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Scientists have known for years that there’s plastic in water. A 2018 study detected an average of around 300 particles of plastic per liter of water. 

At the time, they were measuring microplastics — small plastic pieces less than 5 millimeters long. 

In the latest study, researchers examined nanoplastics, which are particles less than 1 micrometer. For reference, the diameter of a human hair is about 70 micrometers.

With the new capacities to study nanoplastics, scientists found that the amount of plastic fragments in bottled water is about 10 to 100 times more than was previously discovered. 

Rutgers University’s Phoebe Stapleton said the particles then could “actually bypass the cells” of the gastrointestinal system.

Bottled water products in the U.S. are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. In general, the FDA does not comment on specific studies. A spokesperson explained that when studies come out, the FDA “evaluates them as part of the body of evidence to further our understanding about a particular issue and assist in our mission to protect public health.” 

The agency said it is reviewing the findings of the nanoplastic study.

Current regulations require the water to go through filters that remove particles larger than one micron— .00004 inches —in size.

“From source to finished product, a multi-barrier approach helps prevent possible harmful contamination to the finished product as well as storage, production, and transportation equipment,” the International Bottled Water Association said in a statement. “Many of the steps in a multi-barrier system are effective in safeguarding bottled water from microbiological and other contamination.”

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Source: CBS News (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/bottled-water-nanoplastics-up-to-100-times-more-plastic-pnas/) – January 9, 2024