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Plastic Kettles Leak Billions of Microplastics Daily
14 May
Summary
- New kettles can release nearly 12 million nanoparticles per milliliter on first use.
- Hard water and repeated boiling significantly reduce plastic particle release.
- Ingesting microplastics may be linked to gut, lung, and neurodegenerative diseases.
A concerning study reveals that boiling water in plastic kettles releases billions of nanoplastic and microplastic particles into daily drinks. Researchers from the University of Queensland found that a single boil in a new plastic kettle can release approximately 12 million nanoparticles per milliliter, equating to about 3 billion particles in a standard cup of tea.
Scientists suggest that the concentration of these plastic particles can be substantially reduced. Using hard tap water, which contains more minerals, appears to help by creating a limescale coating that traps plastics. Additionally, repeatedly boiling and discarding the water significantly drops plastic shedding, with levels decreasing considerably after 10 boils and becoming very low by the 50th.
While the exact health impacts of ingesting microplastics are still under investigation, past studies have linked them to issues like gut and lung problems, and neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers are urging manufacturers and regulators to provide clearer warning labels and instructions for consumers to minimize plastic exposure from kettles and other household appliances.
