In the average liter of bottled water, there are about 240,000 particles, most of which are nanoplastics. A single bottled water can contain roughly 325 microplastics.
It's true. The information above came from multiple studies referenced in a recent Washington Post article highlighting the dangers of drinking microplastics and nanoplastics. Unfortunately, it's not just bottled water containing these harmful plastic pollution types. According to the same article, scientists have also found plastic in tap water.
Have you ever considered a single-use plastic bottle or another plastic product and thought it'd be tasty to consume? Because odds are, that is part of your diet. Our blog looks into the potential dangers of consuming nano and microplastics and whether filtered water prevents the ingestion of such tiny plastics.
What Are Microplastics & Nanoplastics?
Microplastics and nanoplastics are tiny plastic particles that have come from various environments. They originate primarily from the breakdown of larger plastic items and the shedding of synthetic fibers. These fibers find their way into the environment and our water supply.
Microplastics, measuring less than five millimeters in size, result from the fragmentation of plastics like bottles, bags, and textiles, while nanoplastics, smaller than 0.001 mm, can emerge from the further degradation of microplastics or direct sources such as personal care products and industrial processes. Having already contaminated oceans, rivers, soil, and even the atmosphere, these particles can damage ecosystems and human health.
Do Water Filters Remove Microplastics in Tap Water?
Microplastic water filters can effectively remove smaller particles from tap water, depending on the type and size of the filter. Many common household water filters, such as activated carbon filters and reverse osmosis systems, can capture and remove particles along with other contaminants.
Best Water Filters for Microplastics
As mentioned, the two most common water filters for removing plastic are activated carbon and reverse osmosis filters. Activated carbon filters, commonly found in pitcher-style or faucet-mounted filters, work by adsorption, where contaminants adhere to the surface of the carbon. These filters can trap microplastics and other organic compounds, improving water quality and taste.
Meanwhile, reverse osmosis (RO) systems use a semi-permeable membrane to remove a wide range of contaminants from water. RO systems are highly effective at removing particles larger than the membrane's pores, providing thorough filtration for clean drinking water.
While water filters can significantly reduce tap water microplastics, selecting a filter specifically designed to target microplastics and other particulate matter is essential. Additionally, regular maintenance and replacement of filter cartridges are necessary to ensure the continued removal of contaminants from your tap water.
Effects of Microplastics in Water Samples
As stated in recent studies, large amounts of microplastics have been found in bottled water. However, there is a divide among scientists about how dangerous consuming nanoplastics is. That said, nanoplastics absorb toxic chemicals, trigger inflammation and tissue damage, disrupt the gut microbiome, bioaccumulate the food chain, and exhibit genotoxic and carcinogenic effects on the human body.
Nanoplastics, due to their small size, can penetrate biological barriers and accumulate in tissues and organs, posing risks to overall health. Additionally, their ability to concentrate environmental pollutants raises concerns about releasing harmful substances into the body upon ingestion. There was even a recent study by Duke University that found that nanoplastics contribute to Parkinson's disease.
However, studies are still being done to determine the amount of microplastic needed to cause human health issues. It is still unknown how dangerous consuming plastic is. That’s why it’s best to stay safe by avoiding common microplastic sources like bottled and unfiltered tap water.
See How Much Plastic Is in Your Water, Get Free Water Testing From San Diego Pure Water
If you're concerned about drinking plastic, contact San Diego Pure Water for free water testing. Routine testing of your home's water is essential as it can impact the well-being of your family and pets and the longevity of appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers.
Conducting water testing before and after installing a new filtration system is advisable to ensure its effectiveness and identify any necessary improvements. By assessing water quality regularly, you can proactively address any issues before they escalate, minimizing the risk of damage or illness. While annual testing is recommended, more frequent testing may be warranted based on your household's water usage habits and time at home.
Contact San Diego Pure Water today to have safe, plastic-free drinking water for your home.
