If you take a moment to glance around you, it’s likely you’ll notice something made of plastic.
It’s everywhere, isn’t it?
Let’s talk about something that makes you think twice before making a sip of bottled water….. Microplastics!
Those teeny-tiny, seemingly harmless particles are in the water we drink.
Let’s explore how microplastics end up in your drink, the company behind microplastics in bottled water, Fiji water controversy 2024, and the legal issues surrounding bottled water.
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What is Microplastics?
Since the 1950s, the production and use of plastics have surged due to their lightweight, durable, and economical nature, making them integral to everything from household items to packaging materials.
Microplastics are the tiny fragments of plastic that measure less than five millimeters (about 0.2 inches) in diameter, though they can be as small as 1/25,000th of an inch (1 micrometer).
Their small size allows them to spread easily, leading to widespread accumulation in our environment and making them challenging to detect.
Let us move on to the main focus of the article about micoplastics.
Microplastics in Bottled Water
A study from June 2019 shows an estimated 74,000 to 121,000 microplastic particles are consumed by Americans annually. Furthermore, people who solely drink bottled water to reach their required daily intake may be consuming an extra 90,000 microplastics per year.
Using the increased capacity, researchers determined that bottled water contains between 10 and 100 times more plastic bits than previously thought.
In a 2018 study examining microplastic contamination in bottled water from various locations across nine countries, it was found that 93% of the 259 bottles analyzed contained microplastics. Despite variations within brands and lots, consistent levels of contamination were observed.
Polypropylene emerged as the most common material among larger particles (>100 mm), likely originating from bottle caps. Unlike tap water, bottled water showed a higher prevalence of microplastic fragments than microfibers.
On average, bottled water exhibited nearly twice as much microplastic contamination as tap water.
In a recent 2024 study, researchers found that bottled water sold in supermarkets may contain up to 100 times more plastic particles than previously thought.
A study conducted by Columbia University researchers tested three popular bottled water brands for nanoplastics using new laser-guided technology. This technology allowed them to detect, count, and analyze nanoplastics that were previously undetectable due to their minuscule size.
How much microplastics in bottled water? A study found an average of 240,000 nanoplastic particles per liter bottle, raising concerns about the health implications of these particles, as they are small enough to invade human cells and potentially disrupt cellular processes.
The study adds to the ongoing debate about the safety of bottled water versus tap water and highlights the need for further research on the effects of nanoplastics on human health.
Does Fiji water have microplastics? Due to the harmful levels of microplastics in the Fiji Water, people began to file Fiji Water lawsuits.
Do People Get Hurt By Microplastics?
Microplastic pieces can enter the body through the food, drink, or air that humans inhale or consume. Nanoplastics are so small that they can enter circulation through the tissues of the lungs or digestive system and spread potentially hazardous synthetic compounds throughout the body and into cells.
According to an article published in PubMed, microplastics can pose health risks. Exposure to microplastics has been linked to various adverse effects such as inflammation, oxidative stress (characterized by increased production of reactive oxygen species, or ROS), disturbances in lipid metabolism, gut microbiota imbalances (dysbiosis), and neurotoxicity.
In human cell experiments, exposure to polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles led to increased expression of genes associated with inflammation, such as IL-6 and IL-8. Additionally, exposure to polyethylene (PE) microplastics increased ROS production in certain types of human cells, while PS microplastics induced ROS production in different cell lines.
This suggests that microplastic exposure can trigger oxidative stress in various cell types, including brain, epithelial, colon, small intestine, and lung cells.
Although some research indicates that microplastics may have an impact on humans, this is still unknown. Despite the fact that microplastics are known to enter the human body, researchers are still unsure of how the body takes up, breaks down, or gets rid of these particles.
Additionally, they are unsure of the precise amount of microplastics required to cause illness.
Does microplastics cause cancer? Whether there is a direct connection between exposure to microplastics and cancer is still up for debate.
Fiji Water Recall 2024
In addition to microplastics, Fiji Water is now facing issues with manganese and bacteria.
In March 2024, Fiji water recalled over 78,000 cases of their 500 mL bottles due to contamination with manganese and bacteria. The FDA found high levels of these contaminants in the water, which was sold nationwide through Amazon. High levels of manganese can cause neurological issues, similar to Parkinson’s disease.
The FDA has recalled Fiji Water, affecting nearly two million bottles produced in November 2023 and sold from February 1 to March 3, 2024. The UPC codes for the cases and bottles are 6 32565 00004 3 and 6 32565 00001 2, respectively.
In May 2024, the FDA downgraded the recall to a lower risk (Class III) and confirmed that almost all recalled water had been returned to Fiji. Fiji Water stated that the affected products were quickly reclaimed and assured consumers that there were no health risks. They emphasized that the recall was due to not meeting their quality standards and that their water is safe to drink.
Additionally, there were some customer complaints about discolored water, which Fiji Water clarified was a separate quality issue and not related to the FDA recall.
Fiji Water recall: What to do? If you have any recalled Fiji Water bottles of at home, don’t drink them. Return them to the store for a Fiji Water recall refund. If you have any question, contact Fiji Water for any replacement or refund.
Who owns Fiji Water? Fiji Water is owned by The Wonderful Company, an American conglomerate owned by billionaires Stewart and Lynda Resnick.
