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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
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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 • 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
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