JUCÁ, M. P. B.; JUCÁ, Marcos Paulo Barbosa.
Abstract:
Phthalates are widely used as plasticizers for polyvinyl chloride or PVC which gave
this large polymer application in various areas ranging from construction to food
packaging. Although they are effective in the function of reduce the stiffness of PVC,
plasticizers can migrate added by passive diffusion form polymeric packaging to food
and the environment. Among the phthalates widely used as PVC plasticizers, the
phthalate, di (2-ethyl hexyl) or DEHP, has been presented as toxic, and restriction
object of various sanitary control agencies worldwide. Faced with several studies
reporting the DEHP connection with hormonal disorders, male infertility, early puberty
in girls, potential carcinogen and hepatotoxicity and the real possibility of migration of
phthalate form packaging to the food, the National Health Surveillance Agency,
ANVISA, since 1999 and later in 2008 limits the use of DEHP in packaging that come
into contact with food. Despite the limitation to the use of DEHP, recent studies show
that the indiscriminate use of the additive in food packaging in Brazil continues, what
a close look at the authorities for surveillance is necessary in order to avoid exposure
of the population to the risk of contamination food by the plasticizer. This study was
designed to assess PVC films, for the presence of DEHP in food packaging in the
Federal District-DF. Nine samples of professional use were obtained from PVC films
directly at points of use in supermarkets and fast food three areas of DF and three
samples intended for residential use purchased from supermarkets to assess for the
presence of DEHP and confrontation with the current regulatory to check the
conformity of packaging. The characterization of samples through the test,
spectroscopy Energy Dispersive X-ray, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy in the
region Fourier Transform was made (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry,
Thermogravimetry and Testing of Mechanical Resistance to traction . The results
showed that the samples were similar in basic chemical composition and showed
similar results in mechanical and colorimetric assays. Spectroscopy in the Infrared
Region Fourier Transform indicated bands on the DEHP in all samples, regardless of
the collection area or purpose, professional or residential use. DEHP indicative were
observed in larger quantities in the residential samples. DEHP findings in all samples
contrary to the provisions of normative established by ANVISA which limits the use of
DEHP in 1.5 mg / kg in non-fatty food packaging and veto the possibility of use in
fatty food packaging. The study concludes that the maturing of normative knowledge
did not lead to different results compared to similar studies performed shortly after
the publication of standards of DEHP use limitation. The results state that the
plasticizer derived from oil is still present indiscriminately in food packaging and the
consumer is subject to known risks inherent exposure to the plasticizer DEHP. It is
most necessary control and rigorous supervision of food packaging in order to
minimize the deleterious health effects of consumers of this type of food.
