Drink Smart: Expert Tips for Reducing Microplastics in Your Water

Water safety depends on where it comes from, how it’s stored, and what it comes into contact with.
Drink Smart: Expert Tips for Reducing Microplastics in Your Water
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Drinking water is essential to life, and just as important is ensuring that our water is clean and safe. Contaminants such as microplastics, bacteria, and harmful chemicals can enter your water through everyday habits or the wrong choice of container, posing real risks to your health.

Dr. Ming-Wei Chao, toxicology professor at Chung Yuan Christian University in Taiwan and a board-certified toxicologist, shared valuable insights on NTD’s “Health 1+1” program. Everyday drinking habits—such as reusing plastic bottles or storing water improperly—can compromise water quality and increase your exposure to microplastics, he said. Over time, these particles may build up in the body, contributing to inflammation, organ stress, or even cardiovascular disease.

To help you stay safe, Chao recommended following these four simple principles for healthier drinking water:

4 Principles for Safer Drinking Water

1. Choose safe containers. Opt for glass or stainless steel bottles, which are stable and safe materials. If you prefer plastic, select polypropylene containers, which are heat-resistant and suitable for warm liquids.