BookR: School of Health Core Facilities Booking

Single-use plastic products, such as water bottles, have become ubiquitous in modern society, contributing significantly to the growing problem of plastic waste in landfills, rivers, oceans, and natural habitats. This poses severe threats to biodiversity and ecosystem stability. The emergence of microplastics (1 µm to 5 mm) and nanoplastics (less than 1 µm) has raised alarms about their harmful effects on human health. Nanoplastics are especially hazardous due to their smaller size and enhanced ability to infiltrate the human body. There are critical gaps in the literature regarding the contamination of nano- and microplastics from single-use plastic water bottles, emphasizing the urgent need for further research. Here we review, we examine the global impact of nano- and microplastics from single-use plastic water bottles on human health, drawing insights from over 141 scientific articles. Key findings include the annual ingestion of 39,000-52,000 microplastic particles by individuals, with bottled water consumers ingesting up to 90,000 more particles than tap water consumers. The literature reveals variations in the number of nano- and microplastics particles, their sizes, and a lack of information on their physical properties. Moreover, the review highlights the chronic health issues linked to exposure to nano- and microplastics, including respiratory diseases, reproductive issues, neurotoxicity, and carcinogenicity. We highlight the challenges of standardized testing methods and the need for comprehensive regulations targeting nano- and microplastics in water bottles. This review article underscores the pressing need for expanding research, increasing public awareness, and implementing robust regulatory measures to address the adverse effects of nano- and microplastics from single-use plastic water bottles.