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Boiling tap water before drinking is an old habit in many parts of the world. It helps kill bacteria and other harmful germs. Now, a new study suggests it may do something even more important—reduce the number of tiny plastic particles in our water.

Boiling Removes Microplastics in Hard Water

Researchers from Guangzhou Medical University and Jinan University tested how boiling affects nano- and microplastics (NMPs) in different types of water. Their study, published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, found that boiling water for five minutes removed up to 90% of nanoplastics in very hard water. In softer water, the reduction was about 25%.

Hard water contains more calcium carbonate, a natural mineral. When the water boils, the calcium carbonate forms solid limescale. This limescale helps trap the microplastics, preventing them from staying in the water.

Zimin Yu, a biomedical engineer involved in the research, said this method could make household tap water cleaner. He noted that the effectiveness of boiling depends on the water’s mineral content. However, he called it “a viable long-term strategy” for reducing plastic intake.

Simple Steps to Improve Results

To get the best results, experts suggest using non-plastic kettles and stainless steel filters. These tools prevent melted plastic from contaminating the water again. Limescale should also be filtered properly so the trapped microplastics do not end up back in the cup.

This method could be especially useful in places where boiling water is already common. Countries like China, Vietnam, and Indonesia have long used boiling as a safety measure. Now, it might also help reduce plastic exposure. Scientists plan to study whether this method can also remove other harmful chemicals.

Microplastics and Health Risks

Microplastics have been found in the human body, including organs, blood vessels, and even the brain. Studies suggest these particles may be linked to health problems like heart attacks, strokes, and dementia. However, these findings are still being investigated.

A 2023 study in the New England Journal of Medicine found microplastics in the arteries of patients with heart disease. Those with higher plastic levels in their blood were more likely to have serious heart issues. In another study from Italy, researchers detected microplastics in the placenta of unborn babies. Scientists worry about the long-term effects, but much remains unknown.

A Growing Problem

Microplastics come from many sources. They are in plastic bottles, food packaging, and even the air. They enter drinking water through pollution, waste, and improper disposal of plastic materials. Some studies estimate that people consume tens of thousands of plastic particles each year.

Water treatment plants remove some microplastics, but not all. Bottled water can contain even more plastics than tap water. This is why finding ways to reduce plastic intake at home is important.

A Simple and Cheap Solution

Boiling tap water is easy and affordable. While it does not remove all plastics, it significantly lowers the amount in hard water. This discovery offers a practical way for people to protect their health.

Scientists continue to study how plastic exposure affects the body. In the meantime, small changes like boiling water could make a big difference.