Real ecological solutions to disposable bottles, reusable plastic water bottles would ultimately be harmful to our health. “Reusable plastic sports bottles are widely used around the world, and ultimately little is known about the migration of chemicals from the bottles into drinking water.“, explain two chemists from the University of Copenhagen in a study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials.
The two researchers wanted to study the chemical migration in drinking water stored for 24 hours “in new bottles, bottles used regularly for sport for one year and bottles washed in the dishwasher“, details the study. To do this, they used three different types of water bottles sold in Denmark, two of which are made of biodegradable plastic.
And on closer analysis, the researchers detected more than 400 plastic-related compounds, some of which had never before been reported in bottled water. They also noted the presence of more than 3,500 substances derived from dishwasher products, for reusable bottles having passed through it.
Unidentified and potentially harmful substances?
A large part of the substances found by researchers is still unknown, but one of them seems to particularly worry researchers: photoinitiators, potential endocrine disruptors. “Just because these substances are in the water does not mean that the water is toxic and affects usrecognizes one of the researchers. The problem is that we just don’t know. In principle, it is not advisable to drink residues of soap or other chemicals.”
In the used bottles, the researchers also detected plasticizers, antioxidants and mold release agents, used in the manufacture of plastic, as well as diethyltoluamide, an insecticidal substance contained in mosquito repellent sprays. “The highest toxic risk was calculated for used plastic bottles, which had been filled directly after the dishwasher, without further rinsing.“, detail the researchers in their conclusion.
The study also points out that “the production of biodegradable plastic bottles does not mean that the bottles are necessarily made of natural compounds“.
What type of bottle should you choose and how should you store the water properly?
HAS Through their study, the two Danish researchers raise the question of the reusability of plastic bottles. While toxicological studies are underway to find out the real toxicity on our health, the researchers advise to fall back on glass or stainless steel water bottles.
To store tap water safely, ANSES recommends for his part to avoid using a plastic bottle as a water bottle or a carafe, “the chlorine in tap water can react with the plastic in the bottle“. The water can thus be stored in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hoursin containers such as glass or stainless steel, “more resistant than plastic to chlorine and the possible acidity of water“.
Sources:
- “Non-target screening for the identification of migrating compounds from reusable plastic bottles into drinking water”, The Journal of Hazardous Materials
- Drinking water: good consumption practices, ANSES, October 2020
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