The researchers said that after examining the breast milk of 34 mothers about a week after giving birth, microplastics of 2 μm to 12 μm were detected from 26 mothers.
Plastic particles in breast milk were observed as polyethylene (PE, 38%), vinyl chloride (PVC, 21%), and polypropylene (PP, 17%) which are mainly used in packaging containers.
However, since particles smaller than 2 μm could not be detected, the researchers reported that more plastic could be present.
Exposure to microplastics is inevitable because microplastics contained in seafood, condiments, milk, honey, tea bags, and plastic food containers are accumulated in the body through inhalation, skin contact, and ingestion.
The researchers advised, "Children can be adversely affected by chemicals such as phthalates adsorbed on microplastics, such as behavior and cognitive development, so pregnant women should avoid products using plastic and synthetic fibers."
Dr. Valentina Notarstefano, who participated in the study, said, "The benefits of breastfeeding are much greater than the disadvantages of microplastics," adding, "We need to enact laws that can reduce plastic pollution and raise public awareness of microplastic pollution rather than refraining from breastfeeding children."
Writer: Ellie Kim
(Picture from Unsplash)
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