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Recent research has uncovered alarming health risks associated with drinking bottled water, primarily due to microplastics. These tiny plastic particles, which are less than 5 millimeters in size, have been found to carry harmful pollutants like Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) into the body, posing significant health threats. The study, published in Communications Biology, shows that microplastics in bottled water damage the intestinal wall and kidneys, causing systemic inflammation and kidney dysfunction.
Microplastics, which are widespread in the environment, are notoriously difficult to clean up due to their small size. These particles have been detected in humans and animals, as well as in food, water, and even the air. Though the full extent of the risks to human health is still being studied, it is clear that these pollutants are entering our bodies through ingestion and causing potential harm.
The study indicates that bottled water is a major source of microplastics, which travel through the digestive system and lead to kidney damage. Specifically, these particles disrupt the body's metabolic processes, leading to a form of cell death called ferroptosis, which is linked to oxidative stress and organ damage.
To mitigate the impact of microplastics, experts suggest reducing plastic use by choosing reusable bottles, avoiding single-use plastics, and properly recycling plastic waste. Researchers are also exploring solutions, such as a promising bioCap filter, which could help reduce microplastics in the environment.
Read the original article here: Activation of gut metabolite ACSL4/LPCAT3 by microplastics in drinking water mediates ferroptosis via gut–kidney axis 
