Scientists have known for a while now that , otherwise known as microplastics or nanoplastics. However, they had never known how much, what kind, and where they were coming from until early 2024. Contrary to what one might think, disposable plastic water bottles are not the sole source of these plastics.
They are also coming from the reverse osmosis filter, which is used to remove contaminants. A 2023 study published in the Journal of Environmental Management examined five samples of three common bottled water brands, finding on average, they contained around 240,000 plastic particles per liter. These particles are estimated to be less than a micron in size; to put this into perspective, a single strand of human hair is 83 microns wide.
Researchers cannot definitely assert that these nanoplastics are harmful to human health, and this uncertainty could lead bottled water companies to continue with their usual filtration and bottling processes. In a statement released by The International Bottled Water Association, the body expressed its concern about the lack of standardized measurements and scientific evidence concerning the potential health impacts the plastic particles could have, and that the media reports may deter consumers from purchasing bottled water. Are microplatics avoidable in water.
.. or at all? The National Bottled Water Association also pointed out that bottled water is certainly not the only consumer food product to use plastic packaging.
Research has indeed r.