Fiji Class Action Lawsuit
A new class action lawsuit filed against Wonderful Company LLC gained significant attention due to the allegations. The lawsuit filed by Illinois consumer John Daly on behalf of a proposed class accuses the company of misleading the public through the labeling of its bottled water product as “Natural Artisan Water.”
The Fiji class action lawsuit filed against The Wonderful Co., the company behind Fiji bottled water, alleges that the product is falsely advertised as natural artesian water while it actually contains microplastics.
This lawsuit claims the presence of microplastics contradicts the company’s advertising and raises concerns about consumer deception and health risks associated with microplastics, which have been documented to have toxic effects on humans.
The lawsuit explains that “microplastics are not naturally occurring. Instead, microplastics are typically made from polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, and other synthetic polymers.”
According to the Fiji Water lawsuit, these microplastics damage the human circulatory system and build up in the liver, kidneys, and digestive tract, among other organs, causing a host of other ailments.
The Fiji Water microplastics lawsuit was filed in Cook County, Illinois, and addresses violations of the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act.
The plaintiff seeks damages for injunctive relief and for the alleged deception, fraud, and unjust enrichment resulting from the sale of the falsely advertised products.
Study: Microplastics and PFAS in Bottled Water
A new study warns of amplified health risks when “forever chemicals” (PFAS) and microplastics are combined. Published in the December issue of Environmental Pollution, researchers exposed water fleas to both substances and observed significant harm, including reduced birth rates, delayed sexual maturity, and stunted growth.
The study found that 40% of these effects were due to the interaction between PFAS and microplastics. These findings highlight the growing environmental and health concerns posed by these pollutants.
How to Control Microplastics in Bottled Water?
Removing microplastics from bottled water presents challenges due to their small size and widespread distribution. However, controlling microplastics in bottled water involves several strategies.
These include improving filtration and purification processes to remove microplastics at the source, adopting stricter quality control measures throughout the bottling process, and shifting towards more sustainable packaging solutions to reduce plastic shedding.
Opting for water packaged in glass or other non-plastic containers can help reduce the introduction of microplastics into bottled water during the manufacturing and packaging process.
Selecting bottled water brands that prioritize quality control and have rigorous testing procedures in place can minimize the likelihood of microplastic contamination.
Additionally, ongoing research and development of new technologies for detecting and removing microplastics can help. Encouraging regulatory bodies to establish clear guidelines and standards for acceptable levels of microplastics in bottled water is also crucial for customer safety.
Ice Mountain Bottled Water Lawsuit
On January 19, 2024, a lawsuit has been filed against BlueTriton Brands, Inc., the maker of Ice Mountain bottled water, alleging that they falsely advertised their product as “100% Natural Spring Water” while knowing it contains potentially harmful microplastics.
These tiny plastic particles, found in many bottled waters, can leach into the water during manufacturing or as plastic breaks down. The ice mountain microplastics lawsuit claims that the presence of synthetic microplastics contradicts the product’s “100% Natural” label, and argues that consumers wouldn’t expect such contaminants in a natural product.
Recent studies have shown high levels of microplastic contamination in bottled water, raising concerns about potential health risks. The lawsuit seeks to represent anyone in the United States who purchased Ice Mountain bottled water within the past five years.
Arrowhead Bottled Water Lawsuit
On February 26, 2024, a class action lawsuit alleges that BlueTriton Brands’ Arrowhead bottled water is falsely labeled as “100% Mountain Spring Water” despite containing microplastics.
Consumers were misled into purchasing water that didn’t meet their expectations, potentially exposing them to health risks. The Fiji Water lawsuit aims to represent all U.S. individuals who bought Arrowhead bottled water in the past four years.
Eligibility to File a Fiji Bottled Water Lawsuit
The Fiji lawsuit covers anyone in the United States who has bought Fiji bottled water within the last five years.
If you’ve bought Fiji Water during this period, you’re automatically included and typically don’t need to take any initial action to join the lawsuit.
The next steps for class members usually occur if and when a settlement is reached. Affected consumers may be directly notified with details on how to claim compensation or benefits under the settlement.
Individuals who have suffered injuries as a result of consuming Fiji bottled water containing microplastics may be eligible to file a Fiji bottled water lawsuit. This injury could include health issues or other damages directly linked to the ingestion of microplastics.
It’s advisable to consult with legal experts specializing in consumer protection, product liability, or environmental law to assess the viability of filing a lawsuit and to navigate the legal process effectively.
There may be a limited window of time within which individuals can file a lawsuit after discovering harm caused by microplastics in Fiji water. It’s essential to be aware of and adhere to any applicable statutes of limitations.
Before proceeding with any legal action, individuals should gather relevant documentation like receipts and medical records, seek legal advice, and understand the potential outcomes and challenges associated with pursuing a lawsuit related to microplastics in Fiji bottled water.
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To wrap things up,
We need water for good health and it’s crucial to drink the right amount of water based on our personal health. However, concerns have been raised regarding microplastics in bottled water, impacting consumer trust and health. Studies indicate that these microplastics can infiltrate our bodies, leading to various adverse effects such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and gut microbiota imbalances.
It’s essential for consumers to stay informed, advocate for stricter regulations, and explore sustainable alternatives to reduce reliance on single-use plastics. Staying updated is important in this type of case. Follow our blog to stay informed about the latest updates.
