Omar Khalid
Plastic pollution is a growing concern, and it is now ubiquitous in water, food, and the air we breathe. A recent study found that a typical liter of bottled water contains about 240,000 plastic particles, with 90% of these being nanoplastics. These particles are formed when larger plastics break down over time, and they are small enough to enter the human body's cells and tissues. While the health effects of ingesting microplastics are still unclear, they have been found in human blood, lungs, gut, feces, and reproductive tissues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic particles in bottled water | Polyamide, Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polyvinyl chloride, Polymethyl methacrylate, Polystyrene |
| Plastic particles in tap water | Lower levels of microplastics compared to bottled water |
| Plastic particles in sewage sludge | Sewage sludge used as crop fertiliser contaminates farmland with microplastics and PFAS |
| Plastic particles in food | Microplastics found in leafy vegetables, carrots, radishes, turnips, beer, and sea salt |
| Plastic particles in the human body | Plastic particles found in human blood, lungs, gut, feces, placenta, and testes |
| Plastic particles in the environment | Plastic waste is a major source of trash and contributes to ocean pollution |
| Impact on human health | Potential impacts on the endocrine system, reproductive system, neurotoxicity, oxidative stress, carcinogenicity, metabolism, gastrointestinal function, and mortality |
| Impact on the environment | Plastic waste is a major source of trash and contributes to ocean pollution |
| Reducing plastic exposure | Use glass, aluminum, or stainless steel bottles; filter water with a high-quality filtration system |
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What You'll Learn
Bottled water contains plastic particles
Bottled water has been found to contain plastic particles, with a recent study detecting an average of 240,000 plastic particles per litre of water. The study, which was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, analysed three popular brands of bottled water and found that the water contained particles of seven types of plastic. The most common type was polyamide, a type of nylon used in water purification. Other types of plastic detected included polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride, polymethyl methacrylate, and polystyrene.
The presence of plastic particles in bottled water is a growing concern, as plastic pollution can have significant environmental and potential health impacts. Plastics can break down over time into smaller particles called microplastics, which are 5 mm or less in length. Microplastics can then further break down into even smaller pieces called nanoplastics, which are less than 1 μm in size and cannot be seen with the naked eye. These nanoplastics are small enough to enter the body's cells and tissues, and have been found in human blood, lungs, excrement, and reproductive tissues.
The potential health effects of ingesting microplastics and nanoplastics are still not fully understood, but some evidence suggests that they can have impacts on the endocrine and reproductive systems. It is recommended that people minimize their exposure to plastic whenever possible, including by switching to single-use aluminum water bottles or reusable water bottles made of metal or glass.
External factors, such as temperature, can also influence the quantity of plastic particles in bottled water. Higher temperatures and exposure to light can accelerate the breakdown of plastics into micro- and nanoplastics. This means that water bottles that have been left in a hot car are likely to contain more plastic particles than those stored at controlled temperatures.
While it is challenging to avoid plastic exposure entirely, the development of new imaging techniques, such as stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy, is helping to advance our understanding of the presence and potential risks of nanoplastics in bottled water.
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Plastic particles in tap water
Plastic pollution is a growing concern. Plastics break down over time into smaller particles called microplastics, which are 5mm or less in length. Microplastics can further break down into even smaller pieces called nanoplastics, which are less than 1 μm in size. These nanoparticles are small enough to enter the human body's cells and tissues and have been found in human blood, lungs, gut, feces, and reproductive tissues.
Tap water is not exempt from plastic pollution. A study by Sherri Mason at Pennsylvania State University found that most plastic contamination in tap water comes from clothing fibers. Another study found an average of 5.5 plastic particles per liter of tap water. While this is significantly lower than the average of 240,000 to 325,000 plastic particles found in a liter of bottled water, it still indicates the presence of plastic in tap water.
The plastic particles in tap water can come from various sources. One source is the leaching of plastic packing or plastic pipes in drinking water networks due to aging, UV exposure, rising temperatures, and other external forces. Plastic items, such as plastic layers under the caps of glass bottles, can also release small plastic particles into the water. Additionally, wastewater treatment plants are not designed to remove all particles, so microplastics can be discharged into waterways through wastewater effluent. These microplastics can then make their way into tap water.
The health effects of ingesting microplastics are still not fully understood, but they have been found to accumulate in the human body and have potential impacts on the endocrine and reproductive systems. Long-term accumulation of particles in liver tissues can lead to liver disease and metabolic problems, while accumulation in lung tissues can result in chronic pulmonary disorders. The presence of additives in plastic products, such as epoxy resins, antioxidants, lubricants, phthalates, and pigments, further complicates the understanding of the health effects of ingesting microplastics. These additives may leach out from the plastic particles and have potential toxicological effects on humans.
While it is challenging to completely avoid exposure to microplastics, some steps can be taken to minimize it. Switching to glass, aluminum, or stainless steel bottles can help reduce exposure to plastic particles in bottled water. Additionally, tap water generally has lower levels of microplastics than water from plastic bottles. However, it is important to note that the mining of silica for glass production can cause significant environmental damage, including land deterioration and biodiversity loss.
