Drinking bottled water every day could mean swallowing far more than just water. A new review in the Journal of Hazardous Materials found that regular bottled water users may ingest up to 90,000 more microplastic particles each year compared with those who drink mostly tap water. These particles are shed from bottles during manufacturing, storage, and transport, especially when exposed to sunlight or heat.
Scientists warn that microplastics and nanoplastics don’t simply pass through the body. Research shows they can enter the bloodstream and travel to organs, where they may trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, hormone disruption, and even increase the risk of cancer. While researchers are still studying the long-term effects, they stress that the risks are real and underestimated.
Experts recommend limiting bottled water to emergencies or rare occasions. Tap water remains the safer, more sustainable choice, especially when paired with a good-quality filter. By choosing filtered tap water over plastic bottles, people can cut down their exposure to microplastics while also reducing plastic waste.
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