Lesser-known dangers from plastic water bottle chemicals
If you consume bottled water multiple times, you may want to consider new methods for hydration in light of mounting evidence that chemicals found in bottled water may be harmful to your health.
A team of German researchers has identified a chemical in plastic drinking water bottles that can lead to serious health issues.
This endocrine disrupting chemical, called di(2-ethylhexyl) fumarate (DEHF) is found in the plastic used in at least 18 bottled water brands.
Just like the better-known BPA, DEHF interferes with hormonal systems to cause developmental and reproductive effects, and might also increase the risk of cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.
This same study pointed out that traces of more than 24,000 chemicals were present in the water from the tested brands.
That’s not to say that bottled water doesn’t play an important role in our health.
Good uses for bottled water include:
- Emergency preparedness—Every home’s emergency kit should include a few cases of bottled water stored in a temperature-controlled area.
- Travel abroad—When visiting a country where you’re unsure about water quality, drinking bottled water is certainly safer.
- Disaster relief—As we have become accustomed to seeing, emergency response units utilize bottled water as a way to help people who have no access to safe water after a hurricane, tornado or other disaster.
Safer containers, healthier water
Even if you plan to cut back on plastics in your daily life, you still need to make sure that the water you’re drinking is as healthy and clean as possible.
Regular tap water contains tens of thousands of contaminants and many standard filters can either not remove enough impurities, or also filter out healthy nutrients such as minerals.
One healthy way to filter your water is through a Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System such as EasyWater’s RevitaLife RO System. Unlike pitcher filters, which can give your water low pH, a flat taste and removes many needed minerals, these systems help give your water the right balance of cleanliness and nutrients.
Tips for using less bottled water
If your concerns about chemicals leaching from plastic water bottles have you ready to move on to healthier water and safer drinking containers, there’s good news. You can stop using plastic while not giving up the convenience of disposable bottles.
Here are some ideas for how to cut plastic bottles out of your daily hydration routine:
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- Carry a sports jug: Today’s large, handle-on-the-side drink jugs come in a variety of designs and are used by business pros as well as athletes. These high volume containers can also be very helpful in meeting your daily water intake goals.
- Use an insulated metal thermos: Some would say that these thermoses have been nearly over-engineered as many YouTube videos show. When filled with ice, a metal thermos can keep water cold for 24 hours or more—even in a hot car.
- Update your home glassware: For at home hydration, think about upgrading your drinking glasses. Some new, lightweight designs or chemical free tumblers may motivate you to stay hydrated and bottled water free around the house.
We have identified that plastic water bottles do have some purpose, but it is best for your typical daily use to grab a glass or insulated water bottle, and fill it with filtered drinking water.
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