Plastic Bottles & Toxins

Although there are many health benefits from drinking increased amounts of bottled water, you may be getting more than you bargained for. Plastic containers are composed of chemicals that can leak out of the bottles and into the fluid. This occurs not only with water bottles, but also soda bottles, sports drink bottles and the most worrisome, baby bottles. However, there are steps you can take to decrease the incidence of exposure to these toxic chemicals.

Types of Toxins

There are a number of chemicals used to manufacture plastic bottles that can have deleterious health effects. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), also known as vinyl, is a synthetic product widely used in the production of plastic bottles due to its versatility. It is considered a plasticizer additive, which means it increases the flexibility of the plastic. PVC leaks a softening chemical called phthalate. Besides phthalates, probably the most well-known plastic toxin is bisphenol A. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in the production of polycarbonate plastics, which are used in food and drink packaging, as well as water and baby bottles. Bisphenol A is the most concerning toxin found in plastic bottles because it is so widespread. John Bucher, Ph.D., the associate director of the National Toxicology Program, stated, "The 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted by the CDC found detectable levels of BPA in 93% of 2,517 urine samples from people six years and older."

Health Effects in Adults

There are numerous health effects from consuming the toxic chemicals in plastic bottles. Phthalates are considered phyto-estrogens, meaning they mimic estrogen. They can interfere with pubertal development in girls and can increase breast cancer risk in adulthood. In 2007 Dr. Mary Wolff reported in the journal of "Environmental Health Perspectives," "A wide spectrum of hormonally active exposure biomarkers were detectable and variable among young girls, with high maximal concentrations...They varied by characteristics that may be relevant to development." The chemical bisphenol A has also been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer as well as numerous other health problems. The Journal of the American Medical Association reported in 2008, "BPA were associated with an increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and liver-enzyme abnormalities." BPA has also been shown to cause infertility and obesity.

Health Effects in Infants

The most disturbing health effects are those associated with consumption of chemicals from baby bottles. Like in adults, BPA disrupts the endocrine system in infants and children. Moreover, a January 2010 report from the FDA discussed the negative health effects associated with bisphenol A exposure of fetuses, infants and young children. The report stated, "On the basis of results from recent studies using novel approaches to test for subtle effects, both the National Toxicology Program at the National Institutes of Health and FDA have some concern about the potential effects of BPA on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland in fetuses, infants, and young children."

Identification

Despite growing concern of chemical leaking, plastic bottles are still manufactured with PVC and BPA. However, since 1988 plastic bottles have been identified by "resin identification codes." These codes were created to help with recycling and can be found on the bottom of plastic bottles marked with a triangle emblem. Most plastic bottles are made out of polyethylene terephthalate, which is marked with a "1." Reusable plastic water bottles are from high-density polyethylene, which is marked with a "2." Polyvinyl chloride is marked with a "3," low-density polyethylene with a "4," polypropylene with a "5," polystyerne with a "6" and polycarbonate is marked with a "7." The plastics to avoid are numbers 1 PET, 3 PVC, 6 PS and 7 PC or PLA. Numbers 2 HDPE, 5 PP and 4 LDPE are considered the safest bottles. For bottles that are reused or rewashed, such as baby bottles, use number 5 PP.

Prevention/Solution

To reduce the risk of plastic toxin exposure, drink water from a filter or out of a cup or glass. Consider using glass bottles in place of plastic bottles, including glass baby bottles. Some plastic bottles are actually labeled "BPA free"; choose these bottles instead. Do not heat bottles or drink bottled water left in a hot car. Extreme heat can cause the degrading of the bottles, resulting in more chemical leaking. Do not fill plastic bottles with hot liquids. Only heat foods or beverages with glass or ceramic containers. Last, when using a plastic baby bottle, heat the liquid first in a nonplastic container and then transfer it to the plastic bottle. Taking these simple steps can decrease the risk of chemical exposure.