News Release 13-May-2020
University of Southern Denmark
Microplastics are everywhere - including in our drinking water, table salt and in the air that we breathe. Having studied the scope of microplastics in a number of countries, researchers are worried.
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When we inhale microplastics, the tiny particles can reach the lungs and digestive system. Nobody knows what this means for the human organism and our health, but as we are talking about a lifelong exposure, it's a cause for concern, says Elvis Genbo Xu.
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The occurrence of microplastics is greatest in water from recycled plastic bottles. The microplastics may originate from one or more steps in the water supply chain, from the plastic bottle itself or from its screw cap.
The researchers were surprised to find microplastics in water sold in glass bottles. One possible source is the plastic cap, which can release microparticles when screwed off and on the glass bottle.
We believe that packaging is a major source of microplastics in bottled drinking water, says Elvis Genbo Xu.
I started using glass bottles to store water awhile back, eventually replaced the plastic tops with metal ones from amy zinc supplement bottles, which fit just right.
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Another way to reduce exposure to microplastics in drinking water is to avoid drinking bottled water, says Elvis Genbo Xu.
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In air, the sources are primarily synthetic textiles, rubber tyres and road dust. Other sources include furniture, building materials, waste incineration, landfills and industrial waste.
The weather has a major influence on where the microplastic particles can be found, but the concentration tends to be higher in wet weather than in dry weather.
The air can release particles in the form of dust, which especially young children may ingest when they put things in their mouths.
- I am more worried about indoor air than outdoor air. Indoors, we have particles from all the household plastic products. You cannot avoid them all, but it is possible to minimise the exposure. Let in some fresh air and don't buy synthetic fabrics and other plastic products like toys, furniture and food containers, says Elvis Genbo Xu.
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