The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for a further assessment of microplastics in the environment and their potential impacts on human health, following the release of an analysis of current research related to microplastics in drinking water.
Recently published by WHO, the analysis indicates that microplastics larger than 150 micrometres are not likely to be absorbed in the human body and the uptake of smaller particles is expected to be limited.
“We urgently need to know more about the health impact of microplastics because they are everywhere - including in our drinking water,” said Dr Maria Neira, director, department of public health, environment and social determinants of health, at WHO in a statement 22 Aug.
“Based on the limited information we have, microplastics in drinking water don’t appear to pose a health risk at current levels. But we need to find out more,” she added.
Absorption and distribution of very small microplastic particles including in the nano-size range may, however, be higher, although according to WHO the data in that area is extremely limited.
In its statement, the organisation called for further research into the issue, supported by developing standard methods for measuring microplastic particles in water.
In addition, WHO called for more studies on the sources and occurrence of microplastics in fresh water and the efficacy of different treatment processes.
WHO also recommended that drinking water suppliers and regulators prioritise removing microbial pathogens and chemicals that are known risks to human health.
In addition to their benefits for human health, WHO said that wastewater and drinking-water treatment systems that treat faecal content and chemicals are also effective in removing microplastics.
“A significant proportion of the global population currently does not benefit from adequate water and sewage treatment. By addressing the problem of human exposure to faecally [sic] contaminated water, communities can simultaneously address the concern related to microplastics,” the organisation concluded.
WHO calls for more research into microplastics
As Sou Sow