The latest study conducted within the United States has unveiled an alarming reality about the consumption of bottled water. It was found that each liter of bottled water could be containing between 110,000 and 370,000 nanoplastic particles. These minuscule particles which are even smaller than microplastics, pose a considerable threat to human health.
Understanding the Nanoplastics in Bottled Water
Nanoplastics are tiny particles of plastic that measure less than 1 micrometer in size, significantly smaller than their counterparts, microplastics that range between 5 millimeters and 1 micrometer. The disturbing research highlighted that nearly 90% of these plastic particles existing in bottled water are nanosized, thus increasing their likelihood to affect human health negatively.
The Nanoplastic Journey in the Human Body
Unlike larger plastic particles, nanoplastics have a unique ability to move from our intestines and lungs directly into our bloodstream. Once they have infiltrated our bodily systems, they can travel throughout the body, even reaching critical organs such as the heart and brain.
Common Plastics and Their Role in Micro-Nano Plastic Exposure
Several types of common plastics are often found in bottled water. These include polyamide, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, plus the widely used polyethylene terephthalate (PET). According to the research, all these plastic variants are potentially contributing to the excessive exposure of micro-nano plastics from bottled waters. Among these plastics, PET is especially notable as it is commonly used in disposable beverage bottles.
The Issue with PET: Leaching into Water
PET is a type of plastic that may leach into the water held within the bottle under certain conditions. Exposure to heat or pressure, such as when the bottle is squeezed, can trigger this leaching process. Consequently, with every sip we take from these PET-based bottles, there’s a high likelihood we are also consuming alarming quantities of nanoplastic particles.
Microplastics and Their Impact on Gut Microbiomes
While the latest study has focused primarily on nanoplastics, microplastics have been the subject of concern for some time now. They not only pollute our environment but can also severely impact our gut microbiomes. The ongoing ingestion of microplastics can lead to changes in the diversity and population of our gut microbiomes, potentially leading to health problems.
The findings of these recent studies on nanoplastics and microplastics underscore the urgent need for further research into the potential health effects of these particles. At the same time, they highlight the importance of seeking sustainable alternatives to our current reliance on plastic, particularly in single-use items such as bottled water. For now, the implications of consuming nanoplastics through bottled water remain largely unknown. Until these implications are better understood and appropriate measures undertaken, perhaps it may be best to consider other, safer sources of hydration.
