results up to10%and 5%. It has been observed from the test results that 5% and 10% is optimum for Polypropylene (PP) and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)as fine aggregate in concrete respectively.

Factors Influencing the Participation in IIUM Zero Single-Use Plastic Campaign

IIUM Zero Single-Use Plastic Campaign was launched in February 2019, requiring everyone in IIUM not to use plastics including plastic straws, plastic bags, and plastic food containers. As such, this study attempted to gauge the IIUM community’s reception towards the Zero Single-Use Plastic Campaign. The objectives of this study are: (1) to determine the level of awareness, perception, attitude, readiness, and behaviour towards the Zero Single-Use Plastic Campaign; (2) to analyze the relationship among awareness, perception, attitude, readiness, and behaviour in the Zero Single-Use Plastic Campaign; and (3) to find out the best predictor of community behaviour towards such campaign. The study tested the theory of planned behaviour and employed a quantitative research design using the survey method with the questionnaire as its research instrument for data collection. A total of 398 respondents participated in the study. The results of the study show that there is a high level of awareness, perception, attitude, readiness, and behaviour towards the Zero Single-Use Plastic Campaign. Also, there are positive and significant relationships between the factors and behaviour (usage). Readiness is the best predictor of the zero single-use plastic usage. All the hypotheses are supported. Therefore, it can be concluded that the IIUM campus community supports the campaign. Hence, the theory of planned behaviour holds true and is supported by this study. Keywords: Attitude, awareness, behaviour, perception, readiness towards the campaign.

Bisphenol A disrupts inflammatory responses via Nod-like receptor protein 3 pathway in macrophages

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a harmful endocrine disruptor that is found in polycarbonate plastics such as plastic food containers and in epoxy resins such as dental resins. In the current study, we investigated the effect of BPA on function of inflammatory responses involving activation of Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Treatment with BPA decreased nitric oxide (NO) production and expression levels of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and cyclooxygenase (Cox)-2 in RAW 264.7 macrophages. BPA also suppressed activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor-kappa B activity (NF-κB). BPA significantly down-regulated the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and IL-18. The decreased production of IL-1β and IL-18 induced by BPA was associated with inactivation of the activity of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Collectively, these data suggested that BPA could act as a disruptor of the inflammation activity by regulating the NF-κB/MAPK pathways and NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Microplastic Pollution in China, an Invisible Threat Exacerbated by Food Delivery Services.

With the rapid development and democratization of the internet and smart phone industry, onlinefood delivery services have become increasingly popular all over the globe, namely in China. One of the unfortunate drawbacks of these delivery services is that they mainly use single-use plastics as food packaging, therefore generating large amounts of disposable food containers to meet demand. Such plastic containers reach the end of their service life after a single meal, and are then discarded as plastic waste. The sheer amount of plastic food containers discarded in this manner exacerbates various environmental issues, including one that is invisible to the naked eye: microplastic pollution. This minireview summarizes the history of food delivery services in China, from orders made face-to-face to digital orders, as well as the consequences introduced by the tremendous amounts of plastic waste generated by the food delivery services. Microplastic pollution could be mitigated to a certain extent by improving the classification, handling and management of single-use plastic containers in China. Furthermore, additional studies focusing on microplastic pollution caused by food delivery services are needed, especially as the use of these services is on the rise worldwide.

Investigation on the Safety of Plastic Food Containers for Use in Microwave Ovens

The safety quality of plastic food containers for use in microwave ovens has been investigated. Samples made of polypropylene(PP),crystallized-polyethylene terephthalate (C-PET), polyolefin and composite material were collected from various supermarkets in Taipei.The samples were tested according to the "Hygiene Standards of Food Utensils, Containers and Packages" with the official methods issued by the Department of Health, except the olive oil leaching test method which was adapted from Japanese food regulations. Only one sample made of composite materials was found to violate the Standard because its residue on evaporation of 4% acetic acid leaching test exceeded the level of tolerance.

