Following a study by Orb Media published two years ago, the World Health Organization has launched a risk assessment study. A report on microplastics in drinking water was recently published, examining both bottled water and tap water.

The figures are reassuring, and they confirm the thesis that EurEau has defended so far, from our reaction to the Orb Media survey two years ago to the discussions in the European Parliament on the Drinking Water Directive. (As a reminder: the text of the Drinking Water Directive currently contains an „watch list“ annex, where the various microplastic particles are listed as a monitoring parameter in water resources after the establishment of a methodology to be developed by the European Commission within 12 The amendment was strongly supported by the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe / Liberal Democrats and other MEPs before the European elections).

 

Messages from the World Health Organization on the topic:

  • Microplastics are ubiquitous in the environment and are found in a wide range and concentrations in seawater, wastewater, freshwater, food, air and drinking water, both bottled and tap water. Data on the occurrence of microplastics in drinking water are limited, and there are currently few completely reliable studies using various methods and tools for sampling and analysis of microplastic particles.
  • The potential hazards associated with microplastics come in three forms: physical particles, chemicals, and microbial pathogens as part of biofilms. Based on the limited evidence available, chemicals and biofilms associated with microplastics in drinking water are of little concern to human health. Although there is insufficient information to draw definitive conclusions about the toxicity associated with the physical hazards of plastic particles, especially Nano-sized particles, there is currently no reliable information to suggest that they are a problem.
  • Limited evidence suggests that key sources of microplastic contamination in freshwater sources are groundwater runoff and wastewater. However, optimized wastewater and drinking water treatment can effectively remove most microplastics from wastewater. For the significant part of the population that is not covered by adequate water treatment, microbial pathogens and other chemicals will be of greater concern for human health than microplastics.

Recommendations of the World Health Organization

  • Water suppliers and regulators must continue to prioritize the removal of microbes, pathogens and chemicals from drinking water that are known to pose a significant risk to human health. As part of water safety planning, water suppliers must ensure that control measures are effective, including optimizing water treatment processes for particle removal and microbial safety, thus improving the removal of microplastic particles. There is currently no need for routine monitoring of microplastics in drinking water.
  • To better assess the risks to human health and to inform management actions, researchers need to undertake targeted, well-designed and well-controlled investigative studies to better understand the emergence of microplastics in the water cycle and in drinking water throughout the chain. of water supply, sources of microplastic pollution and absorption, fate and health of microplastics in the respective exposure scenarios.
  • Notwithstanding the risks to human health posed by exposure to microplastics in drinking water, politicians and the public must take measures to better manage plastics and reduce the use of plastics, where possible, to minimize plastics discharged into drinking water. environment, because these actions can bring other benefits to the environment and human well-being.

 

Useful relationships

Full WHO Report Media
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