Investigação da presença e migração de metais presentes em estabilizantes e catalisadores em embalagens plásticas

Abstract

The polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polymers are widely used throughout the world. Different types of compounds are used in the polymer synthesis and to improve their properties. In the case of PET, antimony oxide is used as catalyst, whereas organotin compounds (OTs), and other lead- (Pb), cadmium- (Cd), barium- (Ba), calcium- (Ca), and zinc-based (Zn ) are used as thermal stabilizers in the synthesis of PVC. This study aimed to investigate the presence and leaching of Sb, Sn, Pb, Cd, Ba and Zn in PET and PVC containers, used to store medicines and foodstuff using atomic absorption spectrometry with high resolution continuum source (HR-CS AAS). Leaching of Sb from PET bottles of six brands of mineral water, 4 types of juices and 6 medicines for up to 12 months was investigated. Tests were performed to evaluate Sb migration in high temperatures. The presence of Sn and Pb, Cd, Zn and Ba was investigated in PVC and also EVA and PP bags used to store parenteral infusions. 10% glucose, 0.9% NaCl, and 5% Tween 80 solutions were placed in bags of these polymers and submitted to a sterilization process to verify the influence of the vehicle on metal leaching. The same samples were analyzed monthly for 8 months to evaluate the migration of elements into the study. Parenteral solutions and commercial parenteral nutrition solutions obtained in HUSM were also analyzed for the presence of metals. All packages involved in the study were also analyzed. PET bottles had levels of Sb from 45,4 and 91,6 mg/kg. Sn, Pb, Cd, Zn and Ba were detected in all PVC, EVA and PP bags, varying from 0.1 mg/kg Cd in PVC and 1.7 mg/kg Pb in EVA. The Sb level in mineral water did not exceed 5 μg/L even after 12 months of bottling. The Sb average concentration in juices was 40 μg/L and the medicines 20 μg/L, after 6 months of contact. High temperatures promote the migration of Sb in mineral water, reaching 10 μg/L at 80 ° C. Zn was the only element that migrated from PVC and EVA bags after the sterilization process. The highest concentration was in the glucose solution in PVC bag, 62.3 μg/L and the lowest in the NaCl solution in EVA bag, 2.2 μg/L. In commercial parenteral nutrition Sn, Cd, Ba and Zn were detected. The levels ranged from 1.5 μg/L of Cd and 8.5 mg/L for Zn.