Researchers have uncovered alarming risks associated with bottled water that could put your health in jeopardy.
Health experts warn about microplastics in bottled water. Even popular brands like Evian and Fiji aren’t safe. New studies show that consumption of bottled water is linked to serious internal harm due to microplastics. According to research, a single litre of bottled water may contain an astonishing 240,000 microplastic fragments, which can lead to significant health issues including kidney damage and increased cancer risk from toxic hydrocarbons.
Your 'healthy' hydration habit could be more dangerous than you thought. In North America alone, bottled water consumption soared to 16.2 billion gallons in 2024, reflecting a 2 percent rise compared to the previous year. Many believe they are making a healthier choice by opting for a bottle of Evian or Fiji Water, but scientists are revealing that these choices could be doing more harm than good.
Previous studies by researchers from Columbia and Rutgers Universities provided crucial insights. They found that a litre of bottled water harbors, on average, 240,000 nanoplastic and microplastic fragments. Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic debris, often a result of larger plastic breakdown, and have infiltrated various consumer products, including cosmetics and cleaning supplies.
The researchers’ analysis of popular bottled water brands concluded that up to seven different types of plastic were present in the bottled water, including polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene. Their findings, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggested that the plastic itself is primarily to blame for the microplastic contamination in bottled water.
Health experts have issued a warning regarding our organs. Microplastics can travel to vital organs like the liver and kidneys, and even cross the placental barrier in pregnant women. These findings, reported by CNN, raise serious concerns about the health of unborn children and the potential for severe health complications.
Microplastics wreak havoc on our kidneys. Following the Columbia and Rutgers study, new findings from a study in Communications Biology reveal that microplastics are particularly damaging to the kidneys. The research titled, 'Activation of gut metabolite ACSL4/LPCAT3 by microplastics in drinking water mediates ferroptosis via gut–kidney axis', highlights how microplastics act as carriers for Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP). This toxic hydrocarbon is known to cause cancer, genetic defects, and reproductive issues, as noted by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). The prevalence of BaP-laced microplastics in bottled water is alarming, as they contribute to significant intestinal damage and systemic inflammation, particularly affecting kidney function.
How can we reduce the microplastics we consume? Switching to high-quality tap water filters can drastically minimize microplastic intake. Experts indicate that using a tap water filter can lead to a staggering reduction of up to 90 percent in microplastic consumption. Research published in Genomic Press found that eliminating plastic-packaged beverages could decrease your microplastic ingestion from 90,000 to just 4,000 particles annually. While total elimination of microplastic exposure is impractical, focusing on reducing the most significant sources is achievable.
Additional strategies to reduce microplastic consumption:
- Use glass or stainless steel containers for food and beverages instead of plastic.
- Drink through stainless steel straws to avoid plastic exposure.
- Be mindful of seafood consumption, as fish can accumulate microplastics.
- Choose organic clothing and use cotton tote bags to further reduce microplastic impacts.
- Opt for public transportation whenever possible to contribute to less plastic waste overall.
In summary, numerous studies indicate that the accepted notion of packaged bottled water as a healthful choice needs serious re-evaluation. By switching to high-quality tap filters and adopting alternative habits, individuals can significantly cut down their microplastic intake while ensuring their organs remain unharmed. The real cost of convenience may outweigh the perceived benefits of bottled water in light of these alarming revelations.