Thousands of nano plastics in Bottled Water

Study Reveals Presence of Thousands of nano plastics in Bottled Water, Small Enough to Infiltrate Body Cells

In a groundbreaking and pioneering exploration, researchers have unearthed that commercially available bottled water may harbor quantities of plastic particles surpassing prior estimations by 10 to 100-fold. These nanoparticles, so minuscule that conventional microscopes fail to detect them, measure a mere 1,000th of the average human hair's width. Such nanoplastics possess the capability to traverse the digestive tract or lungs' tissues and permeate into the bloodstream, dispersing potentially harmful synthetic chemicals across the body and into cells, as highlighted by experts.
A single liter of water, equivalent to two standard-sized bottled waters, was found to contain an average of 240,000 plastic particles originating from seven distinct plastic types. Remarkably, 90% of these particles were identified as nanoplastics, with the remaining being microplastics, as unveiled in the recent research.

Microplastics, fragments of polymers, span from less than 0.2 inches (5 millimeters) down to a staggering 1/25,000th of an inch (1 micrometer). Anything smaller than this scale is classified as nanoplastic, requiring measurement in billionths of a meter.

Commending the study's profundity, Sherri "Sam" Mason, sustainability director at Penn State Behrend in Erie, Pennsylvania, expressed her admiration for its groundbreaking nature. The study underscores the longstanding advice from experts, advocating for the consumption of tap water from glass or stainless steel containers to mitigate exposure. This counsel extends to other plastic-packaged foods and beverages, emphasizing the continuous shedding of plastic bits during various everyday activities.
In a prior investigation in 2018, Mason, coauthor of the recent study, detected micro- and nanoplastics in 93% of bottled water samples from 11 brands across nine countries. The present study, facilitated by advanced technology from Columbia University, revealed a spectrum of plastic bits in three popular U.S. bottled water brands, ranging from 110,000 to 370,000 particles per liter, if not more.
Nanoparticles, known for posing the most significant risk to human health among plastic pollutants, can infiltrate individual cells and tissues in vital organs. This infiltration potentially disrupts cellular processes, depositing endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as bisphenols, phthalates, flame retardants, per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS), and heavy metals. The capability to delve into the impact of polymers on human health, previously hindered by limited detection abilities, has now been broadened with the innovative technology introduced in the study.

The International Bottled Water Association, representing the industry, has urged caution, emphasizing the need for comprehensive scientific reviews and standardized methods for measuring nanoplastics. It contends that media reports may unnecessarily induce fear among consumers due to the lack of consensus on the potential health impacts of nano- and microplastic particles.
The study's methodology, utilizing a modified version of Raman spectroscopy called stimulated Raman scattering microscopy (SRS), provides an enhanced ability to detect and identify nanoparticles swiftly. With this technology, the study's algorithm classified seven plastic types, shedding light on the diversity of plastics present in bottled water.

As this research marks a pivotal point in understanding nanoplastics in water, further investigations are underway to determine the sources of these particles and compare nanoplastic levels between bottled and tap water. The study's advanced techniques pave the way for in-depth exploration into the potential risks posed by minuscule plastic particles to human health.
While science unravels the mysteries surrounding nanoplastics, individuals can take proactive measures to reduce plastic exposure, suggested Jane Houlihan, research director for Healthy Babies, Bright Futures. Adopting alternatives to plastic containers, opting for natural fabric clothing, and choosing consumer products made from natural materials are practical steps to curtail plastic exposure in daily life.