Health experts have warned that bottled water may pose serious risks to human health.
A recent study has revealed that, on average, people consume around 39,000 to 50,000 microplastic particles every year, whereas those who rely on bottled water may ingest up to 90,000 particles annually.
These microplastic particles are invisible to the human eye because of their extremely small size, ranging from one micron to five millimeters, while nanoplastics are even smaller than one micron.
Microplastic particles are released from plastic bottles when exposed to sunlight or changes in temperature, as they are often made from low quality plastic.
According to the study’s lead researcher, Sarah Sajjadi, these microplastic particles can enter the bloodstream and reach major organs. Their presence in the body may lead to chronic inflammation, cellular oxidative stress, hormonal disruptions, reproductive issues, neurological disorders, and even cancer.
She further stated that due to limited research and the absence of standardized methods to measure the impact of microplastics, the long term health effects are still not fully understood.
Sarah Sajjadi added that drinking bottled water is acceptable in emergencies, but it should not be made a regular habit in daily life.
