Phthalate, also known as "plasticizer", is an artificial chemical used to make water bottles and other plastics more durable and flexible. Exposure to phthalates can affect the endocrine system of the human body, a system that releases hormones.
Studies show that it is not dangerous enough to simply harm people who drink bottled water between plastic bottles. However, many experts told HuffPost, "Since many people are already exposed to a variety of chemicals every day, from cleaning products to some perfumes, it is better to limit their exposure to chemicals as much as possible."
These chemicals are related to increased risk of pregnancy diabetes, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), infertility problems, liver disease, asthma, breast cancer, and many reproductive, immune and neurological diseases.
Phthalates and other endocrine disruptive chemicals are not normally detected in water from which they are originally sourced. However, plastic surrounding bottled water can contaminate liquids over time. The pollution varies, but experts say that most of the pollution from plastic to liquid is exacerbated by two factors: the time it comes into direct contact with plastic and drinks (or food), and whether the plastic is heated while touching food or liquid.
Bottled water is often stored in warehouses for a long time and stored in high-temperature means of transportation, thus increasing the likelihood of contamination.
Dr. Nathaniel Donicola, an obstetrician and gynecologist, told HuffPost, "It is vulnerable if bottles of plastic mineral water are stored in such conditions for months or even years before they are given to consumers."
Emily Barrett, a professor of biostatistics and mechanics at Rutgers University of Public Health, said, "Exposure to heat breaks chemical bonds relatively easily, allowing phthalates to seep into food and beverages in plastic packaging." He noted that such contamination could occur during production when bottled water comes into contact with PVC (one of the world's most widely produced plastics famous for its hardness) and other plastic machines.
"Direct contact between water bottles, water and plastic packaging is prolonged, and large contact surfaces can be vulnerable to pollution," said Maida Galvez, professor of environmental medicine and public health at Mount Sinaiican Medical University in New York City.
Bottled water can contain bacteria, plastic, etc. unless thoroughly controlled or properly stored. Dr. Barrett explained, "Research found traces of medicines, microplastics, bacteria and heavy metals." In fact, a study in the Journal of Environmental Health found heavy metals such as silver, barium, cobalt, chromium, copper, nickel, lead and zinc in several popular mineral water brands.
In addition, various human diseases, toxins that cause the most frequent gastroenteritis and influenza, bacteria, mold, and microbial pollutants have been found in the disease.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned, "Contaminated mineral water can cause gastrointestinal diseases, reproductive disorders, and neurological disorders." It is more dangerous for people with weak immune systems. Microparasites are found in such mineral water. Although the parasite is mostly harmless to consumers (some 80 percent of North American adults have previously taken it, but most did not know it existed), it can cause "chronic or serious disease or life-threatening symptoms."
The 2020 Consumer Report tests also found alarming levels of arsenic in some mineral water. A 2018 chemical study found microplastics in 93 percent of 259 mineral water samples analyzed. Some were large enough to be seen without a magnifying or microscope.
Shelley Mason, the author of the chemical study and sustainability researcher at Penstate Belend, referred to the 2019 Times as microplastics were also found in tap water, but were "twice as much" found in bottled water.
In 2001, researchers at McGill University examined the number of essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and sodium that are common in tap water. The results were compared to the levels found in mineral water of many trademarks. The research team found that tap water contains much more minerals than ordinary U.S. mineral water brands.
According to the study, drinking only 2 liters of tap water in some cities can meet the recommended calcium levels of 6 to 18 percent per day. Donicola said this is especially important.
He said, "Too many people these days get vitamin D and calcium from supplementary sources such as multivitamin." "Some studies show that excessive consumption of calcium through supplements can cause heart strain," he said. He said it is better to take vitamins and minerals from natural sources as much as possible and try to supplement them in a supplementary way, adding that tap water can provide enough nutrients.
Use a filter
It should also be noted that water filtration systems used in many mineral water brands are no different from the types of filtration systems available for home use and those contained in many brands of refrigerators.
Barrett said, "My family installed a reverse osmosis filter in the kitchen sink." "Unlike marketing, mineral water is less pure than tap water," he added.
Find a replacement for the disease
Mason said, "No plastic water bottle is safe regardless of the brand. If you have to buy mineral water, you should put it in a glass bottle." Galvez also said, "Choose reusable water bottles such as stainless steel bottles," adding, "It is better for your health and the environment."
Store the water in the plastic bottle properly
Barrett advised that if you want to continue drinking water in a plastic bottle, keep it in a cool place and drink it as soon as possible. He said, "Sometimes I have no choice but to drink bottled water. "It's okay once in a while," he said, adding, "But if you can avoid it, try to avoid it."
Writer: Yeyoung Jeon
(Image from Unsplash)