Scientists have discovered that the average liter of bottled water contains nearly a quarter million invisible nanoplastic particles.
Researchers at Columbia and Rutgers universities used a microscope with dual lasers to make the discovery.
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The big picture: The study analyzed samples from three common bottled water brands and found nanoplastic particle levels ranging from 110,000 to 400,000 per liter, with an average of around 240,000 particles.
- Nanoplastics are particles smaller than a micron – one millionth of a meter – in size, much smaller than previously studied microplastics.
- It is still unclear whether these nanoplastic particles are harmful to health, and further research is needed to determine their potential dangers and effects on cells.
- The plastic seems to be originating from the bottle itself and the reverse osmosis membrane filter used to remove contaminants.
What they’re saying: The International Bottled Water Association pushed back on the study.
- “There currently is both a lack of standardized (measuring) methods and no scientific consensus on the potential health impacts of nano- and microplastic particles,” the association said in a statement. “Therefore, media reports about these particles in drinking water do nothing more than unnecessarily scare consumers.”
