The need for quality drinking water is a fundamental aspect of maintaining body health to keep metabolism running optimally. Amid limited access to clean water in various regions, the assumption has arisen that rainwater is a safe and natural alternative. However, health experts emphasize that this assumption must be approached with high vigilance, given the increasingly real threat of environmental contamination.
Scientifically, pure rainwater is indeed harmless. However, the process of water falling from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface passes through various mediums prone to carrying pollutants. Nutritionist Ansley Hill explains that environmental factors, such as air pollution, animal waste, and heavy metal residues on roofs, can turn rainwater into a carrier of bacteria, viruses, and parasites that pose risks to human health.
A shocking finding comes from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), which revealed the presence of microplastic particles in rainwater in the DKI Jakarta area. BRIN researcher Muhammad Reza Cordova stated that this atmospheric microplastic deposition phenomenon occurs due to the accumulation of synthetic clothing fibers, vehicle tire dust, and garbage combustion residue lifted into the air. These microscopic particles not only carry chemical toxins such as BPA and phthalates, but also risk being inhaled or entering the human digestive system.
In addition to the threat of microplastics, many erroneous claims circulate in the community regarding the health benefits of rainwater. It is often stated that rainwater has alkaline properties that are good for blood pH. Medically, this claim is refuted because the human body has a stable self-regulation system to maintain blood pH. On the contrary, rainwater actually tends to be acidic, with a pH range of 5.0 to 5.5, and its acidity can increase further in highly polluted areas.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that the use of rainwater must be adjusted to its quality standards. Water used for human consumption must go through a strict purification process and should not be equated with water used for other household purposes. Given the lack of scientific evidence regarding the specific health benefits of rainwater, the public is urged to continue relying on drinking water sources that have been tested for quality and meet applicable sanitation standards.
