Plastic products play an indispensable role in our daily lives, from packaging water, beverages to food. These convenient plastic products are ubiquitous, and as a result, bring about environmental issues.
However, a new study published in the international scientific journal “Microplastics” reveals that the impact of these daily items may not be limited to their practicality and environmental problems.
A recent investigation conducted by a research team from the Private University Danube of Austria’s medical department suggests that the habit of drinking water from plastic bottles may lead to a concerning health issue – high blood pressure.
They found that reducing the use of plastic could lower blood pressure as the amount of plastic micro-particles in the blood decreased.
Numerous research reports indicate that bottled water contains high levels of microplastics.
But researchers have previously been unable to answer a crucial question that concerns people: Are these microplastic particles harmful to health?
However, the conclusion drawn by the Austrian research team is that indeed, microplastics in bottles may enter our bloodstream, causing an increase in blood pressure.
Furthermore, these microplastics are not only present in plastic bottles but have also been detected in glass bottles.
During the investigation, scientists requested eight volunteers to fulfill their daily fluid intake needs with tap water, avoiding drinks packaged in plastic or glass bottles.
The study results showed that after two weeks, the volunteers’ diastolic blood pressure (the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats) significantly decreased.
As a result, they concluded that plastic micro-particles in the blood may contribute to elevated blood pressure. Given that high blood pressure is a major factor leading to heart disease, researchers warned that “the use of beverages packaged in plastic bottles should be avoided.”
Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments usually generated by the breakdown of plastics due to UV exposure or physical abrasion.
Unlike natural organic materials, ubiquitous plastics mostly do not decompose into relatively harmless substances but break down into even smaller microplastic particles, such as nanoplastics, which are products of further microplastic degradation with a diameter smaller than 1 micrometer.
These tiny particles are everywhere, present in our saliva, heart tissues, liver, kidneys, and even in the placenta. Colombian researchers pointed out earlier this year in a report that bottled water may contain up to 250,000 nanoscale plastic particles per liter.
The Austrian team’s research also indicates that these micro-particles may affect other systems of the body. Microplastics could disrupt endocrine functions, trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, all serious threats to overall human health.
The study noted that these reactions trigger a series of biological processes that could exacerbate existing conditions or even lead to new health problems, emphasizing the urgent need for further research into the physiological effects of plastic consumption on the human body.
This research encourages people to consider using eco-friendly plastic alternatives such as stainless steel or glass containers, and reminds individuals: the next time you reach for a plastic or glass bottle for a drink, remember that tap water may be a healthier choice.