Khaberni - A recent study warned that bottled drinking water 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, potentially increasing the chances of developing cancer and other chronic diseases.
The study, which was supervised by environmental management expert Sarah Sajdi from Concordia University in Canada, revealed that individuals who regularly rely on bottled water are annually exposed to about 90,000 additional microplastic particles compared to tap water users, according to "Science Daily".
It was seen that these microscopic particles, which may not exceed two microns in size, form during the manufacturing, storage, and transportation processes of bottled water.
Sajdi described the risks associated with single-use plastic bottles as "dangerous," pointing out that the harmful effects, which occur due to repeated and prolonged exposure to a toxic substance, pose the greatest threat and not acute poisoning, considering that "there is no objection to using bottled water in emergencies, but it should not be a daily routine" and called for raising public awareness about long-term risks.
The study was published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials and showed increasing evidence linking exposure to microplastics with chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, hormonal disruptions, infertility, nerve damage, and cancer.
It also pointed out that these particles may disrupt the gut microbiome, affecting beneficial bacteria and increasing risks of diseases such as colon cancer and depression.
Sajdi called for stricter legislation to reduce the use of single-use plastics, demanding mandatory labels that clarify the presence of microplastics in products and their health effects, as well as holding companies accountable for the life cycle of their products.
She also advised individuals to switch to glass or metal utensils to reduce exposure to plastics and concluded by emphasizing the importance of combating microplastic pollution to ensure "a more sustainable and secure future for drinking water sources".
