The Hidden Truth: Why Scientists Say Bottled Water Isn’t Always the Purest Choice

New Research Ties Microplastics to Long-Term Health Risks as Industry Defends Bottled Water Safety

Microplastics have long been identified as a potential hazard to human health — and everyday use of plastic items like disposable water bottles may be one of the biggest contributors, according to new research.

Massive Review Reveals Extent of Plastic Particle Exposure

A recent study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials reviewed 141 scientific papers examining the presence of microplastics and nanoplastics in single-use bottled water. The goal was to estimate how much plastic the average person ingests through these products.

Researchers from Concordia University in Montreal found that individuals may consume between 39,000 and 52,000 tiny plastic particles each year, according to a university press release. Those who regularly drink bottled water could be taking in as many as 90,000 additional particles annually compared to those who mainly drink tap water.

Nanoplastics Pose Particular Health Concerns

The study highlighted nanoplastics — microscopic particles smaller than one micron — as especially troubling. Invisible to the naked eye, they can enter human cells, pass through biological barriers, and potentially accumulate in organs and tissues.

Both micro- and nanoplastics have been associated with chronic health conditions, including respiratory and reproductive issues, neurological toxicity, and an increased risk of cancer. Once inside the bloodstream, these particles may trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormonal imbalances.

How Plastic Particles Form and Spread

According to researchers, plastic fragments are released during the manufacturing, transportation, and storage of bottles. Exposure to sunlight and fluctuating temperatures can accelerate this process, causing more particles to break off into the water.

Despite growing evidence, the study authors noted that long-term effects remain uncertain due to inconsistent testing methods and limited data. “Drinking bottled water should be reserved for emergencies, not everyday use,” said Sarah Sajedi, the study’s lead author and a Ph.D. candidate at Concordia. “The concern isn’t immediate toxicity — it’s the cumulative, chronic exposure over time.”

Limitations and Calls for Further Research

The researchers acknowledged that variations in measurement techniques across studies made it difficult to compare results directly. They urged for standardized testing and stricter regulations to reduce plastic contamination in bottled water.

The work was funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and Concordia University.

Bottled Water Industry Responds

In response, the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) released a statement in early 2025 emphasizing that bottled water is just one of many food and drink products packaged in plastic.

“The bottled water industry is committed to delivering safe, high-quality hydration,” the IBWA said on its website. “Micro- and nanoplastics are present everywhere — in air, soil, and natural water sources. Because no standardized testing or scientific consensus exists on their health effects, more research is needed.”

Regulatory Agencies Weigh In

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) echoed this sentiment in 2024, stating that current evidence does not show microplastics or nanoplastics in food pose a proven health risk. The agency pledged to continue tracking new research to ensure food safety standards remain current.

Similarly, a 2022 World Health Organization report concluded that there was insufficient evidence to link microplastic ingestion to adverse health outcomes, particularly for particles smaller than 10 microns.