A study from January 2024 found that plastic bottles slough off over 100,000 micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) per liter of water. Even avoiding plastic bottles as a water source, water straight from the tap or from a filtration system is still contaminated with microplastics. 

Recent studies showed that the human body contains about a credit card amount of microplastics, on average. While the health effects of microplastics are still being determined, possible effects seem to be cancer, cardiovascular disease, gut health issues, cell damage and fertility issues, according to recent studies. Research is advancing somewhat rapidly, but it has a long way to go before any conclusive information or solutions can be found. 

Humans ingest the microplastic through the air, food and water they consume, and many of the sources of plastics are far removed from individual control, but some common habits add unnecessary plastic to one’s diet, such as plastic water bottles, plastic cutting boards and other household items made from plastic. 

There are alternatives that can reduce, though not eliminate, the effects of MNPs. Water is a major source of plastic for human consumption, and addressing the plastic pollution in water could significantly reduce the negative health effects on both humans and the planet.