As more and more plastic waste is released into the environment, microplastics in drinking water and food are ingested by humans, causing damage to internal organs after being absorbed through the digestive system. A study published in Communications Biology found that this occurs most notably in the kidneys.
What happened?
Microplastics – tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in length – are the main carriers of the environmental pollutant benzo, study finds[a]Pyrene enters the body. The exact pathway is not fully understood, but evidence suggests that after oral ingestion, BaP is absorbed primarily through the intestines, posing a health risk.
The peer-reviewed study found bottled water is a major source of microplastics, which can cause damage to intestinal walls and kidneys and cause inflammation throughout the body.
Why are microplastics in the environment a problem?
Microplastics in the environment are causing a big problem because their small size makes them nearly impossible to clean up. They are found in the stomachs of humans and animals, as well as in the air, soil, tap water, food and drinks. They also accumulate in our oceans, causing damage to coral reefs and marine ecosystems. The effects of microplastics are still being studied, so we don’t yet know the full scope of potential risks to the environment or human health.
Since microplastics do not occur in nature but are produced by humans, they cannot be broken down by living organisms.
In a statement to The Cool Down, a representative from the International Bottled Water Association questioned the findings: “Very importantly, this article is based on a study that showed polystyrene microplastic particles are carriers of benzene[a]Pyrene (BAP) enters the organism,” they wrote. “However, bottled water containers are not made of polystyrene.
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“In addition, the FDA’s Standard of Quality (SOQ) for BAP in bottled water is 0.2 ug/L. The BAP concentration used in the study was 4 ug/L, which is 20 times higher than the FDA limit for bottled water. There are also EPA MCLs [maximum contaminant level] Tap water is 0.2 ug/l. “
The spokesperson also said that “in our busy society, where rates of obesity, diabetes and heart disease are high, bottled water provides a safe, healthy and convenient beverage option” and that “it is not in the public interest to prevent people from choosing this healthy beverage option.”
Still, while IBWA’s concerns about the study’s methodology are worth mentioning, plastic bottles for soda or other beverages can contribute to microplastic exposure just as much as water bottles. This particularly relates to when bottles get hot, such as when they’re left in a hot car, as the Today Show reports. Plastic bottles of all kinds also contribute to a global pollution problem because plastic is typically only recycled once or twice before degrading too much, whereas aluminum and glass can be recycled indefinitely.
Glass is generally the safest option to avoid contamination because it is highly inert, and many aluminum bottles and cans are lined with some kind of plastic, even though they still contain much less plastic than plastic bottles. Of course, even better than all the above methods is to use a reusable water bottle.
What can we do to help reduce microplastics in the environment?
By reducing plastic use and recycling appropriately, we can reduce the amount of microplastics released into the environment.
Investing in reusable water bottles instead of buying single-use plastic and using reusable containers instead of single-use bags are simple ways to reduce your use of plastic that breaks down into microplastics. You can also ditch plastic grocery bags when shopping and use reusable bags instead. You can also support brands that use plastic-free packaging.
Recycling plastics correctly is also crucial to preventing them from entering the environment, as they can break down into microplastics that we can breathe and ingest.
Scientists are working on solutions to the problem of microplastics in the environment. A filter called BioCap appears to provide promising results and is under development.
While we don’t yet know the full environmental impact of microplastics, by taking small steps as individuals, we can help reduce the risk.
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