In 2024, a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) found that on average, each liter of bottle/barrel of water contains about 240000 detectable plastic particles; By comparison, boiling water for drinking can remove a certain amount of microplastics. A study published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology Letters in 2024 found that boiling water and simply filtering it can remove up to 84% of nano/microplastics! This can be considered the simplest and most harmless way to "purify" water, thereby reducing the intake of microplastics caused by drinking water for humans.
Water is a fundamental element for sustaining life, and ensuring sufficient daily intake of water is crucial for maintaining water balance in the human body. In our daily lives, some people prefer to boil drinking water for a long time, while others choose to buy bottled or barreled water due to concerns about the quality of tap water.
So, who is healthier, those who boil water themselves for a long time or those who frequently buy bottled water?
What are the health risks of long-term consumption of bottled water?
According to a study published in the January 2024 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, each liter of bottled water contains an average of approximately 240000 detectable microplastic particles.
Researchers have used advanced microscopy imaging technology to observe for the first time nanoscale plastic particles (less than 1 micron) in bottled water.
These tiny nanoplastics have the potential to penetrate intestinal or lung cells, enter the bloodstream, and even reach the heart and brain. For pregnant women, these microplastics may even cross the placenta and affect the fetus.
In addition, research suggests that when the container of bottled water is subjected to compression or high temperature, more microplastic particles may detach and enter the water. Repeatedly opening and closing bottle caps may also lead to the release of plastic particles into the water.
As for pipeline water, the 2019 World Health Organization report "Microplastics in Drinking Water" also confirmed the presence of microplastic pollution in pipeline water, which is not only present in bottled water, but also widely present in marine, sewage, freshwater and other environments.
Therefore, whether it is bottled water or tap water, microplastic pollution is a problem that needs attention.
Research has found that boiling water can significantly reduce microplastics
In February 2024, Professor Li Zhanjun from Guangzhou Medical University and Professor Zeng Yongping from the School of Environment at Jinan University published a study in Environmental Science and Technology Letters.
The research results show that by boiling and simply filtering water, up to 84% of nano and microplastic particles can be removed, which is a simple and harmless water purification method that helps reduce microplastics ingested by people through drinking water.
Research has shown that during the process of heating water, as the temperature increases from 25 ℃ to 95 ℃, the removal rate of microplastics in the water gradually increases from 2% to 28%, and sharply rises to 84% when the water temperature reaches 100 ℃. In addition, the concentration of microplastics in the water decreased from 30 particles per microliter to 4.8 particles per microliter.
Therefore, the traditional boiling drinking water method has shown its superiority in removing microplastics. Based on this discovery, the study suggests that people boil water to drink in order to reduce their intake of microplastics.
Develop 5 habits to reduce plastic entering the human body
02Develop the habit of boiling water and drinking it on your own
Avoid using disposable paper cups, plastic tableware, plastic packaging bags, etc., as these are all plastic products.
02 Develop the habit of boiling water and drinking it on your own
When carrying a personal water bottle, it is best to choose glass, enamel, or stainless steel materials. Try to drink self boiled tap water or cold boiled water, and reduce the consumption of bottled water.
03Don't put plastic bags in bowls to eat
Do not put plastic bags in bowls to hold hot food; When packing food, try to use biodegradable containers or self-contained lunch boxes, as high temperatures can accelerate the release of microplastics.
04 Develop the habit of using fewer plastic straws
When drinking liquids, avoid using plastic straws, especially when drinking hot drinks, as this increases the risk of microplastics entering the body.
Some people have the habit of biting straws, which can produce more microplastics under external forces.
05Eat less processed food with plastic packaging
Try to eat less processed food that has been wrapped in multiple layers of plastic, as these foods are more susceptible to microplastic contamination.
Canned foods are usually coated with bisphenol A, and microplastics may degrade in the food.
*Editor's reminder
Is installing one water purifier more effective?
It depends on which type of water purifier you are installing! Ceramic membrane (inorganic membrane) water purifiers can prevent microplastic ingestion, but organic membrane water purifiers cannot, and may even become the source of microplastic pollution!
This is because ceramic membranes are mainly made by high-temperature sintering of inorganic materials such as alumina, zirconia, and titanium oxide, which do not contain plastic components themselves, fundamentally avoiding the possibility of generating additional microplastics during the filtration process.
In contrast, organic membrane water purifiers (including Ro reverse osmosis membrane water purifiers) not only fail to provide effective protection against microplastics, but may also increase the risk of microplastic ingestion. The main reason is that organic films are mainly made of polymer plastic materials such as polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, and polyvinylidene fluoride, which are themselves plastic products. During long-term use, especially in complex working conditions such as water pressure fluctuations, chemical erosion, high temperatures, or mechanical wear, organic film materials may experience aging, damage, or release of particles, thereby increasing the source of microplastics in water.
Therefore, in order to ensure the safety of drinking water, it is recommended that everyone boil more water and reduce the use of bottled water. Boiling water can effectively eliminate bacteria, viruses, and microplastics in the water during the boiling process, ensuring drinking water safety and preventing gastrointestinal diseases. Furthermore, mastering the water source and controlling the water quality can provide a sense of confidence. However, it should be noted that clean containers should be used to boil water, and repeated boiling should be avoided to prevent the accumulation of nitrite. When installing water purifiers at home, the "microplastic" factor should also be considered. It is recommended to use inorganic film (ceramic film) water purifiers. Improper use of organic film water purifiers can easily increase the intake of microplastics and affect physical health.
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