Millions of people in the United States are under a heat wave this year. According to NOAA, the upcoming July will be the hottest July on the record. Therefore, before you reach for a plastic water bottle to stay hydrated, you might think twice about whether it too has wilting under the hot sun.
The hotter the plastic bottle will get, the more the chemicals/toxins in its move into the drinking water. Most plastic water bottles release a small number of toxins into the food or drinking water they contain. And as time passes and temperature increases, the chemical bonds in the plastic increasingly break down and chemicals are more likely to leach.
Also, read our latest guide about Dangers of Plastic Water Bottles
What is plastic leaching?
Plastic leaching occurs when the chemicals/toxins from plastic leak out into the environment. This includes food, water, and other beverages inside the plastic packaging. People come in close contact with these harmful chemicals through disposable plates, cups, carton liners, and food packaging.
Although, these plastic chemicals aren’t firmly bound to their polymer cores, that’s why these chemicals break off and get into the human environment.
Different factors such as heat can increase the chances of chemical leaching. In general, the hotter your food or drinking water gets in plastic bottles, the more chemicals/toxins in it.
According to a study, around 90% of bottled water is contaminated by pollutants called microplastics. These are small pieces that carry leachable chemicals on them.
Is Chemical Leaching harmful?
According to health experts, tiny pieces of plastics can do great harm to the human body. Some leachable chemicals/toxins used in plastic include bisphenol A (BPA), and polycarbonated diphenyl ethers (PBDE). Once these chemicals enter the human body and start messing with the hormonal system.
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a commonly used additive in beverages & food. This chemical leaches out into the food we eat and beverages we drink. According to some studies, tomato sauce can have higher bisphenol A, because the sauce has acidic nature.
Overall, chemical leaching in drinking water can be harmful. Chemical leaching can occur when water comes into contact with certain materials, such as plastic pipes or containers. When this happens, chemicals can be released into the water.
These chemicals can then be ingested by people who drink the water, which can lead to health problems. Some of the chemicals that can be released through leaching include lead, mercury, and cadmium. These chemicals can cause a variety of health problems, including neurological damage, kidney damage, and cancer.
How To Treat Plastic Leached Drinking Water
Every day, we drink water that has been leached from plastic containers. We trust that the water we are drinking is safe, but recent studies have shown that this may not be the case. Treatment of plastic-leached drinking water is important in order to remove the harmful chemicals from the water. There are a few different ways to treat plastic-leached drinking water.
One way to treat chemical leached water is to boil it. Boiling water will kill most bacteria and viruses, and will also remove some dissolved contaminants. After boiling, If you don't like the taste of your water, you can always add a few slices of lemon or lime. This will mask the taste of the chemicals and make your water more refreshing.
Another way to treat chemical leached water is to use a water filter. There are a number of different types of water filters available, and they can be effective at removing a variety of contaminants. However, it is important to choose a filter that is specifically designed to remove the contaminants present in your water.
No matter which treatment method you choose, it is important to have your water tested regularly to ensure that it remains safe to drink.
By following the above-mentioned ways, you can help to protect yourself from the harmful effects of plastic leached water. But If you are still concerned about the safety of your drinking water, contact your local water utility or a certified water testing laboratory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do plastic water bottles leach chemicals into the water?
It’s true that plastic water bottles can leach chemicals into the water. However, the amounts of these chemicals are very small and are not considered to be a health risk.
What chemicals are in plastic water bottles?
The main chemical in plastic water bottles is called polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PET is considered to be safe for human health. However, some studies have found that PET can leach chemicals into the water, including antimony and bisphenol A (BPA).
What are the health risks of these chemicals?
Antimony is a metal that can be toxic in large amounts. However, the amount of antimony that leaches from plastic water bottles is very small and is not considered to be a health risk. BPA is a chemical that has been linked to several health problems, including hormone imbalances and cancer.
However, the amount of BPA that leaches from plastic water bottles is very small and is not considered to be a health risk.
How can I avoid drinking water that contains chemicals from plastic?
There are a few things you can do to minimize your exposure to these harmful chemicals. First, try to avoid storing water in plastic containers, especially if they will be exposed to heat. If you must use a plastic container, make sure it is properly sealed.
Second, filter your water. This will help to remove any chemicals that may have leached into the water. Finally, try to drink from a glass or stainless steel container whenever possible.
Tips:
· Avoid using plastic food containers. Instead, choose containers made from glass or stainless steel.
· Avoid using plastic wraps. Instead, choose alternatives like wax paper or parchment paper.
Final Words:
Although the health risks of drinking water that contains chemicals from plastic are not fully known, it is still important to be mindful of your exposure to these chemicals.
You can reduce your exposure by using a water filter and avoiding plastic water bottles. You can also help to reduce the amount of plastic waste by recycling plastic responsibly.