As more plastic waste is released into the environment, microplastics in drinking water and food enter the human body, causing damage to internal organs after absorption through the digestive system. According to a study published in Communications Biology, this happens most in the kidneys.
What’s going on?
The study found that microplastics – small plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in length – are the main carriers of the environmental pollutant benzo.[a]pyrene enters the body. The specific pathways are not fully understood, but there is evidence that BaP is absorbed mainly through the gut after ingestion, posing a health risk.
A peer-reviewed study found that bottled water is a major source of microplastics, which damage intestinal walls and kidneys and cause systemic inflammation.
Why is microplastic a problem in the environment?
Microplastics in the environment cause a big problem because they are almost impossible to clean due to their small size. They are found in the stomachs of humans and animals, as well as in air, soil, tap water, food and drink. They also accumulate in our oceans, damaging coral reefs and ocean ecosystems. The effects of microplastics are still being researched, so we don’t yet know the full extent of the potential risk to the environment or human health.
Since microplastics do not exist in nature and are produced by humans, organisms cannot break them down.
In a statement to The Cool Down, a spokesperson for the International Bottled Water Association disputed the study’s findings: “It is significant that this article is based on a study that suggests that polystyrene microplastic particles are benzo carriers.[a]pyrene (BAP) into living organisms,” they wrote. “However, water bottles are not made using polystyrene.
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“In addition, the FDA has a standard of quality (SOQ) of 0.2 ug/L for bottled water. The BAP concentration used in the study was 4 ug/L, which is 20 times the FDA limit for bottled water. It also has an EPA MCL. [maximum contaminant level] 0.2 ug/l for tap water.
The spokesperson also said that “with high rates of obesity, diabetes and heart disease in our on-the-go society, bottled water is a safe, healthy and convenient beverage choice” and that “dissuading people from this healthy beverage choice is not in the public interest.”
Still, while IBWA’s concerns about the study’s methodology are worth noting, plastic soda or other beverage bottles can cause microplastic exposure just as much as water bottles. This is especially true when and if the bottle gets hot, such as when left in a hot car, as was described on today’s show. All types of plastic bottles also contribute equally to global pollution problems, as plastic can usually only be recycled once or twice before it degrades too much, while aluminum and glass can be recycled endlessly.
Glass is generally the safest choice to avoid contamination because it is very inert, and many aluminum bottles and cans are coated with some form of plastic, even if they still contain much less plastic than plastic bottles. Of course, using a reusable water bottle is better than all of the above.
What can we do to reduce microplastics in the environment?
By reducing the use of plastic and recycling it properly, we can reduce the amount of microplastics entering the environment.
Investing in a reusable water bottle instead of buying single-use plastic and using reusable containers instead of single-use bags are simple ways to reduce the use of plastic that breaks down into microplastics. You can also ditch plastic grocery bags and use reusable bags when shopping. You can also support brands that use plastic-free packaging.
Proper recycling of plastics is also very important to prevent them from entering the environment where they can be broken down into microplastics that we can breathe and ingest.
Scientists are looking for solutions to solve the problem of microplastics in the environment. A filter called bioCap appears to show promising results and is under development.
While we don’t yet know the full consequences of microplastics in the environment, taking small steps as individuals can help reduce the risk.
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