What is the current WHO assessment of microplastic risk in drinking water?

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WHO Assesses Microplastic Risk in Drinking Water as Currently Low, Urges Further Research

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has concluded that the current levels of microplastics found in drinking water do not pose a significant danger to human health. This initial assessment, detailed in WHO's first report on microplastics and human health, specifically examined the presence of these particles in both tap and bottled water. Bruce Gordon, WHO coordinator for water and sanitation, clarified that the organisation's evaluation of the immediate risk is low.
Limited Data Necessitates Further Study

Despite the current low-risk assessment, the WHO acknowledges a significant limitation: the scarcity of reliable data and studies concerning the prevalence of microplastics in drinking water. This lack of comprehensive information makes a thorough analysis of the potential impacts challenging. Consequently, the organisation is advocating for more extensive research to investigate potential future risks associated with microplastic exposure.
Physical Characteristics Influence Absorption

The WHO report indicates that microplastics exceeding 150 micrometres in size are unlikely to be absorbed by the human body. However, it notes that smaller particles, including those in the nano-sized range, may have a higher potential for absorption. This aspect requires further investigation due to the limited data currently available on the absorption rates of these very small microplastic particles.
Broader Environmental Concerns and Solutions

Beyond the immediate health assessment, the WHO also highlighted the long-term environmental implications. If plastic pollution continues at its present rate, microplastics could pose widespread risks to aquatic ecosystems within a century, potentially leading to increased human exposure. As a recommended mitigation strategy, the report points to wastewater treatment processes, which are capable of removing over 90% of microplastics through filtration, offering a dual benefit by also addressing faecal contamination.

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What is the current WHO assessment of microplastic risk in drinking water?

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