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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. Questions

14. References
Kotz, Deborah. “Study of Chemical in Plastic Bottles Raises Alarm.” U.S. News and Report. April 10,
Olson, Cathe. “Plastic water bottle safety.” VegFamily: The Magazine for Vegan Family Living.
Colbert, MD, Don. “Avoid Plastic Water Bottles.” Alkaline ionized water, water and health. March 7,
Howard, Brian Clark. “What do Recycling Symbols on Plastics Mean?” Green Homes.
McRandle, P.W. “Dangers of Plastic Water Bottles.” Alkaline ionized water, water and health. March 15,