Tiny pieces of plastic called microplastics and nanoplastics are showing up in our food, air, and even drinking water. These tiny plastic pieces might be bad for our health, they’ve been found in our organs, in our blood, and even in unborn babies. Scientists are still learning about the long-term effects, but the concern is growing fast.
Now, researchers from Jinan University and Guangzhou Medical University in China have found a surprisingly simple solution: boiling tap water. When they boiled hard tap water for just five minutes, they found that up to 90% of micro- and nanoplastics were removed. Even in soft water, which contains fewer minerals, boiling removed about 25% of the plastic particles.
Here’s how it works
When water is boiled, minerals like calcium form a chalky substance called limescale. Microplastics stick to this limescale as it forms. By pouring the boiled water through a basic filter, like a tea strainer or coffee filter, you can trap the limescale along with most of the plastic.
Boil. Filter. Drink safer water. One simple habit can make a difference.
This method doesn’t require fancy filters or equipment, just a kettle or pot and a filter. It’s especially helpful in places where people rely on tap water for drinking. While it won’t solve global plastic pollution, it’s a low-cost, effective step we can take at home to protect our health.
Source: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.estlett.4c00081