Did you know that microplastics have been detected in large quantities in the bottled water we casually drink every day? Many people buy bottled water by the case from supermarkets or convenience stores simply because it's convenient. However, a single bottle of water we mindlessly consume could actually be a chunk of microplastics. Today, we'll explore the risks of microplastics in drinking water and introduce ways to reduce your exposure.

Microplastics in Bottled Water: How Dangerous Are They?

Bottled water sold in supermarkets is actually considered a major source of microplastic exposure. According to research, as many as 24,000 microplastic particles have been found in just one liter of commercially available bottled water. The polymer particles that make up the inner walls of PET bottles are sensitive to light and heat. When exposed to direct sunlight or high temperatures, their bonds break, causing microparticles to detach and disperse into the water. Therefore, bottled water must be stored in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Even if you've bought a case, avoid storing it on a sunlit balcony.

Safe Drinking Practices: What Should We Do?

To minimize microplastic intake in daily life, we need to change our drinking habits. Drinking directly from a plastic bottle can cause particles to shed due to friction from your mouth. It's better to pour the water into a glass or stainless steel cup. Furthermore, consider reducing your reliance on plastic containers. We recommend gradually shifting your drinking environment by, for example, heating water in a stainless steel kettle or using glass containers.

Are Water Purifiers Safe?

Even water purifiers, which we trust to provide clean water, cannot be guaranteed to be 100% safe from microplastics. Cases of microplastic detection have occurred even with purifiers equipped with advanced filtration technologies like reverse osmosis. This is due to the internal components and structural characteristics of the purifiers. The ultimate cause accelerating the release of these microparticles is poor maintenance. If you continue to use a water purifier beyond its recommended usage or replacement period for the filter, its physical filtration performance will rapidly decline, and contaminants will accumulate inside.

Tap Water: A Safer Choice?

While the microplastic content in tap water varies by region, it is only about 1/100th the level found in bottled water. South Korean tap water is subject to a strict water quality management system, making it excellent in terms of heavy metals and overall safety. Specifically, in terms of microplastic exposure risk, it is a much safer and cleaner drinking water source than bottled water. Concerns about old pipes or the characteristic smell of disinfectant can be surprisingly easily resolved. When tap water is boiled, the limestone components inside can aggregate with microplastics and settle at the bottom. By filtering this boiled water once through a paper filter, you can remove up to 90% of microplastics, making it safe to drink with peace of mind.