Plastic Water Bottles Pose Long-Term Health Risks: Study

A new analysis has raised serious concerns about the long-term health effects of drinking from plastic water bottles, warning that the risks have been “grossly underestimated”.Research led by environmental scientist Sarah Sajedi, published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, examined more than 140 scientific papers on the impact of microplastics and nanoplastics on human health.The findings suggest that bottled water drinkers may consume tens of thousands more plastic particles each year than those who rely on tap water.What the study foundThe team estimated that an average person could swallow between 39,000 and 52,000 plastic particles annually, with bottled water adding as many as 90,000 extra particles compared with tap water. These particles – often invisible to the naked eye – can accumulate in the body over time.Sajedi stressed that the main concern is not short-term poisoning but the potential harm from chronic exposure.Drinking water from plastic bottles is fine in ...

• 17 Sep 2025