microplastics in bottled water

Bottled water contains alarming levels of microplastics which harm wildlife and humans. Toxins in plastics can cause cancer, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, reproductive problems, attention deficit disorder, and more. Many scientists are increasingly convinced that there is a correlation between exposure to plastic pollution and the global rise of non-communicable diseases.

Americans may be ingesting more than 100,000 plastic particles in a year in food, drink, and air. Scientists found that US citizens intake 74,000 to 121,000 particles annually, depending on age and gender. People who drink only bottled water may swallow 90,000 particles each year, compared to 4,000 for those who drink tap water, according to the scientific journal, Nature.

A scientific study published in “Frontiers in Chemistry” analyzed 259 bottled water brands and found 93% of them contained microplastics particles. The study included 11 popular U.S. brands. Nestlé Pure Life had the largest average concentration of plastic particles.

Evidence in lab animals and lab tissues suggest pregnant women may pass microplastics on to their unborn children.

Scientific studies have shown that much of the microplastics in drinking water are coming from two sources: fragments of polypropylene, which is the type of plastic used to make bottled water caps, and polyethylene terephthalate, from which disposable water bottles are often made.

Reducing bottled water consumption would greatly reduce plastic pollution, save consumers billions, and improve human health.

To learn more watch the documentary “A Plastic Ocean” and follow Tennessee Riverkeeper on social media.