Warning Issued to People Who Drink Bottled Water

Consumers of bottled water are now being cautioned about a potential health risk related to the presence of nanoplastics, which are tiny particles found in plastic bottles. Recent research has revealed an alarming quantity of around 240,000 nanoplastic particles in an average one-liter bottle of water. This is a stark contrast to the estimated 5.5 plastic particles per liter in tap water.

Nanoplastics, significantly smaller than microplastics, have been linked to serious health concerns such as cancer, birth defects, and fertility problems. The University of Columbia’s research, conducted using lasers, discovered these particles in popular US water bottle brands. Unlike larger microplastics, nanoplastics can enter the bloodstream and the brain, posing potential health risks.

Most plastic bottles are made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which contains phthalates. Phthalates, associated with 100,000 premature deaths annually in the US, have been linked to various health problems according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

The new laser technology, Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) microscopy, revealed not only PET but also polyamide, a type of nylon, as prevalent plastic particles in bottled water. This discovery sheds light on a previously unexplored area, CNN reports.

Lead author of the study, Naixin Qian, a Columbia graduate student in chemistry, emphasized the importance of understanding the world of nanoplastics and its potential health implications. While nanoplastics constitute less mass than microplastics, their small size makes them more susceptible to entering the human body.

Experts recommend steam distillation as a reliable method for obtaining pure water, with distilled water being 99.8 percent pure. This method involves boiling water to eliminate viruses and bacteria, with the steam collected and condensed into pure water. An activated charcoal filter is then used to remove any remaining impurities. However, it is advised to add minerals back to the water, as the distillation process can result in the removal of essential minerals, affecting taste preferences.