Fetal-Maternal Exposure to Endocrine Disruptors: Correlation with Diet Intake and Pregnancy Outcomes.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous substances able to mimic or to interfere with the endocrine system, thus altering key biological processes such as organ development, reproduction, immunity, metabolism and behavior. High concentrations of EDCs are found in several everyday products including plastic bottles and food containers and they could be easily absorbed by dietary intake. In recent years, considerable interest has been raised regarding the biological effects of EDCs, particularly Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, on human pregnancy and fetal development. Several evidence obtained on in vitro and animal models as well as by epidemiologic and population studies strongly indicated that endocrine disruptors could negatively impact fetal and placental health by interfering with the embryonic developing epigenome, thus establishing disease paths into adulthood. Moreover, EDCs could cause and/or contribute to the onset of severe gestational conditions as Preeclampsia (PE), Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR) and gestational diabetes in pregnancy, as well as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular complications in reproductive age. Therefore, despite contrasting data being present in the literature, endocrine disruptors must be considered as a therapeutic target. Future actions aimed at reducing or eliminating EDC exposure during the perinatal period are mandatory to guarantee pregnancy success and preserve fetal and adult health.

Perceptions and Attitudes of Gynecologic and Pediatric Professionals Regarding Dietary Exposure to Chemical Pollutants.

There is increasing concern regarding the potential implications of continuous dietary exposure to low doses of artificial chemical pollutants, particularly in critical life stages such as pregnancy and lactation. Within a wider social research, we analyzed the risk perception, discourses, and attitudes of health professionals regarding dietary exposure to artificial chemical contaminants. Data was collected by personal interviews on 35 health professionals from two Spanish regions. Although the participants’ discourses were strongly dominated by the nutritional composition and microbiological contamination, 34 expressed some concern regarding metals, and 23 regarding pesticides. Although only one participant mentioned a plasticizer (i.e., bisphenol A), we noted an underlying concern, since six professionals admitted to recommending pregnant women to somewhat avoid plastic food containers, and were aware of mother-to-child transmission and accumulation of artificial chemicals. The ubiquity of the exposure, the inability to locate the threat, and contradictory messages can all create a sense of helplessness and subsequent cognitive adjustments. Our participants also reported a lack of information, particularly on emerging pollutants. In conclusion, we found a range of valuable discourses that can aid in orienting public health strategies aimed at health professionals who have a substantial influence on their patients.

Microplastics from consumer plastic food containers: Are we consuming it?

Microplastic (MP) accumulation in the environment has become an issue of human and environmental importance. Great efforts were made recently to identify the sources of MP exposure to humans and their release into the environment. Here, we employed spectroscopic techniques to identify and characterize MP in consumer plastic food containers that are, in huge quantity, used for food delivery and disposable plastic cups for daily drinking. We determined the average weight of isolated MP per pack to be 12 ± 5.12 mg, 38 ± 5.29 mg, and 3 ± 1.13 mg for the round-shaped, rectangular-shaped plastic container and disposable plastic cups, respectively, with various morphological features including cubic, spherical, rod-like as well as irregular shapes, which may either be consumed by humans or released into the environment. This study demonstrates that new plastic containers can be an important source of direct human and environmental exposure to microplastics. Most importantly, our results indicated that necessary attention must be given to morphological features of realistic MPs when evaluating their risks to humans and the environment.

Associations of lifestyle factors with phthalate metabolites, bisphenol A, parabens, and triclosan concentrations in breast milk of Korean mothers

The toxicity of endocrine disruptors depends on the synergistic interactions of biological, environmental, and behavioral factors. The specific effects of diet, consumer product use, and behaviors, however, are debated in the literature, particularly with regard to endocrine disruptors found in breast milk. This study aimed to measure the levels of phthalate metabolites, bisphenol A, parabens, and triclosan in breast milk and to investigate their associations with various lifestyle factors. The breast milk samples as well as surveys were collected from 221 first-time mothers throughout South Korea and each sample was analyzed for the presence of 15 endocrine disruptors. Phthalate metabolites were detected in 5.4–83.3% of the samples, with median concentrations of 0.08–1.72 μg/L, while bisphenol A, parabens, and triclosan were detected in 25.8–88.2% of the samples, with median concentrations of 0.12–1.47 μg/L. High levels of endocrine disruptors were associated with frequent consumption of fish and cup noodles; the use of plastic and disposable food containers; the use of air fresheners, lotions and make-up; the purchase of new furniture; and socioeconomic status. We also observed the potential role of moderate walking activity on the reduction of these chemicals in breast milk. Our data provide evidence of the potential effects of diet, consumer products, and behavior on the presence of phthalate metabolites, bisphenol A, parabens, and triclosan in breast milk. Future studies should include community or regional impact on a mothers’ exposure to endocrine disruptors, to assess the joint contribution of both individual and neighborhood factors.

