Study of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Infant Formulas and Baby Bottles: Data from the European LIFE-MILCH PROJECT
Francesca Nuti,
Feliciana Real Fernández,
Mirko Severi,
Rita Traversi,
Vassilios Fanos,
Maria Elisabeth Street,
Paola Palanza,
Paolo Rovero,
Anna Maria Papini
Affiliations
Francesca Nuti
Interdepartmental Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology (Peptlab) and Centre of Competences in Molecular Diagnostics and Life Sciences (MoD&LS), University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
Feliciana Real Fernández
Interdepartmental Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology (Peptlab) and Centre of Competences in Molecular Diagnostics and Life Sciences (MoD&LS), University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
Mirko Severi
Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
Rita Traversi
Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
Vassilios Fanos
Section of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Puericulture Institute and Neonatal Section, Azienda Mista and University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
Maria Elisabeth Street
Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
Paola Palanza
Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
Paolo Rovero
Interdepartmental Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology (Peptlab) and Centre of Competences in Molecular Diagnostics and Life Sciences (MoD&LS), University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
Anna Maria Papini
Interdepartmental Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology (Peptlab) and Centre of Competences in Molecular Diagnostics and Life Sciences (MoD&LS), University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is inevitable, and growing scientific evidence indicates that even very low doses can negatively impact human health, particularly during pregnancy and the neonatal period. As part of the European project LIFE18 ENV/IT/00460, this study aims to identify the presence of EDCs in 20 infant formulas (both powdered and liquid) and the release from baby bottles and teats. Particularly, sensitization of young people and future parents towards the potential harmful effects of EDCs could significantly help to reduce exposure. Seven different UPLC-MS/MS methodologies and one ICP-AES were set up to quantify already assessed and suspected EDCs among 85 different chemicals (bisphenols, parabens, PAHs, phthalates, pesticides, herbicides and their main metabolites, PFAS, and metals). Results showed that in 2 out of 14 baby bottles, only anthracene and phenanthrene of the group of PAHs were released (10.68–10.81 ng/mL). Phthalates such as mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP) were found in 9 of 14 samples (0.054–0.140 ng/mL), while mono(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MeOHP) appeared in 2 samples (0.870–0.930 ng/mL). In accordance with current EU regulations, other chemicals were not detected in baby bottles and teats. However, bisphenols, parabens, PAHs, phthalates, PFAS, and metals were detected in infant formula, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring and public health interventions.
