A recent study has shed light on the alarming presence of nanoparticles, measuring less than a thousandth of the width of a human hair, in bottled water. These minute particles, termed nanoplastics, are so minuscule that they are measured in billionths of a meter. The study’s findings have sparked concerns about the extensive infiltration of plastics into the human food chain, raising questions about the potential health effects associated with the consumption of nanoplastics.
Consumer Reports’ laboratory research, conducted on 85 different foods, recently discovered microplastics ranging from five millimeters to one micrometer in size in 84 out of the 85 items tested. This revelation suggests that plastics have penetrated the human food chain to a greater extent than previously understood. A subsequent study from Columbia University, utilizing a groundbreaking nanoplastic detection method, uncovered 10 to 100 times more nanoplastics in bottled water than previously documented.
The study identified between 110,000 and 370,000 nanoparticles, predominantly nanoplastics, in three popular bottled water brands. The researchers employed hyperspectral stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy, enabling the observation of particles as small as 100 nanometers in the tested water samples.
While the health effects of nanoplastic consumption remain complex and unclear, concerns have been raised. Dr. Sara Benedé from the Spanish National Research Council’s Institute of Food Science Research emphasized the potential physical harm caused by nanoplastics, attributing it to their ability to cause damage by rubbing against tissues, such as the intestine or lungs.
Moreover, nanoplastics can pose a chemical hazard due to the presence of additives used during their production. Phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), common plastic additives, are considered endocrine disruptors and may lead to adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune effects.
Additionally, nanoplastics may act as carriers for various substances, including environmental pollutants, toxins, antibiotics, or microorganisms. Once inside cells, nanoparticles could release these compounds, potentially leading to additional health issues.
Dr. Benedé highlighted the diverse effects of different types of nanoplastics, emphasizing that depending on their material, size, and shape, they may induce physical stress, damage, inflammation, and immune responses, contributing to the development of diseases such as cancer, metabolic disorders, and neurodevelopmental conditions.
To mitigate the risk of nanoplastic consumption, the study recommends awareness and avoidance. Switching from disposable plastic bottles to metal or glass containers is suggested, as it not only reduces the risk of exposure to plastics but also lowers the number of plastic bottles used, contributing to a reduction in waste.
Dr. Benedé suggests opting for loose-leaf tea instead of tea bags, relying more on tap water with suitable filtration, and using glass containers when microwaving. Despite the study’s findings, Dr. Phoebe Stapleton, a study co-author, emphasizes the importance of staying hydrated, suggesting that the risk of dehydration may outweigh the potential impacts of nanoplastic exposure in situations where bottled water is necessary.
The discovery of nanoplastics in bottled water underscores the urgency of addressing plastic pollution and its impact on human health. As research advances, finding sustainable alternatives, implementing stricter regulations, and promoting awareness are essential steps in minimizing the infiltration of nanoplastics into our food and water supply, ensuring a healthier future for both the environment and humanity.