A recent study by the National Academy of Sciences in Mexico has revealed that bottled water, far from being a completely safe option, may contain up to 240,000 pieces of plastic per liter, including nanoplastics, tiny particles associated with heart problems and cancer.
This finding challenges the common perception that bottled water is the best alternative to the lack of access to uncontaminated drinking water.
Plastic Pollution in Bottled Water
The plastic from the bottles leaks into the water, exposing consumers to small particles that our bodies absorb unknowingly. It has been identified that 90% of the detected fragments are nanoplastics, capable of penetrating cells and tissues.
Plastic bottles, besides being one of the most consumed products in the world, are the second most common contaminant in the oceans, only behind plastic bags.
Health Impact: What risks do nanoplastics present?
Plastic is present in our environment, but its consumption poses a poorly studied risk. Due to their extremely small size, nanoplastics can enter the body undetected, accumulating in tissues and biological systems.
Although the specific effects have not been fully proven yet, researchers have found possible links to heart diseases and cancer.
Is it possible to filter nanoplastics?
Removing nanoplastics from water is challenging. Although some filters can help, not all are effective. Advanced options include:
- Activated carbon filters, which remove some contaminants.
- Reverse osmosis filters, capable of reducing the presence of PFAS and other plastics.
Additionally, it is recommended to store water in glass, aluminum, or stainless steel containers, avoiding prolonged exposure to plastics.
The Urgent Need for Alternatives
The low recycling rate of plastic bottles contributes to the accumulation of millions of tons of waste. Manufacturing a single bottle requires between 17 and 35 liters of water, exacerbating the issue of unsustainable resource use.
This study represents a key step in understanding our exposure to nanoplastics and opens the debate on how to reduce their impact with ecological and healthy measures.
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