Phthalate metabolites concentrations in amniotic fluid and maternal urine: Cumulative exposure and risk assessment

Phthalates are used in industry as plasticizers or additives in everyday products and they have been considered as endocrine disrupting chemicals. Maternal exposure during pregnancy has been associated with neonatal exposure, preterm birth and impacts in the reproductive and respiratory systems. The aim of this study is to determine six phthalate metabolites (mono isobutyl phthalate, miBP, mono n-butyl phthalate, mnBP, mono benzyl phthalate, mBzP, mono ethylhexyl phthalate, mEHP, mono 2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl phthalate, mEHHP, mono 2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl-phthalate, mEOHP) in amniotic fluid and urine from 100 pregnant women. Participants answered questionnaires for the use of plastics and cosmetics, dietary habits, health effects, pregnancy problems, health and infant development. Positive amniotic fluid samples ranged from 1% to 21% and urine from 27% to 54%. The median levels for amniotic fluid were 2.3 μg/L - 10.7 μg/L and for urine 4.9 μg/L - 46.7 μg/L. The major results include significant correlations between urinary phthalates indicating their common sources of exposure, the frequent use of deodorant was significantly associated with higher urinary miBP (p = 0.050) and mnBP (p = 0.028) and a weak inverse association was found for the use of make-up products with mBzP (p = 0.053). The frequent use of plastic food containers was significantly associated with urinary mEHP (p = 0.026), and a positive trend was noticed for mEHP in amniotic fluid (p = 0.093). An association although weak was found between urinary mEHP and lower birth length (rs = 0.396, p = 0.062). No other associations were found for infant health problems or development. The daily intake of the total phthalates was calculated 5.4 μg/kg body weight/day which corresponds to hazard index 0.10 and exposure follows the declining trend that has been observed the last decades.

ATP MONITORING AS AN EXPRESS METHOD TO DETERMINE OBJECT CONTAMINATION

The article presents the results of indication of water and surface contamination. The researches were aimed at estimation of water safety and sanitary-hygienic condition of surfaces. To study the contamination of water samples and common surfaces, we used the traditional method and the bioluminescence-based express method. The bioluminescence method is based on determining the total amount of ATP (bacterial, somatic and extracellular) on contact surfaces and in water. The level of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) was determined using the Lumitester PD-30 (Kikkoman, Japan) luminometer device according to the manufacturer's instructions, using special test systems. The ATP bioluminescence method is commercially more available for simple and quick monitoring of the sanitary-hygienic control effectiveness according to the HACCP principles or international requirements. The traditional method of determining water (and other material) contamination was performed by inoculating water or surface wiping on a common nutrient medium and further cultivation under appropriate conditions. The strongest glowing reaction was observed in sea water, which can be explained by the presence of organic substances in it, while the bioluminescence values in potable (bottled) and filtered water tests were most close to control test. The results of testing the sanitary-hygienic condition of surfaces showed that the amount of adenosine triphosphate exceeded the limits in almost all tested objects. However, a slight exceeding of adenosine triphosphate level was observed on the internal surface of new (plastic) food containers. The investigations performed show that the bioluminescence-based express method can be used as a primary control that gives immediate information about the contamination of both surfaces and liquids. Using the bioluminescence method can shorten the time of the study and therefore reduce the cost of the test. However, when determination of qualitative and quantitative composition of the tested object’s microbiota is necessary, then the classical microbiological control must be performed.

