Experts say we are all drinking microplastics, and cannot tell if they are making us sick.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a report on microplastics in drinking water, including an early assessment of potential risks to human health.

The report says almost everyone is now drinking microplastics, and the direct effects on the body of consuming them are not yet known.

While we probably pass larger microplastic particles in faeces, smaller particles could potentially be absorbed into our organs, the report warns.

It also suggests microplastics have the potential to both carry disease-causing bacteria and help bacteria become resistant to antibiotics.

It recommends drinking-water suppliers and regulators prioritise removing disease-causing bacteria and harmful chemicals from the water supply, as that would also remove microplastics from drinking water.

Ultimately, the best solution is to stop polluting the world with plastics, the report says.

The full analysis is accessible here.