Recent studies have raised concerns over the presence of microplastics in drinking water. Family physician Dr. Chen Xinmei noted that while the long-term health effects of these tiny plastic particles remain unclear, it is still important to take precautions in daily life. She recommends boiling water before drinking, allowing it to cool, and then filtering it, which can help reduce microplastic content. Additionally, she suggests using glass or stainless steel containers for storing water, avoiding prolonged contact with hot water in plastic vessels.
On her Facebook page, Dr. Chen cited research published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, which found that boiling tap water and filtering it under controlled conditions can significantly reduce nano- and microplastic levels. When water contains higher mineral content, such as calcium ions, boiling can form calcium carbonate crystals that trap microplastic particles. These particles then settle and can be removed through filtration, potentially reducing microplastics by up to 90% under optimal conditions.
Dr. Chen cautioned that these results were obtained under experimental conditions, and actual effectiveness at home may vary depending on water quality, filter type, and preparation method. Water hardness differs across Taiwan, with the north having medium-hard water and many southern regions having harder water, which can naturally encourage mineral crystal formation during boiling and help capture microplastic particles.
She advised a simple at-home approach: boil water, let it sit without stirring to allow sediments to settle, then filter using coffee filters, water filter pitchers, or fine mesh screens to remove visible particles and crystals. For storage, glass or stainless steel containers are preferred, and hot water should not remain in plastic containers for long periods.
Nutrition physician Dr. Liu Boren highlighted that microplastics have been detected in human stool, blood, and even brain tissue, potentially contributing to gut inflammation, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegeneration. To minimize exposure, he recommends avoiding hot foods in plastic containers and consuming a diet rich in vegetables and dietary fiber, especially pectin-rich fruits, high-fiber vegetables, and seaweed, which may help the body eliminate microplastic particles.
