Chemical Structure
Synthetic molecules consisting of short chains of carbon and hydrogen atoms are frequently found in plastic packaging materials. Polyolefin oligomeric saturated hydrocarbons are the low molecular weight side products formed during the polymerization of ethylene or propylene. These compounds are chemically similar to mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons but originate from the plastic itself rather than from petroleum lubricants.
They are mobile enough to migrate from a plastic liner into the food.
Source Identification
Hot melt adhesives and plastic coatings are common origins for these substances in the converting industry. The polyolefin oligomeric saturated hydrocarbons can be distinguished from mineral oils by their specific distribution pattern on a chromatograph, which often shows a series of regularly spaced peaks. This fingerprint allows a laboratory to determine if a contaminant came from the paper board or from the internal plastic bag.
Safety Implication
Toxicological assessment of these oligomers is ongoing, but they are generally treated with the same caution as mineral oils. Because polyolefin oligomeric saturated hydrocarbons accumulate in human tissues, regulatory bodies set migration limits to minimize exposure. Ensuring that the plastic used in a laminate is highly polymerized and low in residuals helps to reduce the risk of these compounds entering the food chain.
