The journal Polymers published the research in its December issue. It found microplastics made from polyethene (PVC), polypropylene, and polypropylene.
Scientists from Italy discovered microplastics for the first time in breast milk. This raised concerns among experts about possible health risks for infants.
The Guardian reported that scientists discovered microscopic plastic particles in milk samples from 34 healthy mothers, one week after they gave birth to a child in Italy. Research was needed to determine if infants are particularly vulnerable to chemical contaminants. The researchers also noted that breastfeeding has many benefits, which outweigh the potential for microplastics to cause health problems.
Microplastics can be any type of plastic, but they are a small fragment of less than 5mm. While previous research has demonstrated the harmful effects of microplastics in cell lines, animals lab and marine life, it is not known if they have any impact on humans. The latest study by scientists highlights the risks associated with microplastics.
Researchers tracked mother’s plastic consumption and use of plastic-containing personal and hygiene products. However, they did not find any correlation between the presence of microplastics. This suggests that the widespread presence of microplastics makes human exposure impossible.
“So the evidence of microplastics’ existence in breast milk raises our great concern for infants,” said Dr Valentina Nostrastefano at the Universita Politnica delle Marche in Italy. She said, “It is crucial to evaluate ways to reduce exposure during pregnancy and lactation.”
“But it is important to stress that breastfeeding is much more beneficial than the disadvantages posed by polluting microplastics. Research like ours cannot reduce breastfeeding but should raise public awareness to encourage politicians to pass laws to reduce pollution.” Ms Notarstefano stated.
The study, published in the journal Polymers found that microplastics are made up of polypropylene, polyethene, and PVC. In 2020, microplastics were identified in human placentas by the Italian team.
The Guardian reported that recent research has shown that infants who were breastfed are more likely to swallow millions of microplastics each day. Additionally, milk from cows may contain small amounts of plastics.
Ms Notarstefano stated that “we would like to encourage pregnant women to avoid food and drink made in plastic, cosmetics, toothpastes and other products containing microplastics, as well clothing made from synthetic fabrics.”
