1. Instructor: Dr. Rebecca Heick
Bottled Water
Veronica Cadette MPH
Walden University
PUBH
Instructor: Dr. Rebecca Heick
Third Quarter, 2010

2. The Impact of Bottled Wateron
Human Health
And
The Environment
Good evening ladies and gentlemen. My name is Veronica Cadette. I am a Public Health Student and I have been invited, to speak to you about the impact of bottled water.
Because plastic is used for most bottled water instead of glass, I will concentrate on plastic bottles.
The use of plastic bottles has generated some concern about the safety of its use in recent times. This is a current subject of concern, and today I want to enlighten you about the health implications of its use, the impact of plastic on the environment, and about making safe health choices in the use of plastic. These issues are related because the environment and human health are interrelated.

3. BOTTLED WATER CONSUMPTION
In gallons person
In 2007 – 29.3 gallons per person
Joseph K. Doss President and CEO of the International Bottled Water Association giving testimony to Congress on July 8, 2009 said that “over the past decade, the per capita consumption of bottled water in the United States has more than doubled—from 13.4 gallons per person in
1997 to 29.3 gallons per person in 2007.”
DOSS, J. K., CEO, P. A., & ASSOCIATION, I. B. W. REGULATION OF BOTTLED WATER, FDCH Congressional Testimony
FDCH Congressional Testimony J1 - FDCH Congressional Testimony.
DOSS, J. K., CEO, P. A., & ASSOCIATION, I. B. W. REGULATION OF BOTTLED WATER, FDCH Congressional Testimony FDCH Congressional Testimony J1 - FDCH Congressional Testimony.

4. Sales revenues for the United States bottled water market in 2008
Bottled Water Sales
Sales revenues for the United States bottled water market in 2008
$11.2 billion (in wholesale dollars), a 3.2% decrease over the previous year
DOSS, J. K., CEO, P. A., & ASSOCIATION, I. B. W. REGULATION OF BOTTLED WATER, FDCH Congressional Testimony FDCH Congressional Testimony J1 - FDCH Congressional Testimony.
Doss, continuing his testimony before congress, says that “according to the Beverage Marketing Corporation, in 2008 the total volume of bottled water consumed in the United States was 8.7 billion gallons, a one percent decrease from That translates into an average of 28.5 gallons per person. Sales revenues for the United States bottled water market in 2008 were approximately $11.2 billion (in wholesale dollars), a 3.2% decrease over the previous year.”

5. Bottled water advertising expenses totaled $54.5 million
Carbonated soft drinks advertising totaled $803 million (nearly fifteen times that for bottled water)
Beer advertising expenses totaled $1.187 billion (approximately 20 times that for bottled water)
DOSS, J. K., CEO, P. A., & ASSOCIATION, I. B. W. REGULATION OF BOTTLED WATER, FDCH Congressional Testimony FDCH Congressional Testimony J1 - FDCH Congressional Testimony.
He points out that:
The bottled water industry is the second largest commercial beverage category by volume in the United States.
The bottled water market in the United States is consumer driven
A relatively modest dollar amount is spent on bottled water advertising because of the strength of this consumer self-generated demand
In 2007 bottled water advertising expenses totaled only $54.5 million compared to $803 million spent on advertising carbonated soft drinks (nearly fifteen times that for bottled water), and advertising expenses for beer totaled $1.187 billion (approximately 20 times that for bottled water)
Bottled water consumption is about half that of carbonated soft drinks (CSD’s) and only slightly ahead of milk and beer.

6. THE PLASTIC WATER BOTTLE …… THE SYMBOL OF A MOBILE PEOPLE THE SIGN OF A HEALTHY PEOPLE ???? DOSS, J. K., CEO, P. A., & ASSOCIATION, I. B. W. REGULATION OF BOTTLED WATER, FDCH Congressional Testimony FDCH Congressional Testimony J1 - FDCH Congressional Testimony.
This plastic water bottle symbolizes a generation that is mobile because we can easily carry the needed daily eight glasses of water with us.
We are freed from water fountains and fixed taps, even from the fixed springs and wells and rivers
Quoting from the congressional testimony of J.K. Doss, he identifies the source of bottled water, with the implication that bottled water is safe. He said that “the sources for bottled water products that comprise the United States market can be divided into two fundamental categories, which are aligned with the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) standards of identity. The largest segment of the bottled water industry - the natural waters -- is sourced from groundwater. They are artesian, mineral, sparkling, spring and well water. The remainder of the market is processed water, such as purified, sterile or drinking water. Groundwater sources, which are used by an estimated two-thirds of bottled water companies, are exclusively from underground aquifers, while processed water sources can be from either groundwater or municipal water systems.” (Doss 2009).
The sources of water can be identified, but the question you must be asking is “Is the water purified before it is bottled? Is the water safe? Are there any checks for contaminants?”
DOSS, J. K., CEO, P. A., & ASSOCIATION, I. B. W. REGULATION OF BOTTLED WATER, FDCH Congressional Testimony
FDCH Congressional Testimony J1 - FDCH Congressional Testimony.

