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New evidence from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that there is no evidence to support health concerns regarding microplastics in drinking water.
This UN study aims to refute widespread rumors about the dangers of using plastic bottles for water conservation.
The latest report, released this week by the World Health Organization (WHO), points out that there is not enough evidence to conclude that microplastics, ubiquitous in the environment and present in drinking water, pose a risk to human health, but there is a need for further research to draw firm conclusions.
The study published in the scientific journal NPR indicates that fine plastics are "everywhere", the runoff of surface water and wastewater being the main source of freshwater pollution.
No proof yet
However, despite widespread concerns, "there is currently no evidence to suggest that there is a human health risk of microplastics associated with biofilms in drinking water."
WHO suggests that diseases associated with untreated or poorly treated drinking water remain an urgent priority for public health staff. The study indicates that the danger posed by microplastics is "considerably less than the risk established by the high concentration and diversity of pathogens in human and animal waste in drinking water sources".
Dr Maria Nera, WHO Director-General for Public Health, acknowledges that the report's findings are based on incomplete information.
"We urgently need to know more about the impact of microplastics on health, because everywhere – including our drinking water," she said. "According to the limited information we have, microplastics in drinking water do not seem to present a health risk at current levels.
And do not worry
Bruce Gordon, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Coordinator at the World Health Organization (WHO), said that "just taking it does not mean we are at risk for human health". "I think the main conclusion is that if you are a consumer who drinks bottled water or tap water, you do not have to worry."
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