It is estimated that between 10 and 78 per cent of bottled water samples contain contaminants, including microplastics and various other substances including phthalates (chemicals used to make plastics more durable).
Microplastic contamination is associated with oxidative stress, immune system dysregulation, and changes in fat levels.
This is according to a commentary published in the journal BMJ Global Health. According to researchers from Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, bottled water in the US is often not subject to the same rigorous quality and safety checks as tap water, meaning it can
carry more harmful chemicals leaching in from the plastic bottles
The researchers point out their advice is targeted at people in countries with clean, drinkable tap water. The World Health Organisation notes that about 73 per cent of the world's population have access to drinking water that is both nearby and free from contamination.