A new study has found that a product used by millions - bottled water - is contributing to the buildup of toxic microplastics in the brain. Experts have identified a simple way to reduce exposure by 90%.
Did you know that switching from bottled to filtered tap water could significantly reduce the amount of microplastics you consume? A recent Canadian study found that this simple change could decrease your yearly intake by roughly 90%, from approximately 90,000 to 4,000 particles.
This recommendation to use domestic water filters follows alarming research published last month, revealing that some human brains now contain up to 7 grams of plastic – roughly the equivalent of a small spoon. Even more concerning, individuals with documented dementia diagnoses were found to have three to five times higher levels of microplastics in their brains.
Microplastics, tiny plastic fragments as small as two micrometres, are invisible to the human eye yet pervasive in our environment. These particles infiltrate our food, water supplies, and even the air as plastic products degrade over time.
Dr. Brandon Luu, a resident physician in internal medicine at the University of Toronto and co-author of a recent report, highlights the significant exposure to microplastics from bottled water. "Bottled water alone can expose people to nearly as many microplastic particles annually as all ingested and inhaled sources combined," Dr. Luu states. "Switching to tap water could reduce this exposure by almost 90 percent, making it one of the simplest ways to cut down on microplastic intake."
The report, published in the journal Brain Medicine, also identifies other significant sources of microplastic intake, including the use of plastic tea bags and the heating of food in plastic containers, especially in the microwave. Dr. Luu advises, "Avoiding plastic food storage and using glass or stainless steel alternatives is a small but meaningful step in limiting exposure."
While these changes are logical, Dr. Luu emphasizes the need for further research: "While these changes make sense, we still need research to confirm whether lowering intake leads to reduced accumulation in human tissues."
A recent study published in Nature Medicine revealed a concerning increase in brain microplastic concentrations. US scientists analysed brain tissue from individuals who died in 2016 and 2024 and found that microplastic levels were approximately 50% higher in the 2024 group. This suggests that the concentration of microplastics in our bodies is rising alongside environmental pollution.
The researchers also observed higher microplastic levels in the brains of dementia patients compared to those without the condition, hinting at a potential link. However, it's important to note that this correlation does not definitively prove that plastics harm brain health.
Considering these findings, reducing your exposure to microplastics by opting for a water filter over bottled water is a practical and impactful step you can take today. Our independent water treatment expets will recommend the best water filter system for your home or business. Contact Us today.
