There is a way to boil water to remove plastic, and the new tricks of drinking water safety are revealed

Recently, the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States released a startling study revealing that each liter of bottled water contains an average of about 240,000 detectable microplastics. These nano-sized plastic particles can enter the cells of our intestines or lungs, travel through the bloodstream, reach the heart and brain, and even in pregnant women, cross the placenta and enter the fetus.

So, in the face of such pollution, how can we ensure the safety of our drinking water? Can boiling water effectively reduce the content of microplastics? Liu Xiaochuan, director of the Department of Gastroenterology and Infectious Diseases of the Emergency General Hospital, and chief physician, will reveal to you how to reduce the content of microplastics by boiling water, so that your drinking water is safer.

Boiling water is a simple and effective way to reduce the level of microplastics

The shocking results of recent research on microplastics in bottled water have forced us to re-examine our drinking habits. For most households, boiling water is a simple and effective way to sterilize it.

Regarding microplastics, boiling water does reduce their content to some extent. When water is boiled, microplastic particles combine with calcium carbonate in the water to form a precipitate. With simple filtration, we can remove up to 84% of microplastics. Therefore, boiling water before drinking it is indeed an effective way to reduce microplastic intake.

When the water is heated to a boil, the microplastic particles will separate from the rest of the water due to the difference in density and size, and some of them will settle to the bottom of the water. Therefore, after boiling the water, if conditions allow, we can use a filter or gauze for simple filtration to further reduce the microplastic particles in the water.

Microplastics "lurking" in life, these "self-defenses" have you gotten

To keep your drinking water safe, you need to do these four things

1. Choose good quality bottled water: When buying bottled water, pay attention to check the product label and certification information, and choose a brand with quality assurance. Avoid buying bottled water from unknown sources or at too low prices.

2. Replace kettles and cups regularly: Even high-quality kettles and cups can wear out with long-term use, resulting in the production of microplastics. It is recommended to replace it regularly and keep it clean.

3. Install a household water purifier: Installing a household water purifier can effectively remove impurities and microplastic particles in the water and provide safer drinking water.

4. Use stainless steel or glass kettles: It is safer to boil water because these materials are less likely to release microplastic particles.

Therefore, we should try to avoid using plastic water bottles, especially at high temperatures, as the chemicals in the plastic may accelerate the decomposition and increase the risk of microplastics.

Microplastics can be avoided with a slight change in these common scenarios in life

Use reusable shopping bags: When shopping, choose reusable shopping bags instead of plastic bags, which is eco-friendly and stylish.

Reduce your intake of takeaway and fast food: Takeaway and fast food packaging often contains a lot of plastic, which can not only produce microplastics, but also other harmful substances. Try to cook your own meals as much as possible, which is healthy and environmentally friendly.

Pay attention to food packaging: When buying food, pay attention to check whether the packaging is complete and avoid buying damaged or deformed packaged food.

Practicing these personal hygiene habits can help you stay away from microplastics

1. Use natural toiletries. Choose toiletries that do not contain microplastic particles, such as toothpaste, facial cleanser, etc., which are made from natural ingredients. Pay attention to the ingredient list of the product and avoid buying products that contain microplastics.

2. Clean your skin regularly. Bathe frequently, wash your hands, and keep your skin clean, especially after touching items that may contain microplastics. Avoid touching your face and mouth directly with your hands to reduce the risk of microplastics entering your body through skin-to-skin contact.

3. Participate in garbage sorting and recycling. Separate plastic products and increase recycling rates. By participating in environmental protection activities, we will learn about the hazards and solutions of microplastic pollution, and contribute to the protection of the environment.

Boiled water vs. bottled water: Which is healthier?

There is no absolute answer to the question of which is healthier, boiling water or drinking bottled water. It mainly depends on the local water quality and the individual's living habits.

After being purified by the water plant, the tap water usually meets the national standards

Boil your own water to drink, which usually refers to drinking it after boiling it with tap water. The tap water is purified by the water plant and can usually meet the "Sanitary Standards for Drinking Water" promulgated by the state. Although there are sometimes concerns that tap water may contain harmful substances such as heavy metals and chlorine, in reality, as long as the water source is not seriously polluted and the boiling time is sufficient, these harmful substances can be greatly reduced or even eliminated.

For example, tap water may contain magnesium, calcium and other substances, which can form scale during the heating process, but these scales will not cause direct harm to the human body unless consumed in large quantities. At the same time, the chlorine content in tap water is usually within safe limits, and most of the chlorine will evaporate during the boiling process, so there is no need to worry about its harm to the human body. Boil your own water to drink, it's relatively economical, convenient, and usually safer if you pay attention to the water quality and the way you boil it.

Avoid repeatedly boiling tap water for long periods of time, which can lead to mineral loss and nitrite increase

It is important to note that if the water is boiled repeatedly, the minerals in the water will be gradually lost, and trace amounts of nitrite may be produced. Although nitrite has a certain vasodilating effect on the human body, a large amount of ingestion may cause vasodilation, headache, drowsiness and other symptoms, and may even cause poisoning. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid boiling tap water repeatedly for a long time and drink it in moderation.

Drinking bottled water for a long time may lead to nutritional imbalances

If the local water quality is poor and contains too much heavy metals or other contaminants, then drinking bottled water may be a safer option. Bottled water is favored by many people for its convenience and safety. However, in recent years, health concerns regarding bottled water have also raised concerns.

In addition, bottled water usually does not contain the minerals that the body needs, and long-term consumption may lead to nutritional imbalances and even cause problems such as rough skin. Therefore, even if you choose bottled water, it is recommended to drink it in moderation and combine it with other dietary patterns to ensure a balanced nutrition.

Bottled water can be contaminated during production, storage and transportation

First of all, bottled water may be contaminated by bacteria and viruses if it is not handled properly during production, storage and transportation, which can lead to oral infections and gastrointestinal damage. These bacterial contamination can lead to oral diseases such as angular cheilitis, canker sores, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. Therefore, it is very important to choose a reputable brand and ensure that bottled water is consumed before the expiration date.

Secondly, the microplastic particles that may be contained in bottled water are also a problem that cannot be ignored. According to a recent study published in the international academic journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), each liter of bottled water contains an average of about 240,000 detectable microplastics. These microplastic particles may enter the human body through drinking water, and while the long-term effects of microplastics on human health are still being studied, long-term ingestion of microplastics may pose potential risks to human health.

Text: Mo Peng (Emergency General Hospital)