Recently, the concerns around microplastics have been rising. Since the first commercial usage of plastic in the 1930s, this synthetic material has gone from a versatile and useful novelty to an over-relied-on solution that is dramatically impacting our environment and our health.
With more and more studies emerging, showcasing the damage that microplastic ingestion can do to us in the long term, people everywhere are becoming more and more aware of their exposure and its implications. And, with Netflix releasing a new documentary, 'The Plastic Detox', showing the impact of microplastics on issues such as fertility, the concerns and awareness are only set to continue.
What is a microplastic?
Microplastics are tiny particles of plastic. They come from a range of sources. From using a plastic chopping board, where the knife hits the surface and causes small pieces to chip away, through to warming up plastic containers with our food in.
Microplastics can also make their way into our drinking water from a wide range of everyday sources. One of the most common sources is synthetic clothing made from materials like polyester, nylon, and acrylic. Tiny plastic fibres can break loose and enter our wastewater systems when we wash these fabrics. Even though treatment plants remove many contaminants, some of these microscopic fibres can still pass through and reach rivers, reservoirs, and eventually the drinking water supplies that we use every day.
Plastic packaging is another significant contributor to the microplastics we are ingesting every day. Over time, bottles, food containers, and other plastic products can break down into smaller fragments due to sunlight, heat, and physical wear. These fragments can enter the environment through landfill runoff, litter, or recycling processes and may ultimately make their way into natural water sources. Not only that, but drinking bottled water can also put us at risk of more microplastic exposure – especially if the bottles have been stored somewhere warm or hot, actively releasing them into the water.
Earth.org has found that the annual influx of plastic waste into the oceans surpasses 8 million tonnes. Microplastics, like all other forms of plastic, endure a decomposition process spanning hundreds or even thousands of years. These tiny particles penetrate every corner of our environment, including the air, soil, and water. Microplastics in drinking water, oceans, polar regions, and freshwater have been found to contain large amounts of dangerous chemicals. This pollution has led to the recognition that the ingestion of microplastics through food and water is a major pathway of exposure.
How are we ingesting microplastics?
Because microplastics are so small and lightweight, they can travel easily through air, soil, and even water systems.
The three main ways we ingest microplastics are through our food (such as seafood, salt, and processed foods, which are stored and heated in plastic packaging), drinking water (especially bottled water), and, most surprisingly, through the air. With tiny plastic fibres from packaging, furniture, and clothing floating all around us, we are breathing plastic without realising it.
Are there microplastics in tap water?
Although water companies work hard to remove contaminants, the extremely small size and varied shapes of microplastics mean some can still make their way into drinking water supplies.
A European study of drinking water in Flanders (Belgium) found measurable microplastic particles in samples from both treatment plants and household taps, demonstrating that microplastics can remain in treated tap water.
Similarly, a UK study titled “Synthetic Microplastics in UK Tap and Bottled Water: Implications for Human Exposure” analysed 177 tap-water samples collected from 13 cities across the United Kingdom to investigate the presence of microplastics in drinking water. The researchers found that microplastic particles were present in many of the samples, with typical concentrations ranging from around 24 to 56 particles per litre. The study also examined the size, shape and polymer type of the particles, identifying common plastics such as polyethylene and polypropylene, which are widely used in packaging and consumer products. These findings suggest that small quantities of microplastics can still be present in treated tap water and may contribute to human exposure through everyday drinking water consumption.
How to get rid of microplastics in water.
If you're keen to understand how to avoid microplastics in water, it’s time to start filtering your water with Doulton. Doulton Water Filters offer the convenience of drinking clean tap water that rivals the taste of bottled water. Extensive studies on microplastics in drinking water have primarily examined particles ranging from 6.5 to 100 microns in size. However, Doulton Water Filters goes a step further by providing an absolute filtration (defined as >99.99%) rating of 0.9 microns and a nominal filtration (defined as >99.9%) rating of 0.5 to 0.8 microns from your drinking water. This makes them an excellent choice for families seeking reassurance about the quality of their drinking water. While the research findings are undoubtedly concerning, individuals have the power to safeguard themselves and reduce their contribution to single-use plastic waste by opting not to purchase bottled water.
Ways to further reduce microplastic exposure.