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Microplastics in the human body
Microplastics are plastic particles that are 5mm or less in length. They are formed when larger plastics break down over time. These microplastics can further break down into even smaller pieces called nanoplastics, which are less than 1 μm in size. These particles are so small that they are invisible to the naked eye and can enter the body's cells and tissues.
Microplastics have been found in human blood, lungs, gut, feces, and reproductive tissues like the placenta, spleen, and testes. The exact entry routes of microplastics into the human body are still unclear, but ingestion and inhalation through food, water, and air are believed to be the primary pathways. External factors, such as temperature, can influence the quantity of plastic particles present in water. For example, water in a plastic bottle left in a hot car is likely to contain more microplastics than water stored in a controlled temperature environment.
The presence of microplastics in the human body has raised concerns about potential health effects. Studies have shown that microplastics can absorb and accumulate environmental contaminants, acting as vectors for toxic chemicals like phthalates and BPA. These chemicals have been linked to various health issues, including cancer, developmental disorders, and reproductive problems. Additionally, a recent study suggested that microplastics may increase the risk of cardiovascular issues, including heart attacks and strokes, especially in individuals with pre-existing heart disease.
While the full extent of the health impacts is not yet clear, the World Health Organization (WHO) has called for a reduction in plastic pollution to minimize human exposure to microplastics. Experts recommend minimizing direct contact with plastics and switching to alternative materials like glass, aluminum, or stainless steel for storing food and beverages. Regular dusting and vacuuming can also help reduce the presence of microplastic fibers in household dust.
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Health effects of microplastics
Microplastics are plastic fragments and particles with a diameter of less than 5 mm. They are called nanoplastics when the diameter is less than 1 μm. They are present in the environment, including water, and can enter the human body through oral intake, inhalation, and skin contact. While the full extent of their health impacts is not yet known, there are concerns about their potential effects on human health.
Oral intake is the main route of exposure to microplastics. They are present in drinking water, bottled water, seafood, salt, sugar, tea bags, milk, and other food sources. Inhalation of indoor air and drinking water in plastic bottles can also lead to microplastic exposure. Exposure through food intake is likely the main exposure source, but the lack of research on the contents and internal doses of microplastics in different foods makes it difficult to provide a detailed estimate.
Studies have shown that microplastics can have toxic effects and pose potential threats to human health. Animal studies have indicated that microplastics can cause oxidative damage, DNA damage, and changes in gene activity, which are known risk factors for cancer development. In mice studies, exposure to microplastics has resulted in reproductive effects such as reduced sperm count and quality, ovarian scarring, and metabolic disorders in offspring. Maternal exposure to microplastics has been shown to affect offspring and subsequent generations.
There are also concerns about the potential impact of microplastics on neurological disorders. A recent study on mice showed that microplastics could move through their brains and block blood vessels, raising concerns about their potential long-term effects on depression and cardiovascular health. Microplastics have been detected in human breast milk and meconium (an infant's first stool), indicating exposure in newborns and infants.
While the current evidence on the health effects of microplastics is limited, the World Health Organization and other experts have underscored the need for more research and regulation. As microplastic pollution continues to increase, the potential risks to human health may escalate. Individuals, organizations, and governments must work together to reduce plastic usage, improve plastic waste management, and transition to a more sustainable environment.
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Reducing plastic pollution
Plastic pollution is a growing concern, with plastic particles being found in bottled water, tap water, the ocean, agricultural land, and even the human body. A recent study found that a litre of bottled water contained about 240,000 plastic particles, which is 10 to 100 times more than previously estimated. The presence of plastic particles in water is a result of the breakdown of larger plastics into microplastics (less than 5mm in length) and nanoplastics (less than 1 μm in size). These tiny particles can enter the human body through consumption of contaminated water and can have potential health effects, although the extent of these effects is still being researched.
To reduce plastic pollution, individuals can take several actions, including:
- Reducing plastic waste by reusing and repurposing plastic items whenever possible. This includes using reusable water bottles made of metal or glass instead of single-use plastic bottles.
- Recycling plastic items properly, such as plastic bags, wrap, and film, by taking them to local recycling centres or charities.
- Purchasing products made from recycled plastic materials, such as bubble wrap containing recycled plastic.
- Buying used plastic items instead of new ones, such as toys, electronics, and containers.
- Supporting companies that use alternatives to single-use plastics, such as aluminium or compostable materials. However, it is important to note that some "biodegradable" alternatives may not fully disintegrate and can contribute to the microplastic problem.
On a larger scale, organisations like Greenpeace are advocating for a reduction in plastic pollution and calling out big corporations that contribute to the problem. Additionally, researchers are developing approaches to combat plastic pollution, such as using fungi and bacteria that feed on plastic. Governments are also taking steps towards addressing the issue, with the United Nations Environmental Assembly adopting a mandate for negotiations on a global plastics treaty in 2022.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a recent study found that bottled water can contain tens of thousands of plastic particles.
A study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found particles of all seven types of plastic. The most common was polyamide, a type of nylon used to filter and purify water.
Yes, tap water has been found to contain microplastics, although in smaller amounts than bottled water.
The health effects of ingesting microplastics are still unclear. However, some evidence suggests that it can impact the endocrine and reproductive systems.
You can minimise your exposure by using a high-quality water filter, or by switching to glass, aluminium, or stainless steel bottles.
