The Invisible Crisis in Our Drinking Water

Microplastics are plastic fragments smaller than 5 mm in size that come from discarded polymers as they deteriorate. Since plastic doesn't break down, it breaks down into nanoparticles -- which are one-thousandth of a thousandth of a millimeter -- that are difficult to detect in water or air. They are small enough to penetrate the membrane walls of human cells, greatly increasing the likelihood of these particles penetrating organ tissue. Hence: an invisible threat. In terms of health hazards, this is a new way of smoking.

In each bottle of water, there were an average of 10.4 microplastic particles larger than 100 microns, which is wider than the width of a human hair. When including microplastics as small as 6.5 microns, the amount of microplastics in bottled water rose to an average of more than 300 per bottle. Because scientists are not yet sure about the health effects of microplastics, they have not yet set acceptable limits for microplastics in water.

However, a medical study tells us how microplastics interact with wildlife. Hamsters injected with plastic pellets developed blood clots. Chemicals leached from the microplastics were also found to severely impact oyster reproductive cycles.

According to research, microplastics have been found to attract bacteria in sewage. These fibers can bind to chemicals like DDT and BPA, which scientists in studies of wild animals have found to be released in animals once ingested. It's something so scary for something so small, you can't even tell it's there.

In the face of this ubiquitous microplastic, technologies are now being developed that can help us remove plastic particles and other harmful chemicals from our tap water. Here are some steps we can take to reduce the risk of microplastics

Find filters you can use at home that will remove all microfibers and other microplastics from your drinking water:

Do not flush lint from the dryer down the drain. throw it in the trash;

Consider buying items made of natural fibers where possible;

Avoid drinking bottled water, which is also a way to reduce single-use use;

Look for water filter replacement edr1rxd1 and edr3rxd1 water filter replacement you can use at home that will remove all microfibers and other microplastics from your drinking water.