Groundbreaking research has revealed a shocking truth about bottled water sold in stores - it may contain 10 to 100 times more plastic particles than previously estimated, with a significant portion being microscopic nanoparticles invisible to the naked eye. This finding raises serious concerns about the potential health risks associated with plastic consumption.
The culprit? Nanoplastics. These minuscule fragments, measuring a mere one-thousandth the width of a human hair, can easily infiltrate the digestive tract and lungs, potentially entering the bloodstream and distributing harmful chemicals throughout the body, including within cells.
STUDY'S STARTLING RESULTS
A single litre of bottled water (equivalent to two standard bottles) contained an average of 240,000 plastic particles from seven different types of plastics.
90% of these particles were identified as nanoplastics, with the remaining 10% being microplastics (ranging from 5 millimetres to 1 micrometre in size, anything smaller is a nanoplastic that must be measured in billionths of a metre.).
"This study is exceedingly impressive and groundbreaking," declared Dr. Sherri Mason, director of sustainability at Penn State Behrend. Dr. Mason told the CNN about the thoroughness and significance of the research, highlighting its potential to reshape our understanding of plastic pollution and its impact on human health.
HOW TO REDUCE EXPOSURE
In light of these findings, Dr. Mason reiterates the importance of prioritising tap water over bottled water, ideally consumed from glass or stainless steel containers. This recommendation extends to other food and beverages packaged in plastic, as even everyday actions like opening a container can release tiny plastic fragments.
CALL TO ACTION
This study underscores the urgency of addressing plastic pollution and its potential health consequences. It serves as a stark reminder of the need for sustainable alternatives and responsible consumption practices. By making informed choices and advocating for change, we can work towards a future where plastic's harmful grip on our health and environment is significantly lessened.