Bottled Water: Risk Factors from Human Consumption and the Environment Delile Langeni, Ph.D. student Walden University PH 8165-2 Instructor: Dr. Raymond Thron Spring, 2009

The Health Risks of Plastic Containers Not limited to just bottled water Food containers, baby bottles, plastic wrap, 5 gallon water containers, sports squeeze bottles, Styrofoam, etc… Although the FDA has approved all plastics currently being used to package food, they might not all be safe The release of harmful toxins usually occurs with prolonged storage, or increased storage temperatures.

Good Plastics vs. Bad Plastics Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Polystyrene (PS) Poly Carbonate, which contains bisphenol-A (BPA) Better Plastics Polyethylene terephtalate (PET or PETE) Polypropylene

Polyvinly Chloride (PVC) Considered to be most hazardous consumer product ever created Cooking oil bottles, clear food packaging, children's toys, industrial piping Mercury, dioxins, phthalates, toxins can leech from PVC Irreversible life long threats, which can cause cancer and harm immune and reproductive systems

Polystyrene (PS) Styrofoam is one form of polystyrene Common household product which can leech styrene into food Disposable plates and cups, meat trays, egg cartons, carry out containers Human carcinogen, which is hazardous for consumption

Poly Carbonate - BPA Contains the hormone disruptor bisphenol-A (BPA) Used mostly in baby bottles and reusable sports bottles Poses a risk of improper brain development in infants and children Not recommended for mothers that are pregnant or nursing BPA interfere with hormone levels People with high levels of BPA have higher risk of developing uterine fibrosis, breast cancer, and prostate cancer

Better Plastics – PET/PETE Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE), is safer to use Easily recycled Commonly found in water bottles, soda bottles, salad dressing, etc… Does not contain BPA, but studies have shown to still leech harmful toxins if kept on a shelf for long periods of time

To Recycle or not to Recycle? When recycling, look for the triangle with the # 1 More and more communities are starting to accept #2, 4, and 5 for recycling # 3 and 6 very difficult to recycle and is bad for the environment

Why Bottled Water? Convenient on the go Tastes better Unsure about the quality of tap water

Why not tap water? Drinking water in the U.S. is some of the safest in the world 90% of Americans are serviced by public water systems Quality regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act and many other regulations

Alternatives to harmful plastics Tap water with water filter Consume bottled water (with the proper recycle code) shortly after being bottled by the manufacturer Aluminum or stainless steel water bottles Try to heat food in containers not containing plastic

Conclusion Release of harmful toxins can lead to serious health risks Vigilantly seek out plastics which are better for you to use Try to use only PET/PETE type plastics Use other alternative methods whenever possible Save the environment…..RECYCLE

Questions

References Kotz, Deborah. “Study of Chemical in Plastic Bottles Raises Alarm.” U.S. News and Report. April 10, 2009 http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/living-well-usn/2008/04/16/study-of-chemical-in-plastic-bottles-raises-alarm.html Olson, Cathe. “Plastic water bottle safety.” VegFamily: The Magazine for Vegan Family Living. http://www.vegfamily.com/whole-family/plastic-water-bottle-safety.htm Colbert, MD, Don. “Avoid Plastic Water Bottles.” Alkaline ionized water, water and health. March 7, 2009 http://www.wellspringwellbeing.com/2009/03/avoid-plastic-water-bottles/ Howard, Brian Clark. “What do Recycling Symbols on Plastics Mean?” Green Homes. http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/latest/recycling-symbols-plastics-460321 McRandle, P.W. “Dangers of Plastic Water Bottles.” Alkaline ionized water, water and health. March 15, 2009 http://www.wellspringwellbeing.com/2009/03/dangers-of-plastic-water-bottles/ http://www.pvcfree.org/ http://www.epa.gov/Region3/radio-text/podcast_Tap_vs_Bottle.html