ε-Caprolactam (CAP) is a monomer of nylon 6 used as food packaging for bologna sausage, turkey blanquettes, fowl breast, pâtés and ham luncheon meat. After polymerization a part of the monomer can remain in the packaging and migrate into the food. The aim of this work was develop and validate a single laboratory method to determine CAP in ethanol 95% that simulates fatty food characteristics. Thus, linear range was 2 to 32 mg/L of CAP, detection and quantification limits were 0.83 and 1.63 mg/L, respectively. Repeatability showed Hor Rat values lower than 2 while recovery range was 97.5 to 106.5%. The method was considered adequate for purpose.

A ε-caprolactama (CAP) é um monômero precursor de polímeros denominados nylon 6. Esses polímeros destinam-se à produção de tapetes, vestuário e materiais plásticos tais como equipamentos, sistemas e componentes automotivos, conectores, além de embalagens plásticas. Resíduos de CAP podem migrar de embalagens plásticas de nylon 6 para os alimentos. Diante disso, foi de interesse realizar uma revisão dos efeitos relativos à exposição à CAP e o seu impacto sobre a saúde humana. Estudos epidemiológicos indicam a possibilidade da CAP causar inflamações oculares e cutâneas, além de irritações no sistema respiratório. Pode ocorrer ainda hipotensão, taquicardia, palpitações, rinorréia, ressecamento nasal, efeitos geniturinários e sobre a reprodução como distúrbios nas funções menstrual e ovariana, e complicações no parto; além de problemas neurológicos e hematológicos. Estudos com animais são consistentes com tais relatos. Os estudos de genotoxicidade in vitro e in vivo por via oral e intraperitoneal mostram em sua grande maioria, resultados negativos, bem como ausência de efeitos carcinogênicos em ratos e camundongos e sobre o desenvolvimento e reprodução em ratos e coelhos.

ε -Caprolactam (CAP) is a precursor monomer of nylon 6 polymers. Nylon 6 is used in the manufacture of carpets, clothes and plastic materials, such as equipment, systems and automotive components, connectors and plastic packaging. CAP residues can migrate from nylon 6 plastic packaging to foods. Given this fact, this review was realized concerning the effects of CAP exposure and its impact on human health. Epidemiological studies indicate that CAP could cause ocular, cutaneous and respiratory irritations, as well as hypotension, tachycardia, palpitations, rhinorrhea, nose dryness, neurological and blood problems, and genitourinary and reproductive effects, such as alterations in ovarian-menstrual functions and pregnancy/birth complications. Animal studies are consistent with such reports; however, the majority of in vitro and in vivo genotoxicity studies by oral and intraperitoneal routes show negative results, including the absence of carcinogenicity in rats and mice and developmental and reproductive effects in rats and rabbits.