How pure is the water you consume? Whether you rely on tap water or bottled water, can you be certain that the water you are drinking is safe and healthy? If you meet your daily water intake goal of 2 liters, or even exceed it, how clean is that water? Are you truly benefiting from it, or could you be unknowingly compromising your health?
While the dangers of bacteria in water, such as those that cause diarrhea and gastrointestinal issues, are well-known, there are other risks that we may be exposed to when consuming water. One of the most concerning is the presence of microplastics, which has been a significant topic of discussion in recent years. But what exactly are microplastics, and where do they come from?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, typically smaller than five millimeters, that are often small enough to pass through conventional water filtration systems, making it easy for us to ingest them unknowingly. In addition to plastic debris that degrades into smaller pieces, microplastics also originate from vehicle tires and textiles. A significant source of microplastics is microbeads—tiny, manufactured polyethylene particles added to health and beauty products, such as facial cleansers and toothpaste. These microbeads easily pass through filtration systems and ultimately make their way into oceans and freshwater bodies, posing a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems.
So, how do we end up ingesting microplastics? How can we avoid them? Surprisingly, tap water tends to contain fewer microplastics compared to bottled water. However, microplastics are not only found in water—they are also present in marine food, fruits, and vegetables. Additionally, microplastics are found in the air we breathe, making it impossible to avoid exposure. The question is not whether we are ingesting or inhaling microplastics, but how much we are exposed to.
What are the potential health consequences of microplastic consumption? The bioaccumulation of plastics in the human body could lead to a variety of health issues, including respiratory conditions such as lung cancer, asthma, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Neurological symptoms like fatigue and dizziness, inflammatory bowel disease, and disruptions in gut microbiota are also potential concerns. Research indicates that both nano- and microplastics can cause cell apoptosis (programmed cell death) and exhibit genotoxic and cytotoxic effects. Given these potential health risks, what actions are being taken to reduce our intake of microplastics, and what steps can we take as individuals to minimize our exposure?
What is being done about microplastics?
Natural degradation of microplastics takes between 100 and 1,000 years, which means waiting for the problem to resolve on its own is not a viable solution. Action is needed. Many OECD countries are taking steps to combat microplastic pollution by banning single-use plastics. There is also an increasing focus on research, public education programs, and tighter regulations to mitigate the impact of microplastics.
What can we do on an individual level?
Fortunately, we can take control over much of what we consume. Leading innovation in water filtration is coming from Israel, where companies are developing solutions to help protect us from microplastics, particularly in drinking water. The following companies have designed cutting-edge technologies that can prevent microplastics from entering our systems and reduce the risk of related health issues:
- NanoClear: CeramiClear is a pioneering nano-ceramic material designed with millions of interconnected capillaries. This structure fosters the growth of beneficial bacteria that form self-regulating colonies, continuously purifying the water. By leveraging natural biological processes, CeramiClear effectively removes contaminants, clarifies water, and enhances comfort—without the need for constant chemical adjustments or energy-intensive equipment.
- Nufiltration: NUF™ units are simple, robust, and compact. These power-free, self-contained systems can produce pure drinking water from contaminated sources, even in challenging circumstances.
- Atlantium: Atlantium’s Hydro-Optic™ UV technology provides 4-log virus microbiological inactivation levels by integrating hydraulic and fiber-optic principles with the proven effectiveness of UV light.
- UET: UET’s water treatment system uses natural elements in situ to produce biocides, effectively eliminating bacteria without adding harmful chemicals.
These innovations offer promising solutions to the growing concern of microplastic contamination, providing safer drinking water and protecting our health.
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