Are you Still Drinking Water From Toxic Plastic Water Bottles?
- Valerie Zimmer
- Mar 4
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 7
Plastic - Plastic - Plastic
Plastic, it's everywhere! In the 1950s plastic production exploded, introducing a new major pollutant into the environment and therefore, into our bodies. In recent years, plastic pollution has grown exponentially. Plastic is everywhere.
There are Large pieces of plastic - like your TV - and then their are small pieces of plastics - Microplastics. and the even smaller nano-plastics. Microplastics are tiny particles of plastic that are either intentionally manufactured or are a result of plastic consumer products breaking down. You can't see microplastics with the naked eye, but they are in the dust that you wipe off your furniture and t.v. screen. Microplastics accumulate in our air, water, soil, plants, animals, and bodies. Humans are ingesting and breathing micro and nano plastics and the toxins they contain through continued environmental exposure.
What was intended to make our lives easier isn't working out so good and I am sad to say, has probably made our lives shorter. Many of the chemicals in plastics are known endocrine disruptors, and research suggests that exposure to them could lead to hormonal imbalances, reproductive problems, and even cancer - for example, the phthalate DEHP (often added to shower curtains and garden hoses to make them flexible), has been found to be a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
If you didn't know - phthalates can be found in toys, cosmetics, fragrances, perfumes, nail polish, moisturizers, "air fresheners", vinyl flooring , shower curtains, some plastic food containers, mini-blinds, processed foods and more. Almost anything made of vinyl will most likely contain phthaltates. Items found in homes everyday!
*Regarding those phthalates - Learn to identify them by looking for acronyms on the labels. This will make it easier to avoid them. Below are the eight most widely used phthalate compounds used in common products:
BBP = (Butyl benzyl phthalate)
DBP = (Dibutyl phthalate): most commonly found in nail polish
DEHP = (Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate): most commonly found in medical products, like disposable gloves, tubes, catheters, and blood bags
DEP = (Diethyl phthalate): most commonly found in personal care products
DiDP =(Di-isodecyl phthalate)
DiNP = (Di-isonoyl phthalate): most commonly found in toys and childcare products, like bath toys, drinking straws, and rubber ducks !!!
DnHP = (di-n-hexyl phthalate)
DnOP = (di-n-octyl phthalate)
Plastics have a numbering system, look out for the number 3 within the recycling arrows. Also look out for the letters "V" and "PVC" under that triangle. If you see a 3, V or PVC your looking at extremely toxic plastic (phthalate).
Regarding The Plastic Numbering System
The plastic numbering system, also known as the Resin Identification Code, identifies the type of plastic used to make a product. The numbers 1–6 are used for specific types of plastics. 7 is used for a mix and other resins.
#1 PET plastics: These are water and juice bottles, as well as some food containers. The leaching of the chemicals into the bottles is worse with time, heat and pH (salad dressing, catsup, etc. is particularly bad). How long in the heat did the water set in the toxic plastic water bottles? Bottom line: buy a water filter and avoid #1 if you can.
#2, #4, #5 plastics are not as bad in terms of leaching chemicals. They do pollute and cause environmental issues.
#3 is PVC, polyvinyl chloride. Pipes, raincoats, shower curtains are made from it. It’s versatile and flexible. But it’s also called Poison plastic because it often contains phthalates which act on our hormones and is suggested to be carcinogenic. It also typically contains lead, cadmium and other heavy metals, which are also toxic.
#6 is polystyrene: to go cups and containers, packing peanuts, coolers, Styrofoam. Styrene is toxic to the nervous system and a suspected carcinogen. If you must use it, never put anything warm into it as it readily leaches chemicals into your food or drink.
#7 Plastic is actually everything else that does not refer to described above plastic recycling codes. Number 7 includes new plastics, bioplastic, and items composed of different types of plastics. This recycling logo also stands for polycarbonate (PC) which contains highly dangerous BPA (Bisphenol A). Try to avoid products with the PC label.
Remember, all plastic products can leach toxic chemicals when heated or damaged!
Never place warm food in plastic or heat food in a plastic container in a microwave, no matter what identification code is on the bottom.
Are you still drinking water from plastic toxic water bottles?
These plastic bottles are generally the #1 PET plastic (the kind that breaks down in heat and sunlight and meant to be used once).
Did you know, plastic water bottles can sit in potentially hot warehouses, during storage and distribution allowing the chemicals to leach from the plastic into the water! The FDA considers the levels of chemicals, including BPA migrating from the plastic bottles into your water during they typical storage, distribution and transportation to be within safe limits.
Oh, really? I don't think so! Do you? Check out the references below! ***
What Do We Do About The Plastics?
Plastics are not going away. They are here to stay. But, there are things we can do, choices we can make to ease the burden of plastic toxicity on ourselves and the environment. Thankfully, by changing some of our habits as consumers—as well as pushing for policy changes at the local and even international levels—we can make a difference.
Put pressure on your favorite companies. Encourage manufacturers to disclose whether their products contain phthalates, and urge retailers to stop selling products that have them. Tell them if they don't remove the phthaltes your not buying. Stand firm on your statement and purchase an alternative that is better for your health. If enough people do this they will eventually make the change. This has already happened in some instances.
Use an air purifier in your home. Air purifiers can trap microplastics in your home.
Stop using air fresheners (most contain phthalates). Use essential oils instead.
Take advantage of companies such as Yes Straws and Life Without Plastic and swap out everyday objects with toxic free and sustainable alternatives.
Carry reusable bottles and coffee mugs.
Choose loose produce rather then per-packaged.
Buying in bulk, when possible, reduces packaging.
Take advantage of products that state Phthalate Free.
Cut back on foods contained in plastic packaging.
Store foods in recycled jars instead of plastic containers or baggies.
Reduce or stop your use of single use plastics, like plastic cutlery and cups.
Carry and use shopping bags to avoid the single use plastic ones.
Avoid plastic wrap, use silicone bowl toppers to cover food in bowls and pans. Use reusable cloth covers and bees wax wraps. An upside down plate works to cover pots.
Ditch the shower gel in a plastic bottle and switch to bar soap.
Stop using commercial bottled water whenever possible, carry a glass or stainless steel bottle instead or bring a water filled thermos.
Anything we do will make a difference to reduce the burden on our bodies and also the environment.
Set The Example
Be a leader - Set the example - Plant a seed - Show the people you know what you do to reduce the use of plastic. Start by eliminating the single use toxic plastic water bottle. Reuse a glass bottle for your water or purchase a reusable tumbler. Purchase a reusable tumbler or mug for someone you love...show them how they can reduce plastic too!
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Wishing you all the best in health
~ Val
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