The Plastic Problem You Can’t See
Imagine drinking a refreshing glass of water that looks perfectly clean only to discover that hidden within your water are hundreds of thousands of plastic particles. According to a groundbreaking 2024 study, U.S. tap water contains up to 240,000 microplastic particles per liter.
To put that into perspective, over the course of a year, the average person may unknowingly consume the equivalent of a credit card’s worth of plastic. And while the idea is shocking, the implications are even more serious for your health.
Could this be the next lead crisis? Like lead, microplastics are a silent, invisible contaminant that’s everywhere and are barely regulated. It’s time to take this threat seriously.
The Invisible Threat: What Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters (mm) in diameter. These particles end up in your tap water through a variety of pathways, including aging plumbing systems, especially PVC and other plastic plumbing materials, which can degrade over time. Bottled water is also known to have higher microplastic levels than tap water thanks to plastic leaching during bottling and storage. Environmental pollution, such as rainwater runoff and industrial waste, is also a contributing factor to microplastics infiltrating water supplies. Plastics that find their way into rivers and lakes break down and contaminate water supplies. It’s alarming to think that plastic particles are lurking in your water, whether you drink from the tap or a bottle.
Health Risks
While long-term human studies are still underway, we don’t have to wait for decades to know that action is needed. Animal studies published in the 2023 World Health Organization (WHO) Report have already shown that microplastics may lead to inflammation, hormone disruption, and cellular and organ damage, emphasizing a growing concern over microplastics in drinking water and calling for a better understanding of their health impact.
While direct health effects are still being researched, the "precautionary principle" suggests minimizing exposure, especially for vulnerable groups like pregnant women, children, and those with compromised immune systems.
Can Your Water Filter Remove Microplastics?
The Science of Filtration
Microplastics vary dramatically in size, from visible fragments up to 5mm in size to nanoparticles smaller than bacteria that are not visible to the naked eye. This wide size variation means different filtration technologies have vastly different effectiveness. The smaller the particle, the more advanced filtration you'll need.
Effectiveness of Common Filtration Methods
✔ Reverse Osmosis (RO):
- The most effective solution, removing 99% of microplastics, including the smallest particles.
- Look for systems with NSF/ANSI 58 certification, which can filter particles as small as 0.0001 microns.
- RO is considered the gold standard in water filtration.
✔ Activated Carbon Filters:
- Effective for larger microplastics (>1 micron).
- Must be combined with other filters for comprehensive protection.
✖ Other Methods:
- Ceramic filters are partially effective and may remove some larger particles, but they are not comprehensive.
- UV treatment and boiling can be effective in killing bacteria. However, they are ineffective and do nothing to remove plastic.
How to Protect Your Home
Drinking Water Defense
Best Choice:
iSpring RCC7: This system is an under-sink, NSF-certified reverse osmosis system that eliminates microplastics, heavy metals, and more.
Budget Option:
iSpring US31-PF: This system is a compact, affordable activated carbon system with NSF-certified and SGS-tested filters. It’s not as comprehensive as RO, but it’s a great step up from untreated tap water.
Whole-House Protection
If your home uses plastic plumbing or if you’re concerned about exposure through showering and washing, you might want to consider installing one of iSpring’s systems that addresses the water concern at the point of entry.
iSpring’s WSPARJ sediment pre-filter traps large microplastics before they can reach the faucets in your home. If plastic pipes are suspected, consider a full-home system like iSpring’s WGB32B-KDS WSP50, which provides broader protection throughout the home, especially against chlorine, sediment, and plastic debris.
Smart Daily Habits
➔Ditch bottled water, which can contain twice as many microplastics as tap water.
➔Use glass or stainless steel containers over plastic to store your water.
➔Wash smarter by using microplastic-catching laundry bags when washing synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon.
The Reality and the Solution
While we can’t completely avoid microplastics yet, we can drastically reduce our exposure by investing in the right filtration system, especially a NSF-certified reverse osmosis system. In doing so, you can cut your household’s microplastic intake by up to 90% or more. Additionally, incorporating smart daily habits will enable you to protect your health.
Stop swallowing plastic. Start filtering smarter.
Ready to take control? Learn more about iSpring’s trusted filtration solutions at www.ispringfilter.com.
