Microplastics Found in Bottled and Tap Water, 98% Small Enough to Enter Blood and Organs

Bottled water, long touted as a pure and safe alternative to tap water, may be harboring a hidden danger. Recent studies have uncovered an alarming prevalence of microplastics in bottled water, with the majority of these particles being so small they can potentially enter our bloodstream and organs.

When we drink plastic bottled water, we drink water and also the plastic.

The Invisible Invasion

A groundbreaking study by researchers at Columbia University and Rutgers University has revealed that bottled water contains an average of 240,000 plastic fragments per liter. This figure is 10 to 100 times higher than previous estimates, thanks to new laser technology that can detect particles as small as 100 nanometers.

Size Matters

The most concerning aspect of this discovery is the size of these plastic particles. Approximately 90% of the detected fragments are considered nanoplastics, which are smaller than 1 micrometer. At this size, these particles can easily pass through the intestine and lungs into the bloodstream, potentially lodging in vital organs and even crossing the blood-brain barrier.

In France, a study of bottled mineral waters found that the majority of microplastics were smaller than 20 μm. This size is fine enough to pass into blood and organs, yet falls below the European Union's recommended detection limit for water quality assessments.

Sources of Contamination

Surprisingly, the plastic bottle itself may not be the primary culprit. While polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the plastic commonly used in water bottles, was found in the samples, it was outnumbered by polyamide, a type of nylon. Researchers suggest that this nylon contamination may come from the plastic filters used in the water purification process.

While both bottled and tap water contain microplastics, studies indicate that bottled water has significantly higher levels. On average, bottled water contains about 60 times more microplastics than tap water. This stark difference raises questions about the perceived safety of bottled water.

Health Implications

The health effects of ingesting these tiny plastic particles are still not fully understood. However, there are concerns that they may act as carriers for harmful chemicals used in plastic production, such as bisphenols, phthalates, and heavy metals. These chemicals have been linked to various health issues, including cancer and impacts on key organs.

As research continues to unveil the extent of microplastic contamination in our water sources, consumers are left to grapple with a difficult question: Is the convenience of bottled water worth the potential risk? With each twist of the cap potentially releasing 500 microplastic particles into your drink, it might be time to reconsider our reliance on plastic bottles and explore safer alternatives.

References:

https://journals.plos.org/water/article?id=10.1371/journal.pwat.0000250

https://news.climate.columbia.edu/2024/01/08/bottled-water-can-contain-hundreds-of-thousands-of-previously-uncounted-tiny-plastic-bits-study-finds/

https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/jrc-news-and-updates/new-methodology-measure-microplastics-eus-drinking-water-2024-04-23_en