BEYOND LABELS AND EXPIRY DATES, THE HIDDEN DANGERS LURK!
Bottled waters have experienced the most significant and rapid growth among various packaged beverages.
Many people believe that these waters are of high and desirable quality and beneficial for their health. However, the reality is that plastic bottles contain harmful chemicals, including PET (polyethylene terephthalate) in soft bottles and BPA (Bisphenol A) in harder, drier bottles.
BPA is a xenoestrogen, which mimics estrogen function in the body, leading to hormonal and behavioral disorders in both women and men, particularly reducing progesterone in women and testosterone in men.
In addition to these harmful substances, other materials such as phthalates, polycarbonates, PVC, and vinyl chloride are present in these bottles.
Some of these substances leach into the water, especially when the bottle is exposed to heat or direct sunlight. Freezing water in these bottles can alter the polymers in a way that more harmful substances enter the water. Thus, freezing should be avoided in these bottles.
Unfortunately, manufacturers do not consistently adhere to proper conditions for the distribution and transportation of bottled water, and storage in stores often exposes them to prolonged periods of sunlight or extreme temperatures before reaching consumers. These conditions expedite the leaching of substances from plastic bottles into the water. Over time, this contamination can lead to serious health problems for consumers, such as breast and prostate cancer, infertility, hormonal imbalances, obesity, and more.
Control of Bottled Waters
One reason people trust bottled waters is the information on the label, including temporary hardness, total hardness, alkalinity, mineral content, and other indicators, all signifying the desirable quality of the water from the natural source before being bottled. Unlike tap water, which is regularly tested daily based on national and international water health regulations, there are no stringent laws for the daily analysis and control of bottled waters, and producers may not be capable of analyzing all aspects daily. Even in industrialized countries, governments do not thoroughly control the production process of these waters. For instance, producers in industrialized countries are required to test water only once a year. However, what gets tested is the water from the natural source before being bottled, not the water bottled days or weeks ago, potentially exposed to sunlight during transportation.
The Exact Time of Production
On the other hand, despite drinkable water being the most essential nutritional substance, unlike all other packaged foods, bottled water producers are not obliged to mention the production and expiration dates on the packaging. We are never informed of the exact time of production. The longer it has been since the production of these waters, the higher the likelihood of toxic substances leaching.
Repeated Use of Plastic Bottles?
Another concern is the repeated use of plastic bottles. These bottles are designed for single use, and refilling them repeatedly increases the leaching of toxic substances. Moreover, in homes, streets, workplaces, or environments lacking sterilization conditions, reusing these bottles creates an ideal environment for the growth and transmission of disease-causing microorganisms.
Take Action for Safer Water and Healthier Living
Concerned about the risks associated with bottled water? Here’s how you can make a difference:
💧 Choose Alternatives: Opt for reusable and safe water containers made from materials like stainless steel or glass to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals.
💧 Advocate for Regulation: Support initiatives that push for stricter regulations on bottled water production, including mandatory labeling of production and expiration dates.
💧 Spread Awareness: Share this information with your community to raise awareness about the potential health hazards of plastic bottled water and promote safer alternatives.
💧 Demand Transparency: Call for transparency from bottled water manufacturers regarding the quality, production, and testing of their products to ensure consumer safety.
Together, we can create a healthier environment and ensure access to clean, safe drinking water for everyone.
Join us in taking action for safer water and healthier living!