Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Your Food and Water
By David L. Russell, PE, ASP
What Are Microplastics and Nanoplastics?
Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments less than 1/8 inch, while nanoplastics are even smaller—measured in thousandths of an inch. These particles come from everyday sources such as food packaging, plastic water bottles, and the natural breakdown of plastic waste in the environment.
The problem? They are small enough to be ingested by fish, mammals, and humans—meaning they’ve already entered our food chain and water supply. Studies even show microplastics in the bloodstream of infants and unborn children. Once inside, they accumulate in organs such as the liver, kidneys, lungs, heart, and brain. Emerging research suggests a link to dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other health concerns.
At Global Environmental Operations in Lilburn, GA, we provide consulting and design services to help homeowners, businesses, and municipalities protect water systems from microplastics and nanoplastics.
Why Are They Harmful?
- Plastics break down and release cancer-causing chemicals.
- Nanoplastics may pose greater risks than microplastics.
- Long-term accumulation can damage critical organs.
- Public health concerns are growing as exposure is nearly unavoidable.
How to Protect Yourself
It’s nearly impossible to live entirely plastic-free—but you can reduce exposure with these practical steps:
- Stop using soft plastic water bottles – Choose glass, stainless steel, or hard-sided bottles instead.
- Switch to a stainless steel water bottle – Keep it clean and use it for daily hydration.
- Choose paper over plastic – For fountain drinks or food packaging, avoid Styrofoam and plastics when possible.
Household Filtration Systems
- Carbon filtration systems (pitchers, under-sink, or whole-house models) can remove microplastics, lead, and some chemicals.
- Commercial water softening/conditioning systems may also filter out plastics and PFAS, though maintenance and regeneration contracts may be required.
- Portable water filtration systems (like LifeStraw®, GeoPress®, Aquamira®) provide activated carbon filtration for camping, travel, or daily use.
💡 Pro Tip: Always check manufacturer guarantees in writing. Don’t rely solely on sales promises when it comes to filtration effectiveness.
Public Drinking Water Supplies
Most public systems filter water at the source, reducing microplastics before distribution. Consumers can access Consumer Confidence Reports from their water utility to check compliance with federal Drinking Water Quality Standards.
The Bottom Line
Microplastics and nanoplastics are everywhere, but with smarter choices—like using stainless steel water bottles, investing in proper filtration, and reducing plastic packaging use—you can significantly reduce your risk.
At Global Environmental Operations, we specialize in water treatment consulting, filtration system design, and environmental health assessments to protect your home, business, or municipality from emerging threats like microplastics.
📞 Call 770-923-4408 and ask for Dave Russell to learn more about protecting your drinking water.