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Recent Study Found Boiling Water Can Eliminate Almost 90% of Microplastics

by Dr. Jonathan Doyle - Updated March 07, 2024
Recent research indicates that by boiling tap water prior to consumption, nearly 90 percent of microplastics in the water source can be eliminated. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) defines microplastics as extremely small plastic particles that are less than 5 millimeters or 0.2 inches in size.
The World Health Organization states that there is currently little and unclear research on the effects of these microplastics on human health. While some polymers, such as polystyrene, appear to be safe, studies have revealed that they can damage human cells, irritate the digestive tract, and lower mouse fertility.
Environmental Science & Technology Letters , a journal, recently published a study that may provide some positive news in the fight against these sneaky petrochemical particles. It implies that many microplastics can be eliminated from tap water by boiling and filtering it, making the water safer to drink.
microplastics under magnifier

Where Do Microplastics Come from and What Do They Mean?

Plastic is the most prevalent type of marine debris in the Great Lakes and the ocean. Although there are many different shapes and sizes that plastic waste can take, “microplastics” are defined as particles that are smaller than five millimeters, or about the size of a pencil eraser. Microplastic pollution might have an adverse effect on our oceans and aquatic life.
Much about microplastics and their effects is still unknown because research on them is still in its early stages. In this case, the NOAA Marine Debris Program is in charge of overseeing the examination. Conventional field techniques for collecting microplastic samples from sand, surface water, and sediment are still under testing.
a woman drinking water

What Is the Source of Microplastics?

Microplastics come from various sources, such as fragmenting larger plastic waste into ever-tinier fragments. Furthermore, a particular kind of microplastic known as microbeads consists of tiny, produced polyethylene plastic particles that are used as exfoliants in cosmetics and other health and beauty products like toothpaste and cleansers. Because these little particles can easily pass through water filtration systems and go into the oceans and Great Lakes, they may pose a threat to aquatic life.
The issue surrounding microbeads isn’t a new one. As plastics began to supplant natural ingredients in personal care products, the United Nations Environment Program approximates that plastic microbeads were first introduced in these products around fifty years ago.

How Can Your Drinking Water Be Free of Microplastics?

For the average consumer, it is currently not feasible to check their water at home for microplastics. You can, however, send water samples to a lab for analysis; this is an expensive method that will probably confirm the existence of microplastics to some degree
Regulations pertaining to microplastics in water are anticipated to be developed as the problem of microplastic contamination grows more widespread. California became the first state to require microplastic testing in sources of drinking water in September 2022, setting a precedent.

Bring Water to a Boil Before Consuming

An investigation that was just published on February 28 in Environmental Science & Technology Letters found that boiling water rich in minerals for five minutes could reduce exposure to non-microplastic particles (NPPs) by as much as ninety percent.
boiling water
Researchers are still learning about the health risks linked to microplastic exposure, but there is mounting evidence that these plastics can build up in the body and cause oxidative stress, inflammation, and liver problems.
The new findings suggest that boiling water is a potentially safe and easy way to effectively decontaminate household tap water. This might be especially helpful in less developed nations where affordable and easily accessible clean water solutions are crucial.

Purchasing a Filtration System of Reverse Osmosis

It takes time to bring water to a boil and let it cool before drinking. Although it is an economical approach, it might not be feasible for everyday water use.

Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Filtration System

We are pleased to present the G3P800 Reverse Osmosis System in response to the growing concern regarding microplastics. Utilizing a semi-permeable membrane, reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification technique that eliminates impurities. The water is forced to pass through the membrane while impurities are left behind by applying pressure to one side of the membrane.
We have just launched a 1200GPD reverse osmosis system Waterdrop X12. It can re-mineralize the filtered reverse osmosis water, providing you with pure and healthy alkaline water. You can enjoy a $400 OFF discount now, use code “X12” to pre-order one for your home.

RO Filtration System with Instant Hot Water

Selecting to use hot water? Look no farther than the Waterdrop C1H and K19, our innovative reverse osmosis systems, which provide unmatched convenience. These state-of-the-art filtration systems eliminate the need for any delays by giving immediate access to hot water, unlike the conventional method of boiling water and waiting.

Possible Impact of Microplastics on Health

Oceans, remote islands, and polar regions are common locations for environmental pollutants known as microplastics. The potential harm that microplastics can do to ecosystems makes their exposure a serious new risk.
We’ve known for years that microplastics are a problem, and new research is highlighting the significant harm they cause to the environment and human health.
Because of their extreme persistence, microplastics are almost hard to remove from the areas where they congregate. Research suggests that they can seriously harm the organisms they come into contact with because of their persistence and the chemicals they contain. This harm consists of higher mortality, decreased feeding, and poisoning. Additionally, they aid in the movement of pollutants up the food chain, which could seriously endanger human health.
Scientists are warning that things are getting out of control and are raising the alarm. Everywhere that microplastics have been studied has yielded positive results, including on mountains, in the ocean, inside Arctic Sea ice, and even in our bodies, drinking water, and air.

Conclusion

In conclusion, concerns over microplastics in our water underscore the need for remedies. Our reverse osmosis systems can help with that. They protect you from sly microplastics and do more than just filter water. Your water is safe and clean to drink thanks to our systems.

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Contaminants Detected in  Fruitland Water Special Service District
30
Contaminants
EXCEED EWG HEALTH GUIDELINES

30  Total Contaminants in Your Water

Water Provider

Fruitland Water Special Service District

Population Affected

120,000

Water Source

Ground water
Exceeds Guidelines

Others Detected

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