A small study from Austria links microplastics in bottled water to changes in blood pressure, adding to concerns about everyday plastic exposure and cardiovascular health.
Eric Ralls reports for Earth.com.
In short:
- Researchers found that switching from bottled water to tap water led to a drop in diastolic blood pressure in women, though not in men, possibly due to the study's small sample size.
- The study suggests microplastics released from plastic containers may be entering the bloodstream and interfering with cardiovascular function.
- Scientists stress that more data is needed but recommend avoiding beverages in plastic containers when possible.
Key quote:
“We concluded, after extensive research, that beverages packaged in plastic bottles should be avoided.”
— Research team, Microplastics journal
Why this matters:
Microplastics have become a near-constant presence in our daily lives, showing up in the air, food, water, and even our bloodstreams. As scientists continue to investigate their impacts on the body, concerns are growing that these fragments, some thinner than a strand of hair, may do more than just float around unnoticed. Studies have linked them to inflammation, endocrine disruption, and now potential cardiovascular effects. High blood pressure already affects nearly half of adults in the U.S., increasing the risk of stroke and heart disease. If plastics are contributing, even in small ways, the implications reach into every home that relies on bottled water or packaged food.
Related: How to minimize exposure to common packaging chemicals
