“Hazardous substances come out of plastic bottles containing mineral water”
Detection of contaminants such as microplastics, phthalates, and bisphenol A (BPA) in bottled water
Health experts around the world have urged governments to invest in drinking water infrastructure and increase tap water consumption, saying that bottled water poses a threat to humans and the environment.
On the 25th (local time), a research team led by Professor Emeritus Albert B. Lowenfels of the New York University School of Medicine and Professor Amit Abraham of Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar argued in a commentary in the British medical journal ‘BMJ Global Health’ that the use of bottled water is recommended for the health of humans and the planet. He stated that it should be reconsidered.
According to the research team, approximately 1 million bottles of bottled water are consumed every minute around the world. The research team explained that in addition to the 2 billion people who have difficulty securing clean drinking water and relying on bottled water, the number of people seeking bottled water is increasing because it is convenient or safer than tap water.
However, the research team pointed out that it is not true that bottled water is safer than tap water. This is because bottled water is often not subject to the same stringent quality and safety standards as tap water.
In particular, in the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency is conducting extensive testing for contaminants to ensure the safety of tap water. At this time, all deviations from the standard must be reported, and contaminants must be detected within 24 hours.
On the other hand, in the case of bottled water, there is no obligation to disclose the presence of microorganisms or chemicals. In particular, the research team explained that there is a risk of harmful substances coming out of plastic bottles when bottled water is stored for a long time or exposed to sunlight.
In particular, it was added that various contaminants such as microplastics, phthalates, alkylphenols, polychlorinated biphenyls, and bisphenol A (BPA) appeared in 10 to 78% of the bottled water samples analyzed in the study so far.
These pollutants are known to be closely related to health problems, such as interfering with the function of hormone receptors and increasing the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Bottled water also has negative effects on the environment.
According to the research team, plastic bottles used in bottled water account for 12% of total plastic waste. Although it is the second most common marine pollutant after plastic bags, only 9% of plastic bottles are recycled globally.
The research team said, “Most plastic waste is disposed of in landfills or incinerators, contaminating soil and water, and deteriorating air quality in surrounding areas. As high-income countries pass on plastic waste to low-income countries, concerns about social justice also increase.” pointed out.
In response to this, the research team said, “As relying on bottled water incurs significant health and environmental costs, there is an urgent need to reevaluate the use of bottled water.” They added, “Governments around the world must quickly respond to these problems, and low- and middle-income countries must quickly respond to these issues.” “We need to invest in access to drinking water,” he said.
He also added, “We must correct misconceptions about tap water and jointly solve the problem caused by plastic water bottles through a policy that prioritizes tap water consumption.”
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2024-09-27 04:53:30