Plastic bottles contain many chemicals and can make your water unsafe for consumption. These chemicals can cause health problems and can also affect your body. The best way to avoid them is to choose reusable water bottles. This article discusses the composition of plastic bottles Bisphenol A, Phthalates, Antimony, and reusable options.
Plastic bottles Composition:
Bisphenol A
Plastic bottles are made of a plastic compound known as bisphenol A. This chemical can leach into the water, especially if it is stored in a hot or cold place for a long period of time. It has been detected in water supplies around the world. Some studies have even found that bisphenol A can cause cancer in humans.
Phthalates
Phthalates are plastic additives that are widely used in the production of plastic bottles and other products. The amount of phthalates in plastic bottles increases with storage time. Although their presence isn’t always noticeable, phthalates can migrate into the water. They can affect human health due to their ability to disrupt the human endocrine system.
Read Also: How to prevent water pollution?
Antimony
Antimony is a trace element found in many water bottles. According to the USEPA, antimony concentrations in drinking water should not exceed 6 ppb. However, studies have found that some bottles contain high levels of antimony. Those studies have shown that antimony concentrations in bottled water can vary greatly. For instance, the levels in one water bottle were as high as 38.5 ng/L, while those in another bottle contained only three milligrams.
Reusable options
If you are concerned about the environment and want to reduce the amount of plastic bottles in the environment, you should invest in reusable water bottles. These bottles are available in various materials, including glass, aluminum, and plastic. Aluminum and plastic bottles are more lightweight. However, reusable stainless steel and glass bottles are heavier. Another option is to drink water in paper cups, which are biodegradable and disposable.
Environmental impact
If you’re drinking water from a plastic bottle, you’re causing a significant environmental impact. Even though a plastic water bottle is only a few ounces in volume, its carbon footprint can be enormous. Making a plastic bottle requires more water than the bottle can hold, averaging 1.39 liters of water for making one litter bottle.
Health risks
Drinking water from plastic bottles has several potential health risks. One concern is that bottled water may contain phthalates, a class of man-made chemicals that make plastics flexible and durable. Phthalates can affect the endocrine system, which regulates the body’s hormones. Some studies have shown that drinking water from plastic bottles can cause higher blood pressure and diabetes and increase the risk of miscarriage in women. Other studies have found that phthalates can reduce testosterone in adolescent and adult males.
