Microplastics Water FiltraTion
What Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that are as small as 1 nanometer but not more than 5 millimeters in size. To put that in perspective, 5 millimeters is about the same width as a wedding band. A nanometer is just a fraction of the width of a human hair, which is about 80,000 nanometers wide. These pervasive particles can carry harmful chemicals and are easy to ingest or inhale, posing concerns for environmental and human health.Where Do Microplastics Come From?
Primary microplastics are intentionally manufactured to be small for their intended product use. Secondary microplastics result from the breakdown of larger plastic items. Some of the most common sources of microplastics are:Microplastics in Your Drinking Water
Whether from personal care products or road runoff, microplastics have a way of ending up in our water sources, groundwater, and eventually in our drinking water.
These small particles are present in both bottled and tap water, with bottled water often containing higher concentrations. The difference can result from the manufacturing and bottling process or the breakdown of the plastic bottle and cap materials.
Even though tap water has fewer microplastics in comparison, these particles are still present and prevalent. In fact, they are found in up to 83% of tap water around the world. While water treatment plants provide a solid solution to reducing microplastics, these particles can be so small that the systems fail to effectively catch them. They can bypass many municipal water treatment processes, making their way to your tap.
While completely avoiding microplastics is nearly impossible, you can take steps to minimize your exposure by filtering your drinking water. Installing a certified water filtration system, such as a reverse osmosis system or an activated carbon block filter, can effectively reduce many microplastics from your tap water.
What Are Some of the Effects of Microplastics?
Microplastics are everywhere. These tiny particles have infiltrated our soil, oceans, and even the air we breathe. Understandably, they have a significant impact on human health and the environment.
Human Health
While research about the impact of microplastics on human health is still limited, the presence of these particles in our bodies is a cause for concern. Based on studies done on animals, cells, and organoids, some of the potential health effects include:
- DNA damage
- Oxidative stress
- Organ dysfunction
- Metabolic disorder
- Neurotoxicity
- Immune response
- Reproductive and developmental toxicity
Environmental Impact
Efforts like the NOAA Marine Debris Program and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) are leading research on the environmental impact of microplastics.
Since microplastics don't degrade easily like other materials, these particles are extremely persistent and difficult to eliminate from the environment. Aquatic animals ingest them, leading to potential physical damage and the release of harmful chemicals that can affect their health and reproduction.
Microplastics can also leach toxic chemicals used in their production, such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, into the environment, where they can persist and bioaccumulate.
The Benefits of Water Filtration for Microplastics
Since microplastics are in almost everything we consume, from the clothes we wear to our drinking water, it can feel like reducing exposure to them is out of our control. That's not true.
A good place to start is with the water you and your family drink every day. Water filters that reduce microplastics are an excellent solution, especially those designed to handle the smaller microplastics that make it past municipal water treatment systems and into your home's water supply.
These filtration systems work by trapping these particles using a porous medium with a pore size smaller than the microplastics. Ensure the drinking water system you choose has the right NSF certification for the reduction of microplastics. Doing so can help make your water healthier and safer to drink for you and your family.
How Multipure Water Filtration Systems Protect You From Microplastics
Multipure's water filtration systems feature our proprietary solid carbon block technology, which combines mechanical and chemical filtration. The filters' dense pores are designed to capture physical particles, including microplastics, while the activated carbon attracts and holds these particles through the chemical process of adsorption.
We have been developing and refining this solid carbon block filtration technology since 1970. It serves as the central component for reducing a wide range of chemical contaminants, heavy metals, and other impurities from drinking water.
Multipure's water filtration systems are tested and certified by NSF International, a third-party organization that verifies their effectiveness in reducing specific contaminants. Our water filters for microplastics are certified according to NSF/ANSI 401 (Emerging Compounds/Incidental Contaminants), which specifically tests for emerging contaminants like microplastics, ensuring a high level of performance in reducing them from your water.
Protect Your Home's Water From Microplastics
When dealing with microplastics, the best thing you can do is minimize exposure. Multipure offers a leading solution for reducing these particles in your water and your home.For decades, we have been providing homeowners with top-quality solutions to make water healthier and safer to drink. Our systems are available in compact below-sink or countertop configurations, offering convenience and options for different living situations.
If you're interested in installing a water filter that reduces microplastics, speak with a Multipure representative to learn more about our drinking water systems and make the right choice for your needs.