Researchers at Columbia University have sounded an alarm regarding the high levels of nanoplastics in bottled drinking water. Their study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on January 8, revealed that three unnamed but widely used plastic water bottle brands contain nanoplastic concentrations 10 to 100 times higher than previous estimates.
This discovery is troubling, particularly as many individuals choose bottled water over tap, believing it to be a purer and safer choice. Nanoplastics, minuscule plastic particles less than 0.001 millimeters in size, along with microplastics, which are under 5 millimeters (comparable to the size of a pencil eraser), pose potential health risks.
The origin of microplastics and nanoplastics is traced to the breakdown of larger plastic pieces into smaller fragments. These plastic particles have become pervasive, contaminating our water, air, soil, and food, and consequently, finding their way into our bodies.
Tasha Stoiber, a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group, shared with Yahoo Life that recent studies have found microplastics accumulating in various human tissues, including the placenta, heart, and lungs. This is concerning due to microplastics’ potential role as carriers of harmful chemicals. Recent research has linked microplastic exposure to bodily inflammation, metabolic changes, and reproductive health damage.
Nanoplastics, in particular, are worrisome due to their ability to penetrate human cells and cross the blood-brain barrier, a protective cell barrier that shields the brain from harmful substances. A study from Duke University in December 2023 found interactions between nanoplastics and brain proteins, potentially leading to Parkinson’s disease-related changes.
Phoebe Stapleton, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Rutgers University, informed Yahoo Life that laboratory studies have shown nanoplastics bypassing bodily barriers like the gastrointestinal tract and lungs, migrating to other tissues. In vitro studies on cells revealed that these cells could internalize nanoplastics, leading to DNA damage and cell death.
The World Health Organization (WHO) currently states that there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that microplastics in drinking water pose a health risk to humans. However, they acknowledge the limited scope of research on this topic.
Experts, including Erika Veidis from Stanford University’s Center for Innovation in Global Health, emphasize the need for more research on the health implications of microplastics and nanoplastics. Veidis highlights the danger of their ubiquity, noting that 80% of global tap water samples contain microplastics, making removal a challenging task.
Meanwhile, the use of plastics is not decreasing, which could lead to even more microplastics and nanoplastics in our drinking water, everyday products, and food. The demand for common plastics, like those used in plastic bottles, is expected to surge by 90% by 2050.
Completely avoiding microplastics and nanoplastics in our environment is nearly impossible. However, some practices can reduce their presence in our drinking water. A 2018 study suggests that tap water may contain fewer microplastics than bottled water. Using water filters and refillable stainless-steel water bottles instead of plastic ones is advised by Stoiber to reduce exposure to microplastics. Although current filters can’t eliminate nanoplastics due to their minuscule size, they are effective against microplastics.
Since microplastics are widespread, reducing exposure where feasible is advisable. Reducing plastic usage is generally beneficial. For instance, replacing daily use of plastic water bottles at places like gyms with reusable bottles filled with filtered water from home can make a significant difference. This doesn’t mean abandoning plastic water bottles entirely, but using them judiciously and minimizing their use in daily life.
