Ok. By now, unless you’re living in a cave, you know that BPA from plastic water bottles is not good for us. So industry has been moving towards BPA free bottles.
But what if the story was so much more complex? It always is.
First, as way of background, Bisphenol A (BPA) is not good for us and is linked to certain cancers, obesity, infertility and diabetes. This is a good enough reason to avoid drinking out of plastic water bottles.
Next, the quality of the water in bottled water is usually an issue, as seen in Environmental Working Groups’ bottled water study. Much of it is merely bottled tap water and concerns of chlorine breakdown products is high.
Finally, where on Earth did the idea that we need to lug around 12.5 ounces of water in the first place come from? I have certainly addressed our society’s blind devotion to the not-backed-by-research intake of bottled water. We just don’t need it. Period.
And yet, despite all of this, bottled water is everywhere. You can’t go 20 feet in a public place without seeing someone lugging one around, taking off the cap, and taking a short swig. Most often then bottle is half full. I just don’t get it.
Just in case all that I’ve written in the past is STILL not enough to convince you to abandon bottled water, I present this particular study. In it, researchers looked hard to additional compounds that would block the action of either estrogen receptors or testosterone receptors. Here’s the details:
- 18 bottled water products were evaluated, and 24,520 compounds were found (YES- that is 24 THOUSAND). These compounds were further evaluated for their effects on the estrogen and androgen receptors.
- In 13 of the 18 products, chemicals were found that blocked estrogen.
- In 16 samples there were antiandrogenic substance (blocking the action of testosterone), in some cases strong enough to block 90% of the action of androgens in just 3.75 ml.
- In regards to estrogen, one compound rose to the top: (2-ethylhexyl) fumarate (DEHF).
- Despite the knowledge that the bottled waters blocked androgen action, the researchers were unable to lock in which compound was the most to blame,
Overall, this means that entire picture of the bottled water product, whether it is something in the water or from the packaging, is toxic to humans. Period. Stop buying and using them NOW. Instead switch to a reverse-osmosis system (these days, you can purchase a 5 stage unit for around $100) or a stand alone unit such as a Brita water filter. If you use the larger, 5 gallon jugs in a dispenser, make sure you’re at least using the BPA free ones.
You’re not going to eliminate your exposure to plastics, but at least we can make a conscious effort to reduce the exposure. Bottled water is out. Period.