A new study shows evidence of a large number of nanoplastics in bottled water. According to the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, nanoplastics are smaller and potentially more toxic than microplastics. The discovery of nanoplastics in water is “orders of magnitude more than the microplastic abundance reported previously in bottled water.” According to the study, nanoplastic’s small size makes them more “amenable…to enter the human body.”.

William Patenaude, who worked for the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management for 34 years, told Drew Mariani that the study’s findings were mixed, “in a way, it’s a surprise. In a way, it’s not a surprise because you’re drinking bottled water out of plastic.”

However, Patenaude took issue with the study’s methodology, “My concern with these types of studies is the gotcha effect where these researchers…did not really work with the industry as they were going through this process.” As a former regulator, he stressed the need for research institutions to work with private companies. Giving a report to a company who only has a few days or a week to review it is “not good for the consumer and it’s certainly not good for the common good.”

Bottled Water Business

This study might complicate the bottled water industry’s role in protecting consumers from toxins in their water. Over the past couple of decades, the bottled water industry has urged consumers to drink their water instead of tap water, “now they’re beginning to realize…it’s not as simple as that,” said Patenaude

Solutions

Patenaude argued that continuing public investment in public drinking water is vital, “it’s civilization 101.” Concerned homeowners can add a water filtration system to their homes, which can scrub out a lot of the toxins. And travelers can try using a stainless steel or glass water bottle.

Further Inquiry

The full extent of plastic’s effect on human health remains elusive. One study identified more than 10,000 substances that occur in plastic, and of those, 2,400 were “identified as substances of potential concern.” The researchers recommended that information be more readily available. Another study reported that micro and nanoplastics “may cause adverse effects in different human organ systems.” However, the study recommended further observation in humans as animals have been the primary subject of inquiry so far.