7. SAFE WATER
??????
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A 2000 WHO report notes that “in applying the WHO Guidelines to bottled waters, certain factors may be more readily controlled than in piped distribution systems and stricter standards may, therefore, be preferred in order to reduce overall population exposure… Similarly, when flexibility exists regarding the source of the water, stricter standards for certain naturally-occurring substances of health concern, such as arsenic and fluoride, may be more readily achieved than in piped distribution systems.”
World Health Organization (WHO) (2000). Fact sheet N°256- Bottled drinking water.

8. micro-organisms, benzene lead arsenic bacteria viruses parasites
We have to be realistic, bottled water is not absolutely pure and safe. The 2000 WHO report on the safety of bottled drinking water, reveals that “drinking-water may be contaminated by a range of chemical, microbial and physical hazards that could pose risks to health if they are present at high levels. Examples of chemical hazards, include lead, arsenic and benzene. Microbial hazards, include bacteria, viruses and parasites, such as Vibrio cholerae, hepatitis A virus, and Crytosporidium parvum, respectively.”
parasites
World Health Organization (WHO) (2000). Fact sheet N°256 Bottled drinking water.

9. TIME TEMPERATURE PLASTIC CONTAINERS
SAFE WATER
TIME
TEMPERATURE
PLASTIC CONTAINERS
The WHO report acknowledges that “some substances may prove more difficult to manage in bottled than tap water.” The reasons for this are:
Bottled water is stored for longer periods and at higher temperatures than water distributed in piped distribution systems.
Some micro-organisms, which are normally of little or no public health significance, may grow to higher levels in water bottled in plastic containers.
World Health Organization (WHO) (2000). Fact sheet N°256 Bottled drinking water.

10. THE BOTTLED WATER CULTURE
SOURCE
SAFETY
Students of Geography 378 at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, USA, Spring 2004 did a study on the Bottled Water Industry. They note that the bottled water consumption has grown exponentially over the past ten to fifteen years
Quoting from Splash’s Freshwater Newsletter: Splash indicates that roughly 59% of bottled water that is consumed is purified, while the 41% is spring or mineral water. Most bottled water (about 75%) originates from protected sources such as underground aquifers and springs.
The students research states: “Although there are relatively few regulations on what bottled water can contain, people have very differing opinions on possible benefits and drawbacks of bottled water. Currently there are multiple studies showing numerous bottled water brands containing harmful substances. According to a four-year scientific study by the Natural Resources Defense Council, over a third of the tested brands contain contaminants such as arsenic and carcinogenic compounds. This study of 103 different brands encompassing over 1,000 bottles showed that one-third of the water in these bottles exceeded state or industry safety standards.” (Klessig 2004)
Klessig, L Part of Water is Life, a class website on water privatization and commodification, produced by students of Geography Retrieved Feb. 4, 2010

11. FDA CONTROLS FOR SAFE WATER
Use quality control processes
Ensure sanitary conditions
Protect water sources
FDA has set Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMPs) specifically for bottled water. They require bottled water producers to:
Process, bottle, hold and transport bottled water under sanitary conditions
Protect water sources from bacteria, chemicals and other contaminants
Use quality control processes to ensure the bacteriological and chemical safety of the water
Sample and test both source water and the final product for contaminants.
Sample and test
US Food and Drug Administration (2007) FDA Regulates the safety of bottled water beverages including flavored water and nutrient-added water beverages Retrieved Feb 4, 2010