BPA Alters Estrogen Receptor Expression in the Heart After Viral Infection Activating Cardiac Mast Cells and T Cells Leading to Perimyocarditis and Fibrosis.

Myocarditis is an inflammatory heart disease that leads to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and heart failure. Sex hormones play an important role in the development of myocarditis with testosterone driving disease in males and estrogen being cardioprotective in females. The human population is widely exposed to the endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA) from plastics such as water bottles, plastic food containers, copy paper, and receipts. Several clinical and numerous animal studies have found an association between elevated BPA levels and cardiovascular disease. A recent report found elevated levels of BPA in the serum of patients with DCM compared to healthy controls. In this study we examined whether exposure to BPA for 2 weeks prior to viral infection and leading up to myocarditis at day 10 altered inflammation in female BALB/c mice housed in standard plastic cages/water bottles with soy-free food and bedding. We found that a human relevant dose of BPA (25 μg/L) in drinking water, with an estimated exposure of 5 μg BPA/kg BW, significantly increased myocarditis and pericarditis compared to control water without altering viral genome levels in the heart. BPA exposure activated ERα and ERβ in the spleen 24 h after infection and phosphorylated ERα and ERβ during myocarditis, but decreased ERα and increased ERβ mRNA in the heart as measured by qRT-PCR. Exposure to BPA significantly increased CD4+ T cells, IFNγ, IL-17A, TLR4, caspase-1, and IL-1β in the heart. BPA exposure also increased cardiac fibrosis compared to controls. Mast cells, which are associated with cardiac remodeling, were found to increase in number and degranulation, particularly along the pericardium. Interestingly, plastic caging/water bottle exposure alone led to increased mast cell numbers, pericardial degranulation and fibrosis in female BALB/c mice compared to animals housed in glass cages/water bottles with soy-free food and bedding. These data suggest that BPA exposure may increase the risk of developing myocarditis after a viral infection in women.

STUDY THE CONTAMINATION OF SOME CHEMICAL POLLUTANTS IN HOT FOODS STORED IN PLASTIC BAGS AND CONTAINERS

Plastic food containers and bags are classified as the most dangerous food and water contaminants around the world, because of the possibility to transfer the chemicals from it to food as a result of heating. Therefore this study was aimed to estimate the chemical pollutants (heavy metals included lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury and zinc) that transfer from plastic food containers and bags to food. Thirty food containers (15 packages and 15 bags) synthesized from Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) were purchased from the local market in Baghdad. Cut each into small equal pieces (0.5×0.5) cm and placed in a thermo glass containers then submerged 3 food solution (D.W, 3%, acetic acid, and olive oil). Two thermal treatments were done on it; the first one was carried out by boiling on a hot plate surface for 10 and 15 minutes, and the second by heating in microwave for 5 and 10 minutes, heavy metals were estimated by using Atomic Absorption technique. The results showed the significant difference between the concentration of the elements at level (p<o.o5) in these treatment. Also transfer of heavy elements at zero time was very small percentage and insignificant, and the concentration of heavy metals in three solutions were increased as C>B>A after treated with two thermal treatment. The concentration of all heavy elements in this solution after heating for 10 minutes and heating in microwave for 5 and 10 minutes. Were higher than the acceptable limits by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Commission (EU).

Effectual light-harvesting and electron-hole separation for enhanced photocatalytic decontamination of endocrine disruptor using Cu2O/BiOI nanocomposite

Any body system controlled by hormones (or endocrine) can be spoilt by hormone disruptors. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a notorious endocrine disruptor, found in the inside coating of infant formula cans, plastic food containers and plastic bottles. This hazardous BPA causes breast malignancy, thyroid tumor, and prostate cancer. More importantly it induces hormonal imbalance resulting in sexual growth problems such as male-feminization and female-masculinization. Hence, its destruction from food, water and environment is very much required. Amongst the techniques employed for the degradation of perilous pollutant such as BAP, an effective technique is photocatalysis, in which the key issue is the development of materials with high photocatalytic efficiency. The fast recombination of light-produced electron-hole pairs, trivial surface area and deprived visible light utilization are the major negatives associated with any photocatalyst. These issues have been overcome here with the aid of one-step assembled oxygen vacancy-rich semiconductor, dicopper oxide doped iodo(oxo)bismuthine (Cu2O/BiOI). The as-prepared nanocomposite behaves in an outstanding way for the photocatalytic destruction of BPA (99.9%) under visible light irradiation. A suitable reaction mechanism has been recommended for the photocatalysis. This work, by and large, kindles new visions for achieving high-performance photocatalysis which will be very much useful for environmental remediation.

