It’s not unknown that microplastic has been found in our air, water, and food (especially seafood) – it’s even been found in human breast milk and placenta – but did you know that microplastics in water can carry viruses?
Researchers have investigated the stability of viruses over time when suspended in water containing microplastics. These researchers found that not only could viruses attach themselves to microplastics, but they found that these can remain more stable than in water alone.
A Little About the History of Plastic
Plastic was originally created in 1907 by a Belgian chemist named Leo Baekeland. Not only was it affordable, but it could create a range of desirable products. What we DIDN’T know then was that over time, plastic can break down creating microplastics which has permeated our environment.
Microplastics are plastic particles that are under 5 millimeters in size. And while wastewater treatment plants can remove up to 99% of microplastics from sewage water, sewage water remains as one of the main sources by which microplastics enter our environment.
Microplastics in Water Potential Pathway to Spread Viruses
Unfortunately, chemical compounds can also attach to these microplastic biofilms. The study also concluded that microplastic pollution is a potential pathway for viral dissemination and persistence in the environment.
Keep in mind that it has been made official – that microplastics have been found in our drinking water. Another recent study by OrbMedia analyzed 159 water samples sourced from bottled water and tap water in 14 difference countries and found that over 80% of the samples contained microplastics.
Plastic is all but indestructible. It doesn’t biodegrade, but simply breaks down into smaller and smaller particles making it possible for them to travel through lymph nodes and other organs within our bodies.
Side Effects of Microplastics Within the Body
Based on other studies, researchers have hypothesized that human exposure to microplastics can lead to the following:
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Oxidative stress,
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DNA damage,
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And inflammation which leads to various other health issues.
Surprisingly, there IS something you can do to remove microplastics from your home or office tap water. Reverse Osmosis systems, or RO for short, can remove up to 99% of viruses, microplastics, chemicals, and other contaminants from your water supply.
If you live in the Ozarks and would like to get a hassle-free quote on a reverse osmosis system for your home and/or see what other kinds of water systems would work for you, give us a call! We will have one of our techs come out. Our phone numbers are (417) 881-4000 for the Springfield/Branson area and Lake of the Ozarks area/Central Missouri (573) 692-4009.
About Aquasani Water Purification Systems & Filter Maintenance
Aquasani is an authorized dealer for Rainsoft, WaterLogic, & JavaSmart. Based in Springfield, Mo., and at Lake of the Ozarks / Osage Beach in Missouri, Aquasani services areas in the Ozarks including Osage Beach, Joplin, Camdenton, Aurora and even Jefferson City. In essence, we service Mid-Missouri, Southwest Missouri, and Northwest Arkansas, and have been servicing these areas since 2004. We provide home water softener systems, drinking water filtration systems, whole-house air purification systems, and problem-solving water filtration systems for homes and offices. We also service other water softeners like Culligan, Sterling, Hydroquad, Pro-Series, and Whirlpool to name a few!
Aside from our purification systems, we also sell all-natural cleaning products and household items which are environmentally friendly and low-cost.
We specialize in both air and water filtration and purification for commercial businesses and residential homes. If that isn’t enough, we provide free trials for our water cooler services. If you would like a free estimate, schedule an appointment with us by calling (417) 881-4000 or (573) 692-4009 if you are in the Lake of the Ozarks area.
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