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Tap water is polluted with plastic micro-particles

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Tap water is polluted with plastic micro-particles
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According to a significant scientific study that was reported in The Guardian, tap water is supposedly contaminated with plastic micro-particles in about a dozen countries.  Consuming these fibers could cause problems for human health.  What countries are affected and to what extent? 

159 samples tested in 12 countries

Unfortunately the study was only carried out in 12 countries with several tap water samples taken from each country showed that there were rather worrying levels of plastic fibers.  When plastic decomposes in the environment and especially in water, it transforms into micro-particles of plastic which scatters itself all over the environment.  They can be found in the air, the soil and in water.  they often end their travels in the water systems, lakes, under ground reserves or oceans.

The study in question, carried out by Orb Media, showed that 83% of the total tap water samples were contaminated with plastic fibers.

Here are the main results for each country or region in the world that was studied:

  • The USA showed the highest contamination levels:  94% of the sampled tap water contained plastic fibers (taken from 33 samples),
  • In Europe, out of the 18 samples taken, 72% contained plastic micro-particles,
  • In Indonesia – Jakarta : 76% of the 21 samples were contaminated,
  • In India- New Delhi : 82% of the 17 samples were contaminated,
  • Lebanon, Beyrouth : 94% of the 16 samples were contaminated,
  • Ouganda, Kampala : 81% of the 26 samples were contaminated,
  • Ecuador, Quito : 75% of the 24 samples were contaminated,
The chemical products that come from plastic make up part of our daily diet.  Bottled water is not spared by micro-particles of plastic and neither are the plastic pots of baby food or re-heated microwavable meals.
These chemicals include endocrine disrupters such as BPA, phthalates, flame retardants and even toxic heavy metals. They are easily absorbed by our body and can have a harmful effect.

Plastic micro-particles: what are the risks?

In the light of these results, scientists have warn global authorities that plastic pollution is having an impact of human health>

 

“We have enough data from looking at wildlife, and the impacts that it’s having on wildlife, to be concerned…If it’s impacting [wildlife], then how do we think that it’s not going to somehow impact us?” asked Dr Sherri Mason, a researcher from New York State University, who participated in the analysis.

Scientists have discovered two potential problems that need to be studied:

  • The presence of nano-particles in our our food products and in the environment that are able  to filter into our body.
  • The possibility that plastic micro-particles can transport pathogenic organisms.

According to researchers who participated in the study, from the moment the impact on our health is unknown, we should follow a precautionary principle and determine if these risks are real.

What are the pollution sources?

There are many types of plastic pollution:  :

  • Synthetic clothing (acrylic, polyester…)
  • Washing machines that don’t filter micro-particles,
  • Water treatment systems that don’t filter all plastic fibers,
  • Bottled water,
  • Paints used on roads, boats and houses often contain plastic particles,
  • Throwaway cutlery, bags, straws.
  • Dirty tyres,
  • Cosmetics that contain micro-balls, etc.

Almost 300 million tonnes of plastic are produced every year and only 20% of that is recycled or incinerated.  The rest ends up in the environment, in the air, in the soil or in water.

So that we can consume “healthy” water, researchers recommend using glass bottles of water or using jugs that can filter plastic micro-particles so that we can continue to drink tap water.  For those that are lucky enough to live next to a water source and are using it, ask you local council to analyse the amount of micro-plastics it contains.

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