Repeatedly opening soda bottles releases more microplastics into the drink

A French study found that the amount of microplastics in Coca-Cola and Schweppes bottles increases significantly with each time the bottle is opened.

Oceane Duboust reports for Euronews.

In short:

• A French NGO found six types of plastic in Coca-Cola and Schweppes sodas, with microplastics rising as bottles are opened more.
• The study identified up to 62 microplastics per liter in bottles opened 20 times, compared to just four in those opened once.
• The NGO urges French authorities to implement guidelines to limit microplastic exposure from plastic bottles.

Key quote:

These results call into "question the Coca-Cola and the French health authorities, who must guarantee consumers [a container] that does not expose them to molecules whose health impact cannot be ruled out."

— Magali Leroy, Agir pour l’Environnement (Act for the Environment)

Why this matters:

As microplastics accumulate with repeated bottle use, the potential health risks from consuming these particles become increasingly concerning. Further research is needed to understand how these microplastics may affect human health over time.

Related EHN coverage:

• How do microplastics impact our gut health?
• Microplastics and pollution combine to become much more toxic: Study
• The attention on microplastic pollution is welcomed. But scientists can do better.