A new study published in Communications Biology has found that microplastics in bottled water are damaging human kidneys and intestinal walls. The research shows these tiny plastic particles, less than 5 millimeters long, act as carriers for environmental pollutants like Benzo[a]pyrene, which is absorbed primarily through the intestines after consumption.

While the specific pathways aren't fully understood, scientists discovered that bottled water is the main source of microplastic ingestion. The particles cause systemic inflammation and accumulate in organs, with the kidneys being particularly affected. This builds on growing evidence that microplastics have been found in human stomachs, tap water, food, drinks, and even the air we breathe.

The International Bottled Water Association disputed these findings, arguing that bottled water containers don't use polystyrene and that FDA standards limit Benzo[a]pyrene to levels far below those used in the study. However, experts note that plastic bottles of any beverage type pose similar risks, especially when exposed to heat. Glass containers remain the safest option for avoiding contamination, as they're highly inert and infinitely recyclable compared to plastic's limited recycling lifespan.