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Microplastics in drinking-water
Summary
This WHO report critically examines the evidence on microplastics in drinking water, including both tap and bottled water, and assesses potential health implications. Researchers found that while microplastics have been detected in various water sources, current data are insufficient to draw firm conclusions about health risks. The report identifies key knowledge gaps and recommends better monitoring methods and standardized analytical approaches to improve future risk assessments.
Studies reporting the presence of microplastics in treated tap and bottled water have raised questions and concerns about the impact that microplastics in drinking-water might have on human health. This report critically examines the evidence related to the occurrence of microplastics in the water cycle (including both tap and bottled drinking-water and its sources), the potential health impacts from microplastic exposure and the removal of microplastics during wastewater and drinking-water treatment. Recommendations are made with respect to monitoring and management of microplastics and plastics in the environment, and to better assess human health risks and inform appropriate management actions, a number of key knowledge gaps are identified. © 2019 WHO