people who drink alcohol bottled water Some researchers argue that it may do more than just hydrate you.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that each water bottle can contain hundreds of thousands of nanoplastics. Nanoplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 1 micrometer in size, measuring one billionth of a meter.
Researchers at Columbia University Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University, and Columbia Mailman School of Public Health in new york They found that there are approximately 240,000 pieces of these plastic pieces in every liter of water.
This is 10 to 100 times higher than previous estimates, the release states.
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Because nanoplastics are so small, there are concerns that they could enter people's bloodstreams and organs and invade individual cells, the researchers warned.
possibility Health effects is still unknown.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences finds that each water bottle can contain hundreds of thousands of nanoplastics. “Previously, this was just a dark region that wasn't mapped,” said the study's co-author. “Toxicity studies were just speculation.” (St. Petersburg)
Previous studies have provided rough estimates of the amount of nanoplastics, but this is the first time they have determined the exact number of individual particles, the researchers noted.
They used a new technique called stimulated Raman scattering microscopy, in which a laser stimulates molecules in common plastics.
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“We have developed a powerful optical SRS imaging technique to rapidly analyze nanoplastics with unprecedented sensitivity and specificity,” said study co-author and environmental chemist at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. Baizan Yang told FOX News Digital.
“Previously, this was just an uncharted, dark region. Toxicology studies were only trying to guess what was out there,” he added in a university press release. “This opens a window into a world you never knew existed.”
The study analyzed three popular types of bottled water, but the researchers did not specify the brands.
Although the researchers did not specify the brands, the study analyzed three popular types of bottled water. (St. Petersburg)
“We found about 250,000 small plastic particles in one liter of water, 90% of which were nanoplastics,” Yang said.
“This number is about 10 to 100 times higher than previous estimates.”
Of the seven types of plastics identified, the most common was polyamide, a type of nylon.
The other is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the material used to make the water bottle itself.
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Other plastics detected included polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, and polymethyl methacrylate.
Future research hopes to use higher-power lasers to increase sensitivity and identify other types of plastics beyond the original seven, Yang said.
“Media coverage of these particles in drinking water only unnecessarily scares consumers.”
Celeste Mayfren Swango, Zero Waste Program Director, Environment America in coloradoHe was not involved in the study, but told Fox News Digital he believed there was “a public crisis looming in our bodies and our water.”
She continued, “This new nanoplastic research confirms that plastics are permeating almost everywhere. The evidence is indisputable. For the health of humans and wildlife, It's time for our society to move beyond plastic.”
Of the seven types of plastics identified, the most common was polyamide, a type of nylon. The other is polyethylene terephthalate, a material used to make the water bottle itself. (St. Petersburg)
The Northeast Bottled Water Association (NEBWA) was not involved in the study, but reacted to the findings in a statement to Fox News Digital.
“This new study by Columbia University…used bottled water to clearly demonstrate a new method of nanoplastic analysis due to the lack of currently available methods,” said Jason, NEBWA's executive director. Hutley said in a statement.
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“This new method needs to be fully considered by the scientific community, and further research needs to be done to develop standardized methods to measure and quantify nanoplastics. our environment. ”
NEBWA states that “standardized methods are lacking and there is no scientific consensus on the potential health effects of nanoplastic and microplastic particles. Therefore, media coverage of these particles in drinking water. This only unnecessarily scares consumers.”
The Northeast Bottled Water Association (NEBWA) said: “There is a lack of standardized methods and a lack of scientific consensus on the potential health effects of nanoplastic and microplastic particles.” (St. Petersburg)
The association's statement also noted that microplastics and nanoplastics have been found in thousands of bodies. food and beverages Products packaged in plastic containers, not just water bottles.
“Furthermore, and perhaps more importantly, nanoplastic and microplastic particles are present in every aspect of our environment, including soil, air, and water,” the statement added.
When asked for comment, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which was not involved in the Columbia study, said it was aware of research conducted on microplastics in the food supply.
“Although there is evidence that microplastics and nanoplastics are entering the food supply, there is a lack of evidence that their occurrence in food poses a risk to human health.”
“This is an area where FDA is not only monitoring research but also working to advance science through analysis of test methods and other related work, including participation in the U.S. government's Nanoplastics Interest Community.” an FDA spokesperson told FOX. News Digital.
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“Research on nanoplastics is decreasing because there are not as many reliable ways to measure nanoplastics,” the agency continued.
“While this and other significant research gaps exist, the FDA does not support the scientific evidence that consumers are concerned about potential levels of microplastic or nanoplastic contamination in food, including bottled water.” is not recognized.”
“We do not recommend drinking bottled water when needed, as the risk of dehydration may outweigh the potential effects of exposure to nanoplastics,” the researchers said. (St. Petersburg)
“While there is evidence that microplastics and nanoplastics are entering the world, food supplyPrimarily due to environmental pollution, there is a lack of evidence that the occurrence of microplastics or nanoplastics in food poses a risk to human health. ”
Bottled water processors must follow “strict regulations,” the FDA noted.
Study author Yang acknowledged that more research is needed to determine whether drinking bottled water containing nanoplastics may have negative health effects.
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“If people are concerned about nanoplastics in bottled water, it makes sense to consider alternatives such as tap water or reusable bottles,” the researchers said.
“However, it is important to emphasize that it is important to stay hydrated.” important for health,” he added.
“Therefore, we do not recommend drinking bottled water when needed, as the risk of dehydration may outweigh the potential effects of exposure to nanoplastics.”
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