The average person could be ingesting 2,000 tiny pieces of plastic every week – the equivalent of a credit card. 

These tiny pieces of plastic are better known as microplastics and range in size from 0.05mm–5mm in diameter – or the width of a strand of hair to the size of a grain of rice.

A recent report by the University of Newcastle, suggests that people around the globe are consuming 5 grams of microplastics each week. While there is little data to show how prevalent microplastics are in Australian waterways, they are an emerging contaminant worldwide.

A new review by the World Health Organisation has found that the health risks of ingesting microplastics are not yet known for sure but concerns about the possible effects include damage to the immune system and fertility.

Until there is greater understanding about the health effects, some experts – including senior environmental scientists for the University of Newcastle and Macquarie University – suggest drinking filtered water to help remove microplastics.

Our range of genuine Zip Water filters with their 0.2 micron filtration will remove particles as tiny as 250th of a strand of hair – or 250 times smaller than a microplastic.

A genuine Zip Water filter will also remove chlorine, lead, rust, asbestos fibres and volatile organic compounds, without removing beneficial fluoride. 

If your Zip system is in need of a filter change, be sure you’re buying a genuine Zip water filter by purchasing from the Zip Water website. Alternatively, explore our range of HydroTaps to find the right system for you.  

For more advice, call Zip Water Customer Care on 1800 ZIP TAP.