Researchers discovered thousands of nano-sized bits of plastic in bottled water

It seems anywhere scientists look for plastic, they find it: from the ice in Antarctica, to the first bowel movement produced by newborn babies.

Now, researchers are finding that the amount of microscopic plastics floating in bottled drinking water is far greater than initially believed.

Using sophisticated imaging technology, scientists at Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty laboratory examined water samples from three popular brands (they won’t say which ones) and found hundreds of thousands of bits of plastic per liter of water.

Ninety percent of those plastics were small enough to qualify as nanoplastics: microscopic flecks so small that they can be absorbed into human cells and tissue, as well as cross the blood-brain barrier.

The research, which was published Monday in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, raises new concerns about the potentially harmful health effects — and prevalence — of nanoplastics. The researchers found that the quantity of such particles was 10 to 100 times greater than previously estimated.

  • CaptDust@sh.itjust.works
    371·
    10 months ago

    Honest question, hopefully for someone who knows the science: is the entire population actually being poisoned by oils and plastics, or is this sensationalized? Why has it taken so long to discover? Can it be reversed? Shits crazy

    • gibmiser@lemmy.world
      253·
      10 months ago

      We don’t know just how bad it is. We have every reason to believe we will find out that it causes cancer, hormonal problems, whatever else you can imagine. Limited studies show that certain plastics cause certain health problems… probably.

      But as of now there is no smoking gun evidence. Until there is, we are just going to continue to use it and hope that it is inert. I don’t know about you, but I don’t feel particularly lucky…

      Here is what AI has to say…

      "There is no definitive evidence that plastic is bad for our health, but there is growing concern that plastic may pose various health risks at different stages of its life cycle. According to a report by the Center for International Environmental Law², plastic and its impact on human health is poorly understood, but research to date has found that plastic can cause or contribute to:

      • Cancers, lung disease, and birth defects from the extraction and transport of fossil fuels used to make plastic³.
      • Metabolic disorders, reduced fertility, and hormone disruption from the chemicals added to plastic or leached from plastic into food and beverages¹.
      • Respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer from the toxic emissions and ash produced by burning or incinerating plastic waste².
      • Inflammation, tissue damage, and potential transfer of pollutants from the ingestion or inhalation of microplastics in the environment².

      These health impacts are not only affecting humans, but also wildlife and ecosystems that are exposed to plastic pollution. Plastic is everywhere, and it is not going away anytime soon. Therefore, it is important to take action to reduce plastic production, consumption, and disposal, and to support more research on the health effects of plastic. 🌎

      Source: Conversation with Bing, 1/8/2024 (1) Plastic & Health - Center for International Environmental Law. https://www.ciel.org/plasticandhealth/. (2) Plastics cause wide-ranging health issues from cancer to birth defects … https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/mar/29/plastics-cause-wide-ranging-health-issues-from-cancer-to-birth-defects-landmark-study-finds. (3) Is plastic a threat to your health? - Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/is-plastic-a-threat-to-your-health. (4) Plastics and Human Health - Geneva Environment Network. https://www.genevaenvironmentnetwork.org/resources/updates/plastics-and-health/. "

      • CaptDust@sh.itjust.works
        13·
        10 months ago

        That report from CIEL is damning, wow. Well, here’s to hoping that all works out well for the future… I think the effects scientists are seeing in rats is a decent indication of what we’ll see, and seeing the spread of plastic classified and broken down - it’s basically become unavoidable for people, and ultimately we’re all ingesting more and more petroleum over time, with seemingly fuck all we can do about it I’m pretty uncomfortable right now.

    • FireRetardant@lemmy.world
      12·
      10 months ago

      A big part of why it is not being taken super seriously is because at our current technology, it would be incredibly expensive to completely remove the microplastics, pharmaceuticals, and other substances in our water supply.

    • Snot Flickerman@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
      125·
      10 months ago

      1. Yes we are being poisoned no it is not sensationalized. If anything it is underplayed.

      2. Dunno, probably money.

      3. Probably not. Sorry.

  • IWantToFuckSpez@kbin.social
    17·
    10 months ago

    Oh wow color me surprised /s

    And even if you don’t care about the plastic particles, most bottled water that isn’t just tap water is sourced unethically. Not too mention how these companies, like Danone, Coca-Cola and Nestle, are probably lining politicians pockets to prevent the development of potable tap water in many poor nations. It’s crazy how a country like Indonesia where it rains all the time doesn’t have drinkable tap water.

  • otp@sh.itjust.works
    131·
    10 months ago

    I don’t know if it was in my mind or not, but the last bit of water in a water bottle always tasted funny to me, so I’d pour out the last sip or so. In my mind, it was all the microplastics that were too heavy to float up higher, lol

    I avoid plastic water bottles when I have the option now anyway.

  • FrankTheHealer@lemmy.world
    8·
    10 months ago

    You’ve heard of microplastics, get ready for its even worse form, nanoplastics

    And coming to a water source near you soon, introducing picoplastics, the ultimate way to guarantee that your water tastes awful and will probably give you cancer 😎

  • Ms. ArmoredThirteen@lemmy.ml
    8·
    10 months ago

    They also discovered a macroplastic holding all that water, which best case scenario will gum up nature forever. More likely it kinda sorta degrades into mystery murder material. We need to get rid of these things