- Nanoplasty and microplastics are small plastic particles that can end up in your body.
- These microscopic particles are widespread in disposable water bottles.
- Switch to reusable water bottles such as glass or stainless steel to limit your risk.
We know that we have to remain well hydrogenated so that our physical systems have a proper and overall good health. You can see evidence that people who accept this concept in the number of people who carry a water bottle everywhere. But is the type of bottle important?
Centuries ago, people used animal skins to carry water. After all, metal containers were all anger (glass broke too light) and then became popular with the invention of plastic, disposable and reusable water bottles. But as with most things we buy for convenience, there are advantages and disadvantages.
Scientists are more interested in learning microplastics and nanoplasty, microscopic plastic particles that get into the body through the mouth or lungs and put themselves into important organs, including the brain and liver. Some examinations suggest that the accumulation of microplastics can increase the risk of some diseases, including high blood pressure, stroke and diabetes.
And because this nano and microplastics can disturb the intestine microbioma, they could increase the risk of digestive problems and problems with the immune system. A disturbed, unbalanced microbiome, sometimes referred to as dysbiosis, can also lead to systemic inflammation and increase the risk of chronic diseases.
And now scientists from Concordia University in Montreal, Canada, have expanded increasing evidence of plastic water bottles and their potential effects on human health. They published their results in the Journal of dangerous materials. Let us collapse what you have found.
How was this study carried out?
This study was an overview article in which one-way plastic water bottles and non-reusable plastic water bottles focused on. Scientists searched databases and found in 141 research articles that met their criteria. The researchers only used studies that focus on nanoplastic contamination related to disposable plastic water bottles.
Since this was a narrative review, the researchers only reported on the results of these other studies and information created by them.
What did this study show?
Several topics appeared from this assessment. Here is what to know:
- Size is important when it comes to microplastics. The smaller the plastic particles, the higher the risk that it is transported from the intestine into the bloodstream and transported to main organs, including the brain, the liver and the heart. Nanoplasty are the smallest particles followed by microplastics and macroplasty. Macroplasty has the slightest risk of penetrating the bloodstream.
- If you have the choice, choose tap water. Statistics suggest that the average person occupies 39,000 to 52,000 microplastic particles per year, with consumers taking up to 90,000 more particles more than tap water consumers in bottles.
- Nano and microplastics can increase chronic health risks. This includes respiratory diseases, reproductive problems, neurotoxicity (including brain diseases) and an increased risk of cancer.
Researchers find that the release of nano and microplastics increases into their water bottle when the bottle is exposed to sunlight. Even more friction with the bottle creates what occurs when pressing or repeated cap increases the release of these particles into the water and ultimately into your body.
The study authors indicate various restrictions on the studies included in this overview. For example, many of them had small sample sizes and inconsistent laboratory conditions. Standardized measurement protocols in relation to nano and microplastic measurements were also missing.
How does that apply to real life?
When plastic was invented for the first time, it changed the world in many ways. Now there was an alternative to other materials such as glass, wood and metal, which was more durable and, in a way, “forever”. But when we exchange one thing for another, some costs are usually associated. With disposable water bottles, the costs can affect your health.
The plastic debate has recently been in the spotlight and goes beyond only water bottles. We now know that we should swap plastic kitchen utensils (we like bamboo) and we shouldn’t remain in plastic -take -take -Op -containers microwaves -or all plastic containers (although some say as long as the plastic says that it is microwave -safe should be ok). Some recommend some, plastic memory containers overall to ward off and to choose glass instead. Scientists have even found that microplastics can depend on tea bags, which means that they end up in their tea and body.
And what about your water bottle? While much is still unknown, harder plastics, such as the reusable water bottles, are probably safe. However, if you want to reduce your plastic load, you should switch to a metal or glass bottle. (Nevertheless, metal can also be a risk if heavy metals are used during production.) Overall, glass can be the safest option. Choose one from borosilicate glass, as it tends to be less sensitive than other types of glass with a silicone cover to protect it.
Our expert
This check suggests that disposable-by-way water bottles can release nano and microparticles into the water and ultimately into your body and organs. For this reason, it is recommended that you limit your use. If you are on the go and need moisture and disposable bottles are your only option, keep it out of the sun and heat and avoid dealing too much (including press and constantly twisting the cap and off). If you have your reusable water bottle with you, pour the water out of the intake bottle into your reusable bottle to reduce the risk of releasing nano and microparticles from too much handling of the disposable bottle.
