Some ways you can
As reported in ACS' Environmental Science & Technology Letters, boiling and filtering calcium-containing tap water could help remove nearly 90% of the nano- and microplastics present.
Scientists don't yet know how long microplastics stay in the body or how effects are tempered by genetics, the environment or other factors. They haven't determined whether some plastics or forms of exposure are worse than others. Nor do studies exist on the direct dangers of microplastics in humans.
To the best of our knowledge, we provide the first evidence of the presence of micrometric fragments of polymers and inorganic materials of anthropogenic origin in human kidneys. We also confirmed their presence in human urine, as previously showed in a recent study (Pironti et al., 2022).
The Brita Hub™ is certified to reduce 70+ contaminants including chlorine, lead, and microplastics.
The Environmental Research study found that apples are the most contaminated fruit with regard to microplastics. A single gram of apple contains over 100,000 pieces of microplastics.
Are any brands of water bottles free of microplastics? No. Single-use and reusable plastic water bottles have or will shed microplastics into the liquids they contain.
Microplastics may cause changes in the intestinal microbiome, resulting in an imbalance between beneficial and harmful bacteria, which can lead to various gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.
A new study finds that boiling and then filtering tap water can remove up to 90 percent of microplastics.
LifeStraw Home – Water Filter Pitcher, 10-Cup, BPA Free Designed for Everyday Protection Against Bacteria, parasites, microplastics, Lead, Mercury, PFAS, and a Variety of Chemicals.
Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are efficient at reducing high levels of microplastics, as well as most other contaminants, in water. Standard reverse osmosis systems utilize three phases in the filtration process, while some systems contain four or five stages.
Boiling water kills or inactivates viruses, bacteria, protozoa and other pathogens by using heat to damage structural components and disrupt essential life processes (e.g. denature proteins). Boiling is not sterilization and is more accurately characterized as pasteurization.
Health impact
In the U.S., community water sources have added fluoride to levels designed to prevent tooth decay. Regularly rinsing with and drinking tap water helps keep your mouth clean of bacteria.
Are we consuming microplastics? Yes. Microplastics are present in both tap water and bottled water. A study showed that an average of 325 plastic particles were found in a liter of bottled water as compared to 5.5 plastic particles per liter of tap water, according to Sherri Mason, a Penn State researcher.
In a 2024 study, scientists found that brewing tea with a tea bag made from the plastic polypropylene released about 1.2 billion small pieces of plastic per milliliter of tea. “That's a fair amount,” said Mark R. Wiesner, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Duke University.
As our infographic shows, the biggest known source of microplastic which enters our bodies is bottled water. Based on 4 separate studies, the average number of particles per liter is 94. Beer has the second highest number, at 32, but it is that in third place which may cause the most alarm.
The first thing we should do is avoid single-use plastics, especially food and beverage packaging and to-go containers that shed microplastics into what we eat and drink. It has been shown that bottled water has higher levels of microplastics than tap water. Avoid highly-processed foods.
Mealworms are Nature's scavengers and decomposers, able to survive up to eight months without food or water, and happy to eat their own kind when food is scarce. After 30 days, the research team found the mealworms ate about half the microplastics available, about 150 particles per insect, and gained weight.
The lawsuit alleges that by writing on their labels that their filters “Reduce 3X contaminants,” Brita has falsely given consumers the impression that the filter removes “arsenic, chromium-6, nitrate and nitrites” and other chemicals, including PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals.” It does not mention misleading ...
Boiling Water and Using a Coffee Filter Proves Effective in Reducing Exposure to Microplastics. The world has a microplastics problem that can feel overwhelming.