"Scientists from the University of Queensland have issued an urgent warning about the microplastics released from plastic kettles. Their research revealed that the first boil in a new kettle can release around 12 million nanoparticles per millilitre. That equates to almost three billion particles in an average 250ml cup of tea."
"“Boiling water in plastic kettles is a daily routine for millions of people worldwide and we have found this simple habit can release tiny plastic particles into the water we use every day,” said Dr Elvis Okoffo, lead author of the study. “This study provides evidence that plastic kettles can be a source of daily human exposure to nanoplastics and microplastics and that new plastic kettles release notable concentrations of these particles into water during boiling.”"
"To get to the bottom of it, the researchers analysed the nano and microplastic particles leached into the water after 150 kettle boils. While the particles released after the first boil were the most intense, levels remained fairly high throughout the experiment. After 150 boils, there were still 820,000 nanoparticles detected per millilitre, which equates to 205 million particles per 250ml cup of tea."
"If you live in an area with hard water, there's good news. The researchers also found that hard tap water significantly reduced the amount of particles released. The researchers suspect this is likely due to minerals forming a protective coating inside the kettle. Based on the findings, the researchers are urging tea lovers to be particularly careful when mak"
A study from the University of Queensland reports that plastic kettles can release microplastics and nanoplastics into boiling water. The first boil in a new kettle can release about 12 million nanoparticles per millilitre, which corresponds to nearly three billion particles in a typical 250 ml cup. Researchers measured nano and microplastic particles leached into water after 150 kettle boils and found the highest levels after the first boil, with fairly high levels continuing throughout the experiment. After 150 boils, about 820,000 nanoparticles per millilitre were detected, equivalent to 205 million particles per 250 ml cup. Hard tap water reduced particle release, likely due to mineral coatings inside the kettle. Long-term health effects remain unclear.
Read at Mail Online
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