PFAS plastics in our food and water are increasing by about 200% a year.
Audio version of this story and other available on our youtube channel. The Plastic Predicament:
Ah, microplastics – the silent troublemakers of our water supply. These minuscule bits of plastic have been causing quite a stir, with concerns swirling about their links to cancer and reproductive issues. But don't let their size fool you; they're mighty persistent, showing up in tap water samples from around the globe.
Boiling Point:
Researchers discovered that by boiling tap water and giving it a quick filter through a trusty coffee filter, we can bid adieu to almost 90 percent of those pesky plastic particles. How's that for a simple fix?
Cracking the Code on Phthalates:
But wait, there's more to the story. Those plastic particles aren't just innocent bystanders – they're carrying some unwanted baggage in the form of phthalates. These chemicals, used to toughen up plastics, have a knack for messing with our hormones and raising the risk of all sorts of health issues, including cancer.
The Microplastic Journey:
Now, let's talk about the journey of these microscopic troublemakers. With toxins like heavy metals hitching a ride on their surfaces, microplastics pose a serious threat as they break down into even smaller nanoplastics. These tiny terrors can slip past our defenses and wreak havoc on our insides, making their way to vital organs like the heart and brain. Not exactly the kind of guests we want crashing the party.
Battle of the Waters:
But here's the million-dollar question – does this method work for all types of tap water? Well, it turns out boiling is particularly effective in 'hard' water, which is chock-full of minerals like calcium and magnesium. Even in 'soft' water, where these minerals are scarce, boiling still manages to kick those plastic particles to the curb. Talk about versatility!
A Simple Solution:
So, what's the game plan? Boil the water, let it cool, and give it a quick pass through a coffee filter. Voila! Those microplastics don't stand a chance against the power of heat and a humble filter. It's a straightforward solution to a complex problem – and that's something we can all get behind.
Looking Ahead:
This groundbreaking study from the journal ACS’ Environmental Science & Technology Letters, offers a glimmer of hope in our battle against plastic pollution. As we strive to safeguard both our health and our planet, it's innovations like these that light the way to a cleaner, safer future. You can find all the information in the research paper.
Obviously, if you've already got a reverse osmosis machine, I doubt boiling will help add much more to your drinking water but if you're still in the market for water filters or other equipment, this may be the solution for you. Thank you for reading this article and if you are interested in more content check out justcleanwater.org. Or you could also lick around on the photos here, they're also links to some great products related to water and health and they're also the main way we keep the lights on around here. If you haven't subscribed yet, there's a button around here somewhere. Thanks again and I wish you clean water and good health.
