Bottled water in plastic bottles... Many of you drink it, right? Research results show the shocking fact that bottled water may contain a large amount of nanoplastics, a dangerous substance invisible to the naked eye. This is especially a serious threat to pregnant women or women planning to become pregnant. Please let those around you know if you read this.

 
1. The Terrifying Truth about Nanoplastics Hiding in Bottled Water

1.1. Shocking Statistics: 100 Million Nanoplastics per Milliliter

A joint research team from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and Nankai University in China announced a shocking finding: an average of 166 million nanoplastics were detected per milliliter of water in plastic bottles. This means that if an adult drinks 2L of bottled water per day, they could be consuming 120 trillion nanoplastics per year, an enormous number.

Nanoplastics are plastic particles with a diameter smaller than 1μm (micrometer, 1μm is 1/1,000,000 of a meter).

1.2. Microplastics: An Even More Serious Health Threat

In addition to nanoplastics, microplastics larger than 1μm and smaller than 5mm were also detected in bottled water. It was found that 0.1 to 10,000 microplastics exist per mL of bottled water, meaning that an adult could consume 150,000 microplastics in a year.

1.3. Causes of Bottled Water Contamination: The Bottle Itself, Water Source, and Packaging Process

The research team suspects that the contamination of plastic bottles themselves, contamination of the water source, and contamination occurring during the product packaging process are the causes of nanoplastic contamination. Microscopic plastic particles generated during the plastic bottle production process can mix into the bottled water, or microscopic plastic fibers can enter the bottled water during the water collection process. Nanoplastic contamination can also occur during the production and packaging of bottled water.

2. Microplastics: A Fatal Threat to Women and Fetuses

2.1. Decreased Fertility in Women

Microplastics can have a serious negative impact on women's fertility. Research results show that microplastics can negatively affect the maturity of women's eggs, fertilization rates, embryo development, and weaken ovarian function. They also have the potential to penetrate reproductive organs such as the uterus and ovaries through blood vessels, impairing reproductive function.

2.2. Serious Impact on Pregnant Women and Fetuses

Microplastics pose a serious risk to pregnant women and their fetuses as well. Microplastics can pass through the placenta and be transferred to the fetus, leading to low birth weight, impaired egg maturation, decreased fertilization rates, and impaired embryo development in the fetus. Research results also suggest that microplastics can cause DNA damage in fetuses.

3. How to Prepare for Nanoplastic Risks

3.1. Using Glass Bottles or Stainless Steel Containers Instead of Plastic Bottles

To reduce nanoplastic intake, it is recommended to use glass bottles or stainless steel containers instead of plastic bottles. Glass bottles and stainless steel containers have a lower risk of nanoplastic contamination compared to plastic bottles, and they are reusable, helping to protect the environment.

3.2. Reducing Single-Use Products: Especially Be Careful When Using Hot Water

Reducing the use of single-use products is also important in reducing nanoplastic intake. It is especially important to avoid using single-use products when using hot water. This is because hot water can increase the leaching of nanoplastics from plastic containers.

3.3. Using Filters: Removing Microplastics Larger than 0.1μm

Using a filter that can remove microplastics larger than 0.1μm when drinking bottled water is also a good option. However, it is important to keep in mind that filters alone cannot completely remove nanoplastics.

3.4. Developing Policies Based on Scientific Evidence and Improving Consumer Awareness

Addressing the nanoplastic contamination problem requires the efforts of government, businesses, and consumers alike. Governments need to develop policies based on scientific evidence, and businesses need to strive for the development and production of environmentally friendly plastic materials. Consumers must also recognize the severity of nanoplastic contamination and reduce their consumption of single-use products, use eco-friendly products, and make lifestyle changes to reduce nanoplastic intake.

4. Nanoplastic Contamination: A Problem for Us All

Nanoplastic contamination is a serious threat to our health and environment. Pregnant women and women in general are particularly vulnerable to the effects of nanoplastics, so extra caution is needed. We encourage you to refer to the information above and work to reduce your nanoplastic intake and protect your health.

5. Additional Information and Research Results

5.1. Research on the Toxicity of Nanoplastics to Humans

While research on the toxicity of nanoplastics to humans is still in its early stages, various research results suggest that nanoplastics may negatively impact human health.

5.2. Detection of Nanoplastics in Plastic Products Other Than Bottled Water

Nanoplastics have been detected not only in bottled water but also in various plastic products, including plastic tableware, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Therefore, reducing the use of plastic products is important in reducing nanoplastic intake.

5.3. International Cooperation to Solve the Nanoplastic Contamination Problem

The nanoplastic contamination problem is a global issue, and international cooperation is necessary to solve it. Various countries are working hard to conduct research and develop policies to address the nanoplastic contamination problem.