Modification of Waste Aggregate PET for Improving the Concrete Properties

Disposal of plastic wastes causes negative impacts including degradation of land and ocean and climate change. Reusing plastic wastes in concrete is one of the effective methods of reducing plastic disposal. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most abundantly available plastic wastes as it is commonly used for plastic bottles and food containers. This paper investigates the effects of treating PET wastes using hydrogen peroxide solution (H2O2) and calcium hypochlorite solution (Ca(ClO)2) before incorporating in concrete as coarse aggregate replacements. The physical and mechanical properties of concrete were analyzed for three different percentages, namely, 10%, 20%, and 30%, replacement of natural aggregates with plastic aggregates. For all percentage of replacements, it was found that chemically treated plastic aggregates have no effects on the fresh density, but the slump decreased due to roughened surface of treated plastic aggregates. Chemical treatment improved the bond strength between cementitious matrix and plastic aggregates and reduced the gap at the interfacial transition zone (ITZ). These phenomena contributed to the improvement the compressive strength and lower the permeability and porosity.

UV photocrosslinked polymeric fluorescent sensor for bisphenol A

Bisphenol A (BPA) is known as endocrine disrupting compound and it is widely used as an intermediate in manufacturing of polycarbonate and epoxy resins. These resins are used to manufacture inner surface of food cans or directly contact with food and can release BPA into food. It is known that BPA poses health risk, but how risky is a matter of debate. In this study, selective and sensitive fluorescent polymeric membrane sensor for detection of BPA was developed based on fluorescence quenching (λex/λem = 272/295 nm). Working concentration range was linear between 4.4 × 10−9 mol L−1 and 1.1 × 10−7 mol L−1 with a detection limit of 1.58 × 10−9 mol L−1. Optimization of sensor was done and the sensor exhibited satisfactory results for being used as a fluorescent sensor for determination of BPA. Additionally, the proposed method was successfully applied to plastic food containers real samples. The developed sensor was shown to be more sensitive than other methods currently in use, and was able to provide results in a matter of seconds, opening up the possibility of a rapid tool for BPA detection.

Prenatal exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate disrupts ovarian function in a transgenerational manner in female mice.

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a plasticizer found in polyvinyl chloride products such as vinyl flooring, plastic food containers, medical devices, and children's toys. DEHP is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant and is a known endocrine disrupting chemical. Little is known about the effects of prenatal DEHP exposure on the ovary and whether effects occur in subsequent generations. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that prenatal exposure to DEHP disrupts ovarian functions in the F1, F2, and F3 generations of female mice. To test this hypothesis, pregnant CD-1 mice were orally dosed with corn oil (vehicle control) or DEHP (20 and 200 μg/kg/day and 200, 500, and 750 mg/kg/day) daily from gestation day 10.5 until birth (7-28 dams/treatment group). F1 females were mated with untreated males to obtain the F2 generation, and F2 females were mated with untreated males to produce the F3 generation. On postnatal days 1, 8, 21, and 60, ovaries were collected and used for histological evaluation of follicle numbers and sera were used to measure progesterone, testosterone, 17β-estradiol, luteinizing hormone, and follicle stimulating hormone levels. In the F1 generation, prenatal exposure to DEHP disrupted body and organ weights, decreased folliculogenesis, and increased serum 17β-estradiol levels. In the F2 generation, exposure to DEHP decreased body and organ weights, dysregulated folliculogenesis, and disrupted serum progesterone levels. In the F3 generation, DEHP exposure accelerated folliculogenesis. These data suggest that prenatal exposure to DEHP leads to adverse multigenerational and transgenerational effects on ovarian function.