Khaberni - A recent study warned that drinking water packaged in plastic bottles may contain microplastic particles that pose a health risk, as they can penetrate the body’s defenses and accumulate in vital organs, which may increase the chances of developing cancer and other chronic diseases.
The study, led by environmental management expert Sarah Sajdi from Concordia University in Canada, revealed that individuals who regularly rely on bottled water are exposed annually to about 90,000 additional microplastic particles compared to tap water users, according to "Science Daily".
It observed that these microscopic particles, which may be no larger than two microns, are formed during the manufacturing, storage, and transportation processes of bottled water.
Sajdi described the risks associated with single-use plastic bottles as "dangerous," noting that the harmful effects, which occur due to repeated and prolonged exposure to a toxic substance, pose the greatest threat, and not acute poisoning. She considered that "there’s no objection to using bottled water in emergencies, but it should not become a daily habit," calling for increased public awareness of long-term risks.
The study was published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials and showed increasing evidence linking exposure to microplastic with chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, hormonal disorders, infertility, nerve damage, and cancer.
It also indicated that these particles could disrupt the gut microbiome, impacting beneficial bacteria and increasing risks of diseases such as colon cancer and depression.
Sajdi called for stricter legislation to limit the use of single-use plastics, demanding mandatory labels that clarify the presence of microplastics in products and their health effects, with companies being held accountable for the lifecycle of their products.
She also advised individuals to switch to glass or metal utensils to reduce exposure to plastic, and Sajdi concluded by emphasizing the importance of combating microplastic pollution to ensure "a more sustainable and safer future for drinking water sources."
