The Secret of Microplastics in Water: Is Boiling Water Really Healthier?

Regimen 2024-08-02 13:12:13 Source: Network

The Secret of Microplastics in Water: Is Boiling Water Really Healthier?As technology advances, our understanding of the environment deepens, and the term microplastics has gradually entered public consciousness. This ubiquitous "invisible killer" not only pollutes soil and water sources, but also poses potential threats to our health

The Secret of Microplastics in Water: Is Boiling Water Really Healthier?

As technology advances, our understanding of the environment deepens, and the term microplastics has gradually entered public consciousness. This ubiquitous "invisible killer" not only pollutes soil and water sources, but also poses potential threats to our health. So, could our daily drinking water be concealing microplastics?

Microplastics Everywhere: An Invisible Crisis in Our Water Sources

In 2019, the World Health Organization released a research report titled "Microplastics in Drinking Water," which pointed out that plastic pollutants exist in oceans, wastewater, freshwater, and drinking water (including bottled water and tap water). This report revealed the prevalence of microplastic pollution and sparked concerns about drinking water safety.

However, many people still habitually boil their own water, believing that this can remove impurities and make the water healthier. So, can boiling water really remove microplastics?

Boiling Water: An Effective Way to Remove Microplastics

In February 2024, Professor Li Zhanjun from Guangzhou Medical University and Professor Zeng Yongping from the School of Environment at Jinan University jointly published a significant research finding, confirming that boiling water can effectively reduce microplastic content in water.

This study used experimental methods to analyze the microplastic content in water at different temperatures. The results showed that as the water temperature increased, the efficiency of microplastic removal gradually improved, reaching 84% at 100! This means that boiling water can not only eliminate bacteria and viruses in water, but also effectively reduce the microplastic content.

Where Do the Microplastics Go?

The Secret of Microplastics in Water: Is Boiling Water Really Healthier?

So, where do the microplastics go during the boiling process? Research has found that as the water temperature rises, microplastics undergo a coprecipitation reaction with the calcium carbonate in the water, ultimately precipitating into scale. In other words, boiling water traps the microplastics, which are then removed with the formation of scale.

The findings of this research provide us with important insights: traditional boiling methods can effectively reduce the microplastic content in drinking water, offering a simple, effective, and harmless way to "purify" water.

Bottled Water: Is It Really Safe?

Many people choose to buy bottled water to avoid microplastics in tap water. However, a recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) in January 2024 discovered that bottled/tank water contains an average of approximately 240,000 detectable plastic microparticles per liter.

This study, for the first time, used advanced light-optical imaging technology to detect the presence of "nanoplastic" (plastic particles smaller than 1 micron) in bottled/tank water. These tiny "nanoplastics" can enter the bloodstream through intestinal or lung cells, potentially reaching the heart and brain, posing potential threats to human health.

The study also found that bottled water containers release plastic fragments into the water when subjected to pressure or high temperatures. Even repeated opening and closing of the bottle cap can lead to the entry of a large number of plastic particles into the water.

How to Reduce Microplastic Intake?

To protect our health and reduce microplastic intake, we can take the following actions:

1. Develop the Habit of Boiling Your Own Water: Choose glass cups, enamel cups, or stainless steel water bottles, and try to boil tap water or drink unsweetened tea, reducing the consumption of bottled water.

2. Reduce Use of Disposable Plastic Products: Minimize the use of disposable paper cups, plastic lunch boxes, plastic bowls and spoons, packaging bags, and other plastic products, opting for reusable, eco-friendly alternatives.

3. Don't Use Plastic Bags Inside Bowls for Food: Avoid using plastic bags inside bowls for hot food, as high temperatures accelerate the generation of microplastics.

4. Make a Habit of Using Fewer Plastic Straws: Liquids in contact with the walls of plastic straws can introduce microplastics into the body, with hot drinks increasing this risk. Preferentially use glass straws or stainless steel straws.

5. Reduce Consumption of Processed Foods in Plastic Packaging: Processed foods undergo multiple layers of packaging, making them more susceptible to microplastic contamination. Prioritize fresh ingredients and reduce the intake of processed foods.

6. Properly Dispose of Plastic Waste: Sort and recycle plastic bottles, plastic bags, and other plastic products, avoiding casual disposal to minimize environmental pollution.

Conclusion: Scientific Living, Away from Microplastics

Microplastic pollution is a global issue that requires our collective efforts and action to mitigate its detrimental effects on the environment and health. By understanding the sources and hazards of microplastics and taking appropriate measures, we can better protect our own health and that of our families, enjoying a safer and healthier life.

The Secret of Microplastics in Water: Is Boiling Water Really Healthier?

The Secret of Microplastics in Water: Is Boiling Water Really Healthier?

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