Study Links Bottled Water to Higher Microplastic Intake

Study Links Bottled Water to Higher Microplastic Intake
………..

People who regularly drink bottled water may ingest tens of thousands more microplastic particles each year than those who rely on tap water, according to a new scientific review, highlighting growing concerns about potential health risks, The Independent reported. The analysis suggests that daily consumption of bottled water significantly increases exposure to microplastics.

Researchers estimate that the average person ingests between 39,000 and 52,000 microplastic particles annually from various sources. However, individuals who meet their daily water needs exclusively through single-use plastic bottles may consume more than 90,000 additional particles each year compared with those who drink tap water.

The review, conducted by researchers at Concordia University in Canada and published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, examined findings from more than 140 scientific studies. It found that plastic bottles can shed microplastics during manufacturing, storage, and transportation, particularly when exposed to sunlight and temperature changes.

Microplastics are small enough to enter the bloodstream and reach vital organs, where they may contribute to inflammation, hormonal disruption, reproductive problems, neurological damage, and cancer. While these risks are increasingly documented, scientists note that the long-term health effects remain unclear due to gaps in testing methods.

The researchers called for standardized global approaches to detecting and measuring microplastics, as current tools either fail to identify particle composition or overlook the smallest particles. The review also urged stronger regulations and a shift away from single-use plastics, emphasizing improved water infrastructure and sustainable access to safe drinking water.