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Soft plastic bread packaging: lead content and reuse by families
1University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway 08854-5635.
American Journal of Public Health
|June 1, 1991
Summary
Lead paint was detected on most soft plastic bread bags, posing a public health risk. Reusing bags for food storage can lead to lead exposure, especially with acidic foods.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Food Safety
- Toxicology
Background:
- Lead-containing paints are used on various consumer products.
- Plastic bread packaging may pose an unrecognized risk of lead exposure.
- Public health concerns exist regarding lead leaching from food packaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the presence and potential health risks of lead in soft plastic bread packaging.
- To determine the likelihood of lead leaching from painted bread bags.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of lead content on 18 soft plastic bread bags.
- Survey of 106 families regarding bread bag reuse practices.
- Estimation of lead leaching potential using a weak acid (vinegar).
Main Results:
- Lead was detected on 17 out of 18 analyzed bread bags (average 26 +/- 6 mg).
- 16% of surveyed families reported reusing bags for food storage after turning them inside out.
- Estimated lead leaching of 100 micrograms within 10 minutes with weak acid exposure.
Conclusions:
- Lead paint on soft plastic bread packaging presents an unnecessary public health risk.
- Improper reuse of bread bags can lead to direct food contamination with lead.
- Lead in food packaging contributes to environmental contamination through waste streams.