Important Health Alert: Why Bottled Water Could Be Harmful in the Long Run

Using plastic water bottles every day can introduce thousands of tiny plastic particles into our bodies. Sarah Sajedi, a researcher, discovered this alarming fact while visiting Thailand’s Phi Phi islands. While enjoying the stunning view, she noticed the beach littered with plastic bottles. This prompted her to switch from a business career to studying plastic waste.

Sajedi, who co-founded ERA Environmental Management Solutions, has published a significant paper in the Journal of Hazardous Materials that focuses on the health risks of single-use plastic water bottles. Her research shows that those who drink bottled water might absorb between 39,000 to 52,000 microplastic particles annually. For regular bottled water users, this number climbs to about 90,000 additional particles each year.

Microplastics and even smaller nanoplastics are released throughout the life cycle of these bottles. From production to disposal, they break down into tiny particles, especially when exposed to sunlight and temperature changes. Unlike plastics that enter our food chain, these are ingested directly from the bottle.

Once inside the body, these particles can penetrate biological barriers and enter the bloodstream. The potential health risks are concerning. They might cause chronic inflammation, hormone disruption, and even certain cancers. Unfortunately, their long-term effects are still not fully understood due to limited research.

Sajedi points out that current detection methods vary significantly. Some can identify tiny particles but miss their chemical makeup, while others can analyze composition without reaching the smallest sizes. The best tools for detection are often very expensive and not widely used.

While governments are taking steps to limit plastic waste, most legislation targets items like bags and straws. Few address the urgent problem of plastic water bottles. Sajedi emphasizes that education is crucial. While it’s okay to use plastic bottles in emergencies, it’s not a safe or sustainable everyday choice. Chronic exposure is more concerning than immediate toxicity.

Understanding these risks can encourage people to reduce reliance on plastic bottles, opting instead for reusable containers. The ongoing conversation about plastic waste is vital as we look for healthier, more sustainable choices.

For further reading on this important topic, you can refer to Sajedi’s work: “Unveiling the hidden chronic health risks of nano- and microplastics in single-use plastic water bottles: A review,” published on June 14, 2025.

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Environmental Science,Microplastics,Plastic,Public Health,Toxicology