Shocking Health Risks of Drinking Water from Plastic Bottles Revealed
**Islamabad (Qudrat):** A new study by Concordia University, combined with an analysis of international research, has revealed that people who regularly drink water from plastic bottles ingest significantly higher amounts of microplastics each year.
The review analyzed over 140 studies and found that bottled water can contain anywhere from 2 to 6,626 microplastic particles per liter, with even higher amounts of nanoplastics. Experts warn that a person consuming their daily water entirely from single-use plastic bottles could ingest around 90,000 additional microplastic particles annually, compared to approximately 4,000 particles for those who drink tap water.
The study highlights that the bottle’s neck and cap, when exposed to light, heat, and other factors, are primary sources of microplastic release into the water. Global research indicates that the average person ingests 39,000 to 52,000 microplastic particles annually through food and water, but daily consumption of bottled water can nearly double this figure to 90,000 particles. The microplastics range in size from one nanometer to five millimeters and can mix directly into the water inside the bottle.
Scientists caution that these particles may negatively affect the immune, hormonal, and nervous systems, and could potentially be linked to cancer and other serious diseases. They urge immediate health impact assessments and standardized testing to ensure consumers have access to safe and clean drinking water.
