|
Hidden Danger in Plastic Bottles
By Dr. Nona Djavid
Dr@nonaadjavid.com
Summer is arriving fast and we all know the importance of staying cool and hydrated. Whether it’s water, juice, or a wide range of other beverages, chances are there they are stored and consumed out of plastic bottles – after all they are the most cost effective means of production, and easy to transport. But did you know there is a hidden danger lurking in these bottles and containers we drink out of?
Plastic bottles are made from synthetic chemicals known as plasticizers. These substances make the bottles flexible and strong and come in two forms: Polyvinyl chloride plastics (PVC) and polycarbonate plastics. PVC contains phthalates - which if you are a health conscious individual or have read recent studies, know that it is a big danger to your wellness.Polycarbonate plastics contain Bisphenol-A (BPA), a potent hormone distributer, and carcinogen. Both of these forms are hormone disturbing chemicals leach from the plastic bottles into the water or juice that they contain.
There are plenty of research articles that show both phthalates and BPA to be an enormous danger to an individual’s health. These chemicals are linked to infertility, premature puberty, reduced sperm count, breast and prostate cancer, allergies, irregular menstrual cycle, and a wide range of other diseases and disorders that have not yet been pinpointed.
These harmful chemicals leach into the bottles’ contents through time and normal wear-and-tear. Studies show that exposure to heat and cleaning agents will increase the amount of toxins leaching into the liquid.
America is a consumer-oriented country, and there are countless products that use plastic bottles such as sports drinks, water, teas, sodas, and milk. Some bottles are soft and flexible, while others are hard and sturdy. But the level of how harmful these different bottles are varies – and you can check to see just how harmful they are by looking at the number imprinted on the bottom of each bottle.
If the bottom of your bottle has the numbers 1, 3, 6, and 7, the components of these bottles is comprised mostly of phthalates and is linked with hormone disturbance, disease, and cancer.
The remaining plastics 2, 4, and 5 although safer, may still leach chemicals into the liquids it is holding - but there are no studies that link these to any health conditions just yet. In terms of recycling 1 and 2 are the most commonly recycled plastics by most cities. So when my patients ask me which plastic bottle they should use, the answer is either glass or stainless steel – because these are the safest.
Keeping hydrated is extremely important year-round - especially in Southern California. It keeps our systems functioning properly and is important in sustaining good health. So fuel your body with plenty of pure, filtered water and ensure the container holding it is safe. Here are some other tips:
1. If you have to drink out of a plastic bottle, make sure the composition of the plastic is 2, 4, or 5.
2. Do not drink liquids out of a plastic bottle that has been sitting in the back seat of your car for a few days or is stored in your porch under direct sunlight. Heat and sunlight can expedite the chemical reactions and allow more of the chemicals to seep into the water.
3. Buy or use a home water filtration system and fill empty glass bottles. Glass has none of the chemicals that can cause disease, and the water will taste better too.
4. Recycle any and all plastic containers so that they don’t find their way into the environment. Research has shown that chemicals from plastic bottles actually contaminate soil and ground water, leading to the same health risks.
By taking these simple steps, you too can ensure a healthy life for you and your loved ones and reduce the risk of chronic and sometimes-life threatening diseases.
|
