Protect Your Body from Microplastics

Many of us are aware of the harmful effects plastic has on the environment and make efforts to reduce our plastic use. However, fewer people realize that plastics don't just end up in the ocean—they also find their way into our drinking water. These tiny particles of plastic, known as microplastics, have become a concern for both our health and the planet.

The EPA defines microplastics as plastic particles ranging in size from 5 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser) to 1 nanometer (a billionth of a meter). To put that into perspective, the width of the average human hand is about 80,000 times larger than the smallest microplastic particles. Microplastics originate from the breakdown of larger plastic products, but they can also be found in items we may not realize contain them. Most plastics do not completely degrade; instead, they break down into smaller and smaller pieces that remain in the environment—and in our bodies—because they do not easily decompose or exit our system.

How Microplastics End Up in Our Water

Microplastics can enter our water supply through several pathways (CND):

1. Runoff: Water runoff from urban and industrial areas carry microplastics into rivers, lakes, and oceans.

2. Wastewater: Sewage and wastewater treatment plants often cannot fully remove microplastics, leading to contamination of treated water.

3. Plastic Waste: The slow degradation of discarded plastic items, such as bags or bottles, results in microplastics leaching into water sources.

4. Plastic Containers: Even plastic bottles used for storing water can release microplastics into the water it contains.

Given that microplastics have been shown to damage our cells and are difficult for the body to eliminate, it's crucial to filter them out of our drinking water. Fortunately, there are effective filtration systems available that can help.

How Reverse Osmosis Can Protect You

One of the most effective methods to remove microplastics from your drinking water is reverse osmosis. Reverse osmosis is a filtration process that uses pressure to reverse the natural flow of water. The final filtration stage involves water being pushed through a membrane with tiny pores (as small as 0.001 microns). These pores are so fine that they block even the smallest contaminants, including microplastics. As water flows through the membrane, minute particles are left behind and washed away, leaving you with purified water.

Protect Your Health and the Environment

If you're concerned about microplastics in your drinking water, consider installing a reverse osmosis filtration system. We offer a range of customizable solutions, and our team is ready to help you find the best fit for your home.

Click here to learn more about our reverse osmosis systems and schedule a free in-home water analysis. Protect both your health and the environment by acting against microplastics today.