12. SAFETY WATCHDOGS WHO FDA
We can conclude that bottled water is not necessarily purer than tap water, but there are controls in place to ensure the safety of bottled water.
Globally, the World Health Organization “publishes Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality which many countries use as the basis to establish their own national standards. The Guidelines represent a scientific assessment of the risks to health from biological and chemical constituents of drinking-water and of the effectiveness of associated control measures.”
Nationally the Food and Drug Administration “monitors and inspects bottled water products and processing plants under its food safety program. When FDA inspects plants, the Agency verifies that the plant's product water and operational water supply are obtained from an approved source; inspects washing and sanitizing procedures; inspects bottling operations; and determines whether the companies analyze their source water and product water for contaminants.” (US FDA Fact Sheet)
World Health Organization (WHO) (2000). Fact sheet N°256 Bottled drinking water.
US Food and Drug Administration (2007) FDA Regulates the safety of bottled water beverages including flavored water and nutrient-added water beverages

13. Plastic - composition and types
The nature of plastic
Plastic - composition and types
Polystyrene and polyethylene
Thermosetting plastics
But in addition to possible contaminants that may be found in bottled water, the next question is, What about the bottle itself?
The vessel in which the water is contained is plastic. Is there a problem with the plastic container? Let’s look at plastic. What is it?
There are two types of plastics:
Thermoplastics (e.g., polyethylene, polystyrene) This type of plastic can be melted and formed again and again;
Thermosetting plastics, or thermosets (e.g., polyurethane, epoxy), once formed, cannot be re-softened after being subjected to heat and pressure.
Plastic. (2009). Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th Edition (pp. 1): Columbia University Press.

14. Plastic has become an integral part of our lives
Plastic has become an integral part of our lives. No sports person goes on the sports field without it …..
It is a convenient container for the children’s lunch bag…
Plastic containers are an intrinsic and essential part of our lives. It is a convenient and entrenched lifestyle – from plastic baby bottles to the sports field , to the vending machine. It is a convenient effective and efficient beverage container.

15. LANDFILLS ARE FULL … IT IS NOT BIODEGRABLE
IT SITS IN LANDFILLS FOR MANY YEARS
Plastic containers have advantages and disadvantages. It is an economical container, light weight, and easily transportable. There is an environmental problem both in landfills and in the oceans. Plastic seems to be indestructible, and some estimate that it may take more than one hundred years for plastic in landfills to decompose. In the oceans plastic is a serious threat to marine life which may ingest plastic litter.
Traditional plastics are not biodegradable
Among the environmental impacts of plastics used for bottled water, are the effects on U.S. municipal landfill capacity and U.S. energy demands.
Regarding impacts on landfill capacity, GAO found that about three-quarters of the water bottles produced in the United States in 2006 were discarded and not recycled.
There is a number with arrows surrounding it on each plastic bottle. These numbers determine how the product is to be recycled. These numbers are called the plastic packaging resin identification codes. They indicate the type of plastic that the item was made from and are used to help consumers know whether and how the item is to be recycled.
U.S. Government Accountability Office (2009). Bottled Water: FDA Safety and Consumer Protections Are Often Less Stringent Than Comparable EPA Protections for Tap Water GAO June 22, Retrieved Feb. 4, 2010
National Geographic Green guide for everyday living. Plastic containers 101

16. HEALTH CONCERN!!! Bisphenol A
The other concern is the possibility that the plastic bottle may leech some of its chemicals into the water, and negatively affect human health. One of the negative reports centers around Bisphenol A.
On one side of the debate about the effects of plastic, Scott Belcher, Ph.D., a runner and cell biologist at the University of Cincinnati says “Due to recent warnings, many runners are wondering if our plastic water bottles belong in the recycling bin. Bisphenol A (BEA), a chemical in polycarbonate bottles, has been linked to cancer, reproductive issues, and endocrine damage in animals. And while research is needed to determine whether BPA is dangerous to humans, animals given low doses of BPA an amount equivalent to what people are presumed to ingest — have experienced health problems,
Smash Sports Products (2009). Hydration and health: The water bottle controversy
Retrieved Feb. 4, 2010

