Hidden danger in our food packaging: The health risks of plastic monomers

Abstract

Plastic packaging is produced through a process called polymerization, where monomers (the building blocks) are linked together. Usually, monomers are stable in the polymer chain; however, the presence of low molecular weight substances, such as LDPE, prevents the monomers from being packaged closely. This leads to their spread to food through various means, such as contact, penetration, gas-phase diffusion, condensation, and set-off migration. Although their quantity is lower in the packaging, after consumption, their concentration increases to levels that can be detrimental to human health.

Introduction

Many Chemicals with hazardous properties are found in plastic that is used to manufacture food containers. Among these chemicals, the most common are Bisphenol A (BPA) and di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate. These substances are toxic to the environment as they accumulate and also pose a threat to human health. ¹ The most alarming property that makes these agents a peculiar threat to human health is genotoxicity; genotoxic substances are implicated in cancer causation. BPA is found to affect cardiac cell functions, adding to the burden of premature cardiac deaths. Endocrine dysfunction, neurotoxicity, and immunotoxicity are other dangerous effects of these substances. Early exposure to certain chemicals can also have a detrimental impact on developing foetuses, highlighting the importance of this topic for both existing and developing humans. ²

Additives such as plasticizers, antioxidants, and stabilizers can migrate from food packaging to food through various mechanisms, including diffusion, partitioning, and permeation. These mechanisms depend on the properties of packaging material, the composition of the food, and environmental factors. Nanoparticles can also migrate into food and interact with its biological systems, potentially having negative consequences. The plastic monomer Styrene, when metabolized in the human body, can lead to potential outcomes including organ toxicity, skin irritation, eye and lung damage, as well as simultaneous inhibition of central nervous system functions. Another polymer, BPA, is also linked to a plethora of health concerns, including hormone imbalance, reproductive dysfunction, and developmental abnormalities. ³ Many studies have found that takeout containers carry a significant amount of microplastics. Individuals who consume meals from these containers 4 to 7 times per week may ingest between 12 and 203 microplastics per week. Another study focusing on drinking water found that microplastic contamination was detected in 93% of water bottles from 11 different brands. ⁴

As awareness of plastic pollution increases, and with the implication that 1.3 billion tons of plastic will be present in our environment by 2040, the need to limit its use is seriously considered. The presence of harmful substances in these, as well as their long half-life, poses a serious threat to human health. Biodegradable plastics, such as bioplastics, are being developed and encouraged for use specifically in the packaging industry, where they enhance food safety and security. However, they have their own limitations, such as high production costs and the necessity for industrial composting for complete degradation. ⁵ To mitigate these health implications, nanoparticles are being investigated as a potential replacement for plastics in food packaging. However, depending on their size and other factors, nanoparticles can also migrate to food and have been shown to have potential for cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, oxidative stress, and organ accumulation and toxicity. ⁶

Plastics are widely used in the packaging industry; however, due to emerging knowledge about the health and environmental hazards they cause, studies are required to develop better packaging materials. The food industry should collaborate with researchers to develop technologies that provide a deep understanding of the process of substance migration into food and their interaction with the human body. A multiorganizational approach is required to create a solution, and further research is necessary to gain a deeper understanding of the long-term health and safety concerns associated with the latest technologies used for food packaging.

Ghanwa Imran
Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan

Umair Ali
Department of Pharmacy, University of Swabi, Swabi,
Pakistan

Muddassir Khalid
Nishtar Medical University, Multan, Pakistan