Warning to bottled water drinkers who ingest 90,000 more plastic particles per year than tap water drinkers

Fresh research into microplastics has revealed daily bottled water drinkers will ingest tens of thousands more microplastic particles than those drinking tap water. A study carried out by researchers at Concordia University in Canada also warned of the effects of microplastics on the body.

Researcher Sarah Sajedi's latest paper, published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, looked into the health risks posed by single-use plastic water bottles which she says are both serious and seriously understudied. Sarah found that individuals on average ingest between 39,000 and 52,000 microplastic particles per year yet drinking bottled water every day increases those particles by another 90,000.

Microplastics are mostly invisible to the naked eye, ranging from a thousandth of a millimetre to five millimetres. These tiny particles are created during the bottle manufacturing process, during transportation and while in storage.

The low-quality plastic used for drinks bottles will shed tiny pieces while in motion, when exposed to sunlight and when exposed to temperature fluctuations. Once they enter the body, they can have severe health consequences.

Reporting on some of the side effects caused by ingesting microplastics, the study states: “Nano- and microplastics can enter the human body through ingestion and inhalation, accumulating in various organs and leading to a range of chronic health effects.

“The gastrointestinal system is particularly vulnerable, as these particles can cause inflammation and disrupt normal digestive processes. Once absorbed, NMPs can enter the bloodstream and affect multiple systems.

“The immune system may be compromised due to the triggering of chronic inflammatory responses. The endocrine system is also impacted, with additives such as phthalates functioning as endocrine disruptors, leading to hormonal imbalances and reproductive health issues.

“Neurotoxic effects on the brain and nervous system may impair cognitive function, while the accumulation of microplastics in vital organs can contribute to chromosomal abnormalities and an increased cancer risk.”

Speaking to Patrick Lejtenyi for an article on Concordia University’s website, Sarah said she was encouraged by the legislative action that has been adopted by governments around the world aimed at limiting plastic waste. However, she notes that the most common targets are single-use plastic bags, straws and packaging. Very few address the pressing issue of single-use water bottles.

“Education is the most important action we can take,” she says. “Drinking water from plastic bottles is fine in an emergency but it is not something that should be used in daily life. People need to understand that the issue is not acute toxicity—it is chronic toxicity.”