17. Bisphenol A HEALTH CONCERN!!!
On the other side of the debate, the FDA issued this report in July 2007.
“FDA is unaware of any specific study in which humans exposed to BPA through any food containers experienced miscarriages, birth defects or cancer. Furthermore, human exposure levels to BPA from its use in food contact materials is in fact many orders of magnitude lower than the levels of BPA that showed no adverse effects in animal studies.`` More recently (April 2008), in response to public confusion from media reports about bisphenol A, FDA formed an FDA-wide task force to review current research and new information on bisphenol A for all FDA-regulated products. FDA confirmed that it has been reviewing the emerging literature on bisphenol A on a continuous basis. FDA also confirmed that based on its ongoing review, it believes there is a large body of evidence that indicates that FDA-regulated products containing bisphenol A currently on the market are safe and that exposure levels to bisphenol A from food contact materials, including for infants and children, are below those that may cause health effects.
Steven, G., Hentges, P., Director, S., & Council, A. C. Health & safety concerns over plastic additives in consumer products. FDCH Congressional Testimony FDCH Congressional Testimony J1 - FDCH Congressional Testimony.

18. Conditions that may compromise plastic use
Thermal conditions (heat, microwave, freezing)
Types of food material stored (liquid, dry, chemical)
Frequency of use (single or multiple use of same plastic containers)
While that debate continues in the background, it is not conceivable that there will be a reduction in the use of plastic water bottles. But in order to err on the side of safety, there are some information and guidelines that we should all follow.
Researchers have now examined the plastic that holds the water, and the have found some chemicals certain types of plastic contain, like phthalates and bisphenol A, may seep into the water. These toxins can disrupt the endocrine system, and your hormone balance. This can cause fatigue and even weight gain.
Therefore it is not recommended to drink water from bottles that have been left in extreme weather conditions, (as in a car).
National Geographic Green guide for everyday living. Plastic containers 101

19. Human health implications
PET (or PETE) 1: Polyethylene terephthalate
HDPE 2: High-density polyethylene
PP5: Polypropylene
Let’s become ‘plastic aware’ and take notice of the types of plastic that are a part of our daily life.
PET (or PETE) 1: Polyethylene terephthalate, Is the kind of plastic that is most likely what your clear single-serve water bottle is made of. It has been deemed safe for one-time use, but refilling may increase risk of chemicals leaching out into the water. It is not recommended for re-use/re-filling. The polyethylene terephthalate ethylene (PETE] in these bottles doesn't contain BPA, but when scratched or heated, other chemicals could be released into your water.
HDPE: High-density polyethylene, this plastic is commonly used for gallon jugs, and has not been linked to any leaching.
PP5: Polypropylene, is a plastic that is easily molded. Meaning it is made with fewer chemicals than other plastics, and has not been linked to leaching.
National Geographic Green guide for everyday living. Plastic containers 101

20. PLASTICS TO AVOID! #3 polyvinyl chloride (PVC) #6 polystyrene (PS)
#7 polycarbonate
Plastics you should avoid:
#3 polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). It has endocrine disruptors and probable human carcinogens.
#6 polystyrene (PS) can leach styrene into food and water.
#7 polycarbonate, contains bisphenol-A (a hormone disruptor). However, it is used in most baby bottles, five-gallon water jugs and reusable sports bottles.
National Geographic Green guide for everyday living. Plastic containers 101

21. HEALTH CONCERN!!! REUSING PLASTIC BOTTLES???
Canadian Press January 26, 2003 People who frequently reuse their water bottles may be risking their health.
Copeland, A. Homefamily.net Reusing water bottles could make you sick Home Economist TEAM Resources
Retrieved Feb. 4, 2010
In our effort to be environmentally conscious, and avoid wastage, the tendency is to reuse plastic containers. There is evidence to show that this is not a good idea.
“A study of water bottles at a Calgary elementary school found bacteria in kids' bottles that would prompt health officials to issue boil-water advisories, had the samples come from a tap. Researchers discovered bacterial contamination in about a third of the samples collected from kids' water bottles at the school. Some samples even showed evidence of fecal coliforms.” (Canadian Press2003)
We are learning that repeated washing of these bottles might not be a good idea. A study conducted in the United States suggests the kind of thorough washing that could kill bacteria might accelerate the breakdown of the plastic, potentially causing toxic chemical compounds to leach into the liquid inside. Plastic experts contend the bottles are safe, but conclude little is known about what happens when the bottles are used over and over again.
The Canadian Bottled Water Association advises against reusing these containers altogether. It says they are made for one time use and should be recycled afterward, not reused. People are unable to properly sterilize the bottles at home and the industry doesn't evaluate the safety of the bottles for multiple usage.

