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World Health Organization: No Evidence That Microplastics in Water Harms Humans

Accepted submission by takyon at 2019-08-22 00:47:38
Science

Microplastics in water not harmful to humans, says WHO report [theguardian.com]

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 [who.int] 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 [cnn.com].

Related: Car Tyres Cause 55% of Microplastic Waste, According to Study [soylentnews.org]
Paper on Microplastic's Harm to Fish Will Likely be Retracted [soylentnews.org]
Microplastics Found in 90 Percent of Table Salt [soylentnews.org]


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