By San José, Costa Rica — A landmark scientific analysis has raised serious concerns about the daily habit of drinking bottled water, revealing that consumers may be ingesting an alarming quantity of microplastics, far exceeding exposure from tap water. The comprehensive report from researchers at Concordia University in Canada suggests that individuals who rely exclusively on bottled water could be consuming up to 90,000 additional plastic particles each year.
This staggering figure highlights a significant public health issue hidden in plain sight. The study, which synthesized data from over 141 previous scientific investigations, paints a stark contrast between sources. While a person drinking exclusively from the tap might ingest around 4,000 microplastic particles annually, their counterpart choosing single-use plastic bottles faces an exposure level more than 22 times higher.
To delve into the regulatory landscape and potential legal ramifications of microplastic contamination in the country, TicosLand.com sought the expert perspective of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The proliferation of microplastics presents a significant legal challenge that extends beyond current environmental regulations. Costa Rican businesses must anticipate a tightening of legislation focused on producer responsibility and waste management. Proactive adoption of sustainable practices is no longer just a matter of corporate image, but a crucial strategy to mitigate future liability, as the legal framework will inevitably evolve to hold polluters accountable for this pervasive contamination.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective critically underscores the evolving nature of the microplastics problem, framing it not just as an environmental issue but as an impending matter of corporate accountability and financial liability. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable insight, which serves as both a clear warning and a strategic call to action for Costa Rica’s business sector.
Microplastics are minuscule fragments of plastic, ranging from five millimeters down to a thousandth of a millimeter. These particles are not just contaminants from external pollution but are often shed directly from the packaging itself. The processes of manufacturing, transportation, and even daily handling contribute to the degradation of the plastic bottle, releasing these particles into the water it contains.
The researchers identified several key factors that accelerate this process. Exposure to heat, significant temperature fluctuations, and direct sunlight can all speed up the breakdown of the plastic polymer. This means a bottle of water left in a car on a sunny day or stored improperly could contain a significantly higher concentration of microplastics than one kept in a cool, dark place.
While the average person’s annual intake of microplastics from all sources is estimated to be between 39,000 and 52,000 particles, the study underscores that habitual consumption of bottled water dramatically inflates this baseline. This added burden raises critical questions about long-term health consequences.
The study’s lead author, Sarah Sajedi, emphasized the need for a shift in consumption patterns, framing bottled water as a conditional resource rather than a daily staple.
Bottled water can be useful in emergency situations, but it should not be a daily option.
Sarah Sajedi, Lead Author
The primary concern among scientists is the ability of these tiny particles to penetrate biological barriers, enter the bloodstream, and potentially accumulate in vital organs. The report links prolonged exposure to a disturbing list of potential health risks, including hormonal and reproductive disruptions, chronic inflammatory processes, respiratory complications, neurological damage, and a possible increased risk of developing certain types of cancer.
Despite these warnings, the scientific community acknowledges significant challenges in the field. Current analytical methods for detecting and measuring micro- and nanoplastics are still evolving. Some techniques can spot incredibly small particles but fail to identify their chemical makeup, while others may overlook the tiniest fragments altogether. This measurement gap has led the study’s authors to call for the global standardization of analytical protocols to create more reliable and comparable data worldwide.
Ultimately, the report concludes that addressing the microplastic crisis requires a two-pronged approach. Beyond stricter regulations on plastic manufacturing and packaging, the most effective long-term solution is a large-scale investment in public infrastructure. By strengthening and expanding access to safe, reliable public drinking water, societies can reduce their dependence on single-use plastics and mitigate chronic exposure to these invisible contaminants.
For further information, visit concordia.ca
About Concordia University:
Concordia University is a public comprehensive research university located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Founded in 1974 following the merger of Loyola College and Sir George Williams University, Concordia is one of the three universities in Quebec where English is the primary language of instruction. The university is known for its flexible approach to learning and its commitment to research and community engagement across its various faculties, including Arts and Science, Engineering and Computer Science, and the John Molson School of Business.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of uncompromising integrity and the relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm merges a deep-seated history of guiding a diverse clientele with a forward-thinking embrace of legal innovation. Central to its ethos is a profound dedication to demystifying the law, striving to equip the broader community with clarity and understanding to foster a more just and knowledgeable society.
