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from the does-this-taste-plasticky-to-you? dept.
Microplastics in water not harmful to humans, says WHO report
Microplastics are increasingly found in drinking water, but there is no evidence so far that this poses a risk to humans, according to a new assessment by the World Health Organization.
However, the United Nations body warned against complacency because more research is needed to fully understand how plastic spreads into the environment and works its way through human bodies.
There is no universally agreed definition of microplastics but they are generally considered to be smaller than half a millimetre across.
Plastic production has grown exponentially in recent decades and is predicted to double again by 2025, said the report, which means more beads and threads are breaking down into minute particles and winding up in water supplies, pipes, cups, throats and bellies. Studies suggest bottled drinking water even contains minuscule elements of the polymers used in the container and cap.
Also at CNN.
Related: Car Tyres Cause 55% of Microplastic Waste, According to Study
Paper on Microplastic's Harm to Fish Will Likely be Retracted
Microplastics Found in 90 Percent of Table Salt
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday August 22 2019, @09:13AM (1 child)
Then we should ban them!
A few fines handed out and we'll be sorted.
Just put the first one on notice. Say for ONE MILLION DOLLARS and everyone will fall into line.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Friday August 23 2019, @06:33PM
Yes, banning them is the only way. Some things should not be created/used, that is why we have a ban on a lot of chemicals. It does work if you can root out the worst corruption. What is your comment anyway? "They'll do it anyway so fuck it!"???