What are Microplastics in Drinking Water?

Microplastics are tiny fragments of plastic smaller than 5mm in size and are composed of various types of polymers. These minuscule pieces are present everywhere in our environment, as they’re byproducts of our heavily plastic-reliant society. They’re challenging to filter and remove from water and food due to their extremely small size.

Where Do Microplastics Come From?

Microplastics have seeped into our environment from a variety of sources. These tiny particles originate from common consumer products, as well as the fragmentation of larger plastics. Industrially produced materials shed microplastics during manufacturing and use, while our daily activities contribute to their widespread existence.

Essentially, microplastics make their way into the environment by traveling through waterways, the sky, and even within animals. 

Why Are Microplastics Bad?

Microplastics have become a constant presence in our ecosystems, negatively impacting wildlife and their habitats. Their existence in our oceans and soils disrupts the natural order, which poses a big threat to biodiversity. These particles also settle in our bodies, where they've been linked to health issues, including heart disease and internal inflammation. This highlights a critical need to create sustainable practices to protect our future.

Microplastics in Drinking Water

Studies have showcased a concerning number of microplastics in drinking water sources around the globe. These tiny pollutants, which largely stem from plastic bottles, invade our eco-system and eventually make their way into the water we consume daily.

You may be surprised to learn just how many everyday items shed microplastics into the world around us. These tiny plastic fragments make their way into our environment in various ways, including using certain cosmetics, washing synthetic clothes, as well as the breaking down of larger plastic waste.

Eventually, they find their way into rivers and seas, getting into our drinking water and the wider food chain after some time. Fish, shellfish, and even sea salt can contain microplastics. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but this means that each time you sip water from a plastic bottle or enjoy your favorite seafood dish, you're likely ingesting microplastics.

Microplastics and Plastic Water Bottles

Once plastic bottles are discarded, they fracture into tiny particles which then get into waterways and landscapes. This cycle creates an overflow of microplastics, and the cycle keeps being fed by the heavy use of plastic bottles. But what can be done? Considering the importance of this issue, adopting recycling practices and embracing reusable containers are two simple yet pivotal steps we can take toward reducing the amount of microplastics that exist.

How Much Microplastic Do We Consume?

Research has discovered a startling truth: every week, we might ingest a credit card's worth of microplastics. These minuscule invaders find their way into our systems via food, water, and even the air we breathe, with plastic bottles and synthetic textiles being notorious contributors.

Disturbing connections between microplastics and health issues in humans have been discovered. Research has found that ingesting these tiny particles may lead to inflammation, damage to cell membranes, and even interfere with our body's natural processes.

Studies suggest a connection between heart disease and the presence of microplastics in arteries, only heightening the concerns about the health effects of microplastics. This shows that coming up with ways to mitigate the spread of microplastics isn’t only imperative for the environment but for our well-being and health.

Microplastics and Heart Disease

Studies have shown a link between microplastics and heart disease, revealing that these tiny pollutants can aggravate cardiovascular conditions. It is thought that microplastics might enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation or blocking arteries.

Research has also discovered that microplastics nestle into our arteries, leading to a potential risk for heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions. One study found that people with microplastics in the plaque clogging their neck arteries were far more likely to have a heart attack or stroke than people with plaque that didn’t contain microplastics.

How to Reduce Microplastics

Reducing microplastics requires effort from both corporations and individuals. Businesses can innovate to create products that are less reliant on plastics, which leads to a reduction of waste. For individuals, choosing reusable goods over single-use plastics significantly cuts down on consumption. These collective actions will play a crucial role in minimizing microplastic pollution in the future.

Filter for Microplastics

Using a water filtration system provides many benefits and can be a pivotal step in reducing our intake of contaminants, including microplastics. Among the various solutions available, activated carbon filters have displayed good results in capturing these minute particles. Integrating these filtration systems into our homes, businesses, and communities enables us to work together to reduce the amount of microplastics in our environment and our bodies.

Using a robust filter for microplastics is key in addressing the issue of microplastics in drinking water. When looking for a filtration system, opt for one specifically designed to capture these tiny particles.

Filtration methods range from activated carbon filters to reverse osmosis systems, all of which are effective in their own way. Activated carbon filters excel at removing smaller particles, while reverse osmosis can reduce a broader range of contaminants.

For the best performance and to maintain the integrity of your water filtration system, regular maintenance is important. Changing filters as recommended by the manufacturer will ensure you continue to drink pure, quality water and effectively reduce your intake of microplastics and other contaminants.

ExtremeLife™ Faucet Mount Water Filter System from Zerowater

Reduce Microplastics With ZeroWater’s Faucet Mount

Our ExtremeLife™ Faucet Mount Water Filter System is specially designed to reduce microplastics directly from your tap to give you healthier, delicious water. 

Try Our Full Line Of Water Filtration Products

To reduce other contaminants in the water you drink, ZeroWater offers a range of water filtration solutions. From compact pitcher filters to larger, multi-stage systems, we have everything you need to enhance the quality of your drinking water.

Shop ZeroWater’s water filtration products today to find the best solution for your at-home hydration needs. Feel free to check out our FAQ’s to find answers to any questions you may have.

https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/microplastics-in-arteries-linked-to-heart-disease-risk