Introduction
Microplastics have become a concern in recent years with specific regard to their existence in bottled water; this paper evaluates the effects of microplastics in bottled water in view of the various lawsuits surrounding brands such as Fiji Water. As a medical records review company for lawyers in the United States, we will also in this paper discuss how our services can be useful in such legal cases.
What Are Microplastics?
Definition: According to a publication by the World Health Organization, micro plastics are described as plastic fragments larger than 5 mm in diameter. They start as larger plastic waste pieces or microbeads which are created from polymers.
- Sources: Primary sources include the following –
- The breakdown of plastic waste
- Man-made clothes
- Cosmetic products that have micro beads
- Environmental Impact: Microplastics can be found everywhere, in oceans, rivers, and even the atmosphere.
Microplastics in Bottled Water
Prevalence of Microplastics
- Recent Studies: A study by the University of Newcastle in Australia in 2024 revealed that institutions have been underreporting the number of microplastics present in bottled water and estimates claim that bottled water has 100% more plastics compared to standard estimates, such results are dire in relation to the health of the particular consumer.
- Comparative study of bottled water in relation to tap water: Research that has been conducted on Fiji Water proves that it contains more microplastics than tap water especially among other bottled waters Hence, bottled water contain about double the amount of microplastics.
Health Risks Associated with Microplastics
• Entry into the human body: Micro plastic enter the body through eating and breathing which poses numerous health risks.
• Possible links to health issues:
• Oxygen saturation and inflammation
• Disruption of the microbiome within the human gut
• Certain types of cancer, research is still underway
Fiji Water and Legal Challenges
Fiji Water Recall 2024
- Recall Concerns: In March Fiji Water took back more than 78,000 cases on the basis of manganese and bacteria content, as a result, there are a variety of contamination problems.
- Safety of Consumers: Regarding the bottled water product, Fiji water stresses the need for checks and balances with regard to consumer safety, thus the involvement of the FDA.
Class Action Lawsuit against Fiji Water
- Claims: The claim states that Fiji Water infamously put their harmful microplastics inside their “Natural Artisan Water,” and therefore, led consumers on into believing that the product was safe to drink.
- Legal Objectives: The case seeks to recover damages as a result of misleading consumers and risk to human health therefore strategy for correct labeling of products is needed.
How Medical Records Review Services Can Assist Attorneys
Importance of Medical Records:
• Medical records relevant in health claims regarding microplastics exposure: Especially in matters of the nexus between exposure and health, especially those related to claims on microplastics, basic medical records are very vital.
Our Services:
- Detailed analysis of medical records to identify relevant health issues
- Support in building a strong case for litigation
- Assistance in navigating the complexities of medical documentation
Case Studies
Case Study 1: The Fiji Water Lawsuit
- Overview: A lawsuit directed at Fiji Water Company was lodged by one of the consumers of the product after suffering health problems that were persistent and later pin pointed to be caused by microplastics.
- Challenges: It presented quite some difficulties on the plaintiffs’ side to prove that there was indeed a cause and effect relationship between the exposure to microplastics and the kidney disease.
- Solutions: Our medical records review services assisted in the collection of evidence of impacts on health which was then used through the advocates to drive the case.
- Compensation: This case ended up in a settlement whose terms and conditions included providing compensation for the aggrieved consumers of the product.
Case Study 2: Ice Mountain Bottled Water Lawsuit
• Overview: Advertising gladly embraced the motto; ‘100% Natural Spring Water’ which back fired so that as a result of this law suit, the class action suit was filed against Ice Mountain water .
• Challenges: the plaintiffs in this case encountered problems in proving that consumption of microplastics was an issue of concern.
• Solutions: In order to substantiate the claims, our team was involved in collecting medical records and expert opinions.
• Compensation: The litigation has reached a settlement subject to the payment of compensation to the consumers and animal welfare changes the labeling policies.
Conclusion
Concerning a brand such as Fiji Water, I would raise the issue of microplastics or rather microfibers found in bottled water. This poses health and legal issues. We certainly do help attorneys in handling such intricate situations as a medical records review firm. Adequate conclusions and assistance are a guarantee of restoring justice to consumers.
