Arrr, mateys! They be sayin' that bottled grog be filled with countless wee plastic bits in recent reckonin'!
2024-01-11
Avast ye! A jolly tale be told, mateys! A recent saga from Columbia University reveals that every cursed bottle o' water may be teemin' with hundreds o' thousands o' minuscule nanoplastics. Many a wise sea dog, including scholars, health wizards, and makers o' bottled drink, shared their voices on this merry discovery. Arrr!
People who drink bottled water may be unknowingly consuming hundreds of thousands of nanoplastics, according to a new study. Researchers from Columbia University found that each liter of water contained around 240,000 tiny fragments of plastic, which is 10 to 100 times more than previous estimates. The concern is that these nanoplastics could enter people’s bloodstream and organs, although the health effects are still unknown. The study used a new technique called stimulated Raman scattering microscopy to identify and count the individual particles of plastic. The most prevalent plastic found in the water was polyamide, followed by polyethylene terephthalate. Other types of plastic, such as polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride, were also detected. While the study focused on bottled water, it is important to note that microplastics and nanoplastics are found in various food and beverage products packaged in plastic containers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that it is aware of the studies on microplastics in the food supply and is working to advance the science in this area. However, the FDA is not currently aware of scientific evidence that suggests consumers should be concerned about the potential level of microplastic or nanoplastic contamination in food. Further research is needed to fully understand the potential health risks of nanoplastics in bottled water. In the meantime, it is suggested that people consider alternatives like tap water and reusable bottles, although staying hydrated is still crucial for overall health.