In ten well-known bottled water brands, scientists found plastic

In the water of 10 well-known brands packaged in plastic bottles, scientists discovered tiny particles of plastic whose harmfulness to individual health is currently unknown and unverified, according to research results from American scientists.

They tested more than 250 bottles from nine countries around the world, including Lebanon, India, and the United States. The study initiated by the organization Orb Media was led by a professor at the State University of New York at Fredonia, Sherri Mason.

World Brands

Plastic nanoparticles were found in 93 percent of water samples from major global brands such as Aque, Aquafine, Dasani, Evian, Nestle Pure Life, San Pellegrino, Bisleri, Epura, Gerolsteiner, Minalba, and Wahaha.

These primarily consisted of polypropylene, nylon, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

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On average, they found ten plastic particles per liter of water, each larger than the thickness of a human hair.

“I believe that nanoparticles are released during the bottling process and that most of the plastic originates from the plastic bottles and caps themselves,” Mason explained to AFP.

“The numbers are not catastrophic, but they are concerning,” she commented on the research results.

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In a previously conducted study by Orb Media, it was shown that plastic particles, in much smaller quantities, were also found in tap water, but it was determined that it is much safer for consumption.

It is currently unknown whether and to what extent the consumption of very small pieces of plastic is harmful, as experts are still investigating the issue.

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However, they warn that a previously established link exists between exposure to plastic particles and the development of certain types of cancer, reduced sperm counts in men, and the development of autism and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) in children.

The head of the North America branch of the non-profit organization Oceana, Jacqueline Savitz, which fights against ocean pollution, believes that the research results provide another reason for enacting legislation to ban the production of plastic water bottles.