22. For environmental health: Ensure effective disposal/recycle
RECOMMENDATIONS
For environmental health:
Ensure effective disposal/recycle
Presently only 35% of plastic water bottles are recycled. I would recommend that every effort is made to recycle these bottles and avoid overcrowding of the landfill.

23. COMMUNITY ACTION Lobby: lawmakers for safety standards
producers for safer products
Flip over a bottle, and you'll see a number. Plastics are classified as 1 to 7. Polycarbonate bottles are 7s- but so are bottles that don't contain BPA. The ones that some experts advise avoiding have a PC and a 7.
Lawmakers should monitor the bottling of water more carefully to ensure that the safer plastic is used.
Consumers should report breach of regulations when these are identified.

24. Additional Resources
Barrett, J. R. (2009). Estrogens in a Bottle? Environmental Health Perspectives, 117(6), A241.
Claudio, L. (2008). A Clear Look at Water Bottles. Prevention, 60(9),
Copeland, A. Homefamily.net Reusing water bottles could make you sick Home Economist TEAM Resources
Retrieved Feb. 4, 2010
Greene, A. (2008). Plastic: Not-So-Fantastic. Kiwi
Kiwi J1 - Kiwi, 23.
Institute for agriculture and trade policy: Food and health program: Smart Plastics Guide Healthier Food Uses of Plastics
Klessig, L Part of Water is Life, a class website on water privatization and commodification, produced by students of Geography 378
National Geographic Green guide for everyday living. Plastic containers
Smash Sports Products (2009). Hydration and health: The water bottle controversy
Retrieved Feb. 4, 2010
World Health Organization (WHO) (2000). Fact sheet N°256- Bottled drinking water.

25. REFERENCES
Ashbolt, N. J. (2004). Microbial contamination of drinking water and disease outcomes in developing regions. School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia (Toxicology 198 (2004) 229–238).
Barrett, J. R. (2009). Estrogens in a Bottle? Environmental Health Perspectives, 117(6), A241.
Claudio, L. (2008). A Clear Look at Water Bottles. Prevention, 60(9),
Copeland, A. Homefamily.net Reusing water bottles could make you sick Home Economist TEAM Resources
Retrieved Feb. 4, 2010
DOSS, J. K., CEO, P. A., & ASSOCIATION, I. B. W. REGULATION OF BOTTLED WATER, FDCH Congressional Testimony FDCH Congressional Testimony J1
Greene, A. (2008). Plastic: Not-So-Fantastic. Kiwi Kiwi J1 - Kiwi, 23.
Hayhurst, T. (2009). Company creates biodegradable bottle. Waste & Recycling News Waste & Recycling News J1 - Waste & Recycling News, 15(10), 32.
Institute for agriculture and trade policy: Food and health program: Smart Plastics Guide Healthier Food Uses of Plastics
Klessig, L Part of Water is Life, a class website on water privatization and commodification, produced by students of Geography 378

26. REFERENCES Naked adopts recycled PET. (2009). Beverage Industry
Beverage Industry J1 - Beverage Industry, 100(8), 13.
National Geographic Green guide for everyday living. Plastic containers
Picking Plastic? The Green Guide Cracks the Codes. (2005). Ascribe Newswire: Health, 9-11. .
P. A., & ASSOCIATION, I. B. W. REGULATION OF BOTTLED WATER, FDCH Congressional Testimony FDCH Congressional Testimony J1 - FDCH Congressional Testimony.
Plastic. (2009). Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th Edition (pp. 1): Columbia University Press.
Smash Sports Products (2009). Hydration and health: The water bottle controversy
Retrieved Feb. 4, 2010
US Food and Drug Administration (2007) FDA Regulates the safety of bottled water beverages including flavored water and nutrient-added water beverages Retrieved Feb 4, 2010
U.S. Government Accountability Office (2009). Bottled Water: FDA Safety and Consumer Protections Are Often Less Stringent Than Comparable EPA Protections for Tap Water GAO June 22, Retrieved Feb. 4, 2010
World Health Organization (WHO) (2000). Fact sheet N°256- Bottled drinking water.