Bottled water danger: Why drinking too much can hurt you and earth
Photo: The truth about bottled water you didn't know (Freepik)
Consumption of bottled water is growing at record rates, with more than a million plastic bottles purchased worldwide every minute. Experts predict that demand will continue to increase, despite studies increasingly pointing to negative effects on health and the environment, writes Oleh Shvets, Ukrainian professor and dietitian, on Facebook.
What is the problem with bottled water?
For nearly two billion people worldwide, bottled water is essential due to a lack of access to safe tap water. However, in wealthier countries, its popularity is driven by convenience, marketing, and distrust of tap water quality.
The biggest issue is that low- and middle-income countries generate the majority of the plastic waste associated with bottles. For example, Asia generates over 80% of the plastic trash that ends up in the oceans.
Studies show that 10% to 78% of biological fluid samples in humans contain traces of microplastics and chemical compounds such as BPA, phthalates, and polychlorinated biphenyls. These substances can trigger hormonal imbalances, metabolic disorders, affect the reproductive system, and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
A recent study demonstrated that patients with microplastics detected in their carotid arteries were more likely to experience heart attacks and strokes over the following three years.
Another problem is the storage conditions of bottled water. High temperatures or prolonged exposure to sunlight increase the likelihood of harmful chemicals leaching into the water, contradicting the "pure" product image.
The environmental impact of plastic is also significant. Bottles account for nearly 12% of all plastic waste in the oceans, yet only 9% of them are recycled. Producing new plastic is cheaper than disposing of it, so most bottles end up in landfills, polluting soil and water.
Contrary to popular belief, tap water in middle- and high-income countries is often safer than bottled water. It undergoes strict quality control, while bottled water manufacturers are not always required to disclose full information about composition and contaminant levels.
Many countries have already started reducing bottled water sales, installing refill stations for reusable bottles, and running awareness campaigns. Experts urge governments to invest in drinking water infrastructure and tighten regulations for manufacturers.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
