Microplastics have been found in 83% of tap water samples tested worldwide, and yes, that includes yours. But here's what almost no one covering this topic will actually say: as of 2026, peer-reviewed science does not yet have a definitive answer on what that means for your health. I'm an environmental scientist, and this episode gives you the honest version; the research, the real gaps, and the practical steps that are actually supported by evidence.

We cover what microplastics are and why different studies report wildly different numbers (the range between studies is 400,000-fold — and that tells you something important), what the newest human health research actually concludes versus what it's still working on, why bottled water is measurably worse than tap water for microplastic exposure, and which water filters have the independent certifications to back up their claims (including an honest breakdown of the one I personally use and exactly where its certifications do and don't hold up.)

No panic. No dismissal. Just the science, the uncertainty, and what's actually worth doing about it.

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Resources:

• NSF filter certification lookup (verify any filter's actual certifications): https://www.nsf.org/consumer-resources/water-quality

• EPA on microplastics: https://www.epa.gov/trash-free-waters/microplastics

Microplastic filter recommendations (affiliate):

1. Countertop RO: https://amzn.to/3Qvlmsg
2. Berkey: https://amzn.to/4oD8i0x
3. Ultrafiltration: https://amzn.to/4eSbja8