Water in a plastic bottle is safer than other waters, right?
But what happens when the plastic itself becomes the contaminant?
The report, led by journalism collective Orb Media, depicts a water bottle market rife with contamination, claiming that 93 percent of the 259 bottles of water studied contained traces of what were “likely” microplastics.
Eleven brands from around the globe were studied, including Aquafina, Dasani, Evian, Nestle and San Pellegrino.
Bottles made by Aqua (Indonesia), Bisleri (India), Epura (Mexico), Gerolsteiner (Germany), Minalba (Brazil) and Wahaha (China) were also examined.
There is little concrete evidence as to the health effects of microplastics on the human body, but concerns are growing that toxicity may result from the accumulation of particles in the body.
"There are connections to increases in certain kinds of cancer to lower sperm count to increases in conditions like ADHD and autism," Sherri Mason, lead researcher for the study, told Agence France-Presse.
The bottled water brands were quick to respond, citing lack of regulation and testing methods for microplastics in consumer products.
“The non-peer reviewed study released by Orb Media is not based on sound science, and there is no scientific consensus on testing methodology or the potential health impacts of microplastic particles,” wrote the International Bottled Water Association in a statement.
A similar Orb Media study showed that, while tap water contains the same microplastics, concentrations are lower.