A study done by Columbia University discovered thousands of harmful nano- and micro-plastics in a single bottle of water, leading consumers to contemplate whether drinking bottled water is worth the risk of polluting their bodies with these undetectable fragments.
Key Points
- Studies have found nano- and micro-plastics in bottled water that could pose health risks.
- Water filtration systems can provide pure drinking water and limit your exposure to nano- and micro-plastics.
- iSpring’s reserve osmosis (RO) systems provide you with water you can feel confident in.
Every Sips is a Risk
Since bottled water is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), one would assume the presence of such an abundance of nano- and micro-plastics in bottled water would mean it is safe to consume. However, the presence of both is unregulated by the FDA and their affects are largely unknown. Studies have shown that they can enter the bloodstream and be transported to vital organs. Additionally, nanoplastics can cause an inflammatory response in the intestines as well as metabolic disorders. A complete understanding of the impact of nano- and micro-plastics is still unknown and more research is required to understand how severely they impact human health.
Beyond the potential negative health effects these nano- and microplastics can have themselves, the chemicals they are made of could pose an equally concerning health risk. Many are comprised of what water bottles are made of: polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (P.E.T.). However, polystyrene (PS), which Styrofoam containers are made from, and polyamide (PA), a type of nylon, were also discovered in the fragments analyzed.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), some of these chemicals can mimic things like estrogen and have hormonal effects which can lead to diabetes, neurocognitive effects in kids, and cancer.
Investing in Your Health While Giving Back to the Environment
While it is impossible to avoid these sorts of nano- and micro-plastics as they are found in tap water, the air we breathe, and other food we ingest that are packaged in plastic, limiting exposure can only help until more studies are done to reveal whether these nano- and micro-plastics are potentially detrimental to human health.
One way to guarantee your drinking water is pure is to invest in an in-home water purification system. Not only does this help you avoid consuming additional nano- and micro-plastics, but it also helps make a positive impact on the environment and your wallet. According to Earthday.org, “Americans purchase about 50 billion water bottles per year, averaging about 13 bottles per month for every person in the U.S. That means by using a reusable water bottle, you could save an average of 156 plastic bottles annually.” The impact using a water filtration system could have on your health as well as the environment is profound. With the added benefit of not spending money on costly bottles of water, investing in a water filtration system is a win-win.
Selecting the Right iSpring Water Filtration System for You
Our water filtration systems are cost-effective, healthy, and environmentally friendly. And, we are here to help you select the one that best suits your needs. Three of our top-selling reverse osmosis (RO) systems include the RCC7AK-UV, our RO500AK-BN, and our RCD100. Using the RO technology, each of these systems removes up to 99% of over 1,000 contaminants, including lead (removes up to 98% of lead), chlorine, fluoride, arsenic, asbestos, calcium, and sodium.
Our RCC7AK-UV is an all-in-one, under-the-sink RO system that
- uses a 7-stage Alkaline Remineralization Layered Filtration, exclusively designed to restore the natural alkalinity and mineral balance of water
- employs an ultra-fine RO filter to remove contaminants down to 0.0001 microns
- uses an advanced 11-watt UV stage that provides comprehensive water purification
- is NSF/ANSI 58 certified
- employs a second-stage GAC filter and a third-stage carbon block filter to effectively eliminate chlorine, unpleasant tastes, odors, cloudiness, and sediment
- uses a pressurized tank to ensure a stable water flow
- produces up to 75 gallons of filtered water per day
- can be connected directly to the refrigerator’s water supply
Our RO500AK-BN is a state-of-the-art, under-the-sink tankless RO system that
- employs a three-stage filtration system including a 2-in-1 composite PP Sediment and Carbon Block filter, an advanced RO Membrane, and a Carbon/Alkaline Filter that balances the pH level and enhances the taste with added-back minerals
- produces up to 500 gallons of filtered water per day
- can fill an 8 oz glass in 10 seconds
- has an industry-leading pure-to-waste ratio (up to 2:1), saving water waste by up to 400% compared to traditional RO systems
- features a filter life reminder light as well as easy filter replacement
Our RCD100 is a convenient, portable countertop RO system that
- requires no installation and only needs a plug-in to operate
- features a revolutionary instant heating function that quickly allows a customized experience by providing four temperature settings
- uses a five-stage filtration system
- boasts a large-capacity water tank that holds 1.3 gallons of water
- employs an innovative wastewater circulation technique that enhances the filtration performance, achieving an impressive and unbeatable up to 2.5:1 pure-to-drain water ratio
- is capable of producing up to 100 gallons of contaminant-free water per day
- has convenience features such as a self-cleaning mode, a smart panel display, a twist-and-lock design for filter replacement, an energy-saving mode, a child safety lock, and a quiet operation
