It might be time to ditch plastic water bottles.
The surge in microplastics has triggered heightened concerns among health experts, prompting an exploration into an even smaller scale – nanoplastics, which are tinier than their micro counterparts. Bottled water, laden with myriad plastic fragments, stands out as a significant contributor to this escalating issue.
Due to their minute size, nanoplastics possess the ability to directly infiltrate the bloodstream, navigating through various bodily organs and systems. A recent study, disclosed in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, endeavors to quantify the prevalence of nanoplastics within a single plastic bottle of water.
Authored by Beizhan Yan, an Associate Research Professor at Columbia Climate School Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, the study underscores the anticipation that nanoplastics will exert a more substantial ecological and health impact compared to their larger counterparts. The study focused on pinpointing seven specific plastic types, constituting approximately 10% of the nanoparticles in water samples, illustrating the intricacies in determining particle composition.
According to the research team’s estimations, an average liter of bottled water contains a staggering 240,000 identifiable plastic fragments. However, the imperative need for further research looms large to comprehend whether the consumption of bottled water containing nanoplastics could potentially yield adverse health effects.
While Beizhan Yan suggests contemplating alternatives like tap water, he also underscores the fundamental importance of maintaining hydration. He asserts that the potential risk of dehydration may outweigh the conceivable impacts of nanoplastics exposure. In their quest for deeper insights, the research team envisions expanding their analysis to encompass a broader spectrum of environmental samples, encompassing tap water, air samples, and biological tissues.
Christopher Hine, PhD, from Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute – not involved in the study – raises red flags about nanoplastics serving as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). These chemicals, leaching from plastic containers in the form of microplastics and nanoplastics, have the potential to mimic natural hormones, potentially yielding adverse health outcomes.
Hine accentuates the dual concern surrounding nanoplastics – their elusive nature for detection and filtration in consumer products and their proclivity to breach various barriers within the body, impacting multiple organ systems. Acknowledging the vital role of water consumption in sustaining life, Hine suggests that tap water, if supplied by the local municipality, stands as one of the safest sources. Furthermore, he recommends prudent storage practices, keeping water in plastic containers shielded from direct sunlight to minimize plastic leaching into the water.
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