WHO report on microplastics 22 August 2019

We welcome the World Health Organisation’s call for more research on microplastics and health, which echoes our call for more information on the topic.

As Dr Maria Neira, Director, Department of Public Health, Environment and Social Determinants of Health, at WHO states, “based on the limited information we have, microplastics in drinking water don’t appear to pose a health risk at current levels.” Dr Bruce Gordon, of the WHO, goes on to say that the available research should be “pretty reassuring” for human consumers. The WHO says the evidence suggests that all larger plastic particles, and most of the smaller ones, simply pass through the body without being absorbed at all.

There is currently no official methodology for the testing of microplastic particles although following the World Health Organisation’ report we hope that they will work with all parties, including natural source water producers to develop a definitive test.