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The dangers of plastic? Truth or fiction?
While the evidence for plastic and pollution is clear, there is much dispute about “leaching” plastic and danger to health. This two-minute read reflects the I Love My H20 standpoint and tries to impart a concise and realistic view.
Plastics for beverage and food consumption:
BOTTLED WATER - FACTS
The major concerns about drinking water and plastic are;
a) Bisphenol A (BPA) in the 5-gallon (grade #7) carboys used, then re-used, by bottled water delivery companies. Also, BPA use in many plastic baby bottles and polycarbonate sports bottles. BPA mimics human estrogen and is primarily linked to birth defects & reproductive system issues.
b) Commercial, bottled water commonly uses PET plastic # 1, recommended for single use only. Bacterial contamination, as opposed to leaching chemicals, is the primary concern here. Heat and detergent may break down chemicals in these bottles too - why take the risk? Environmental damage is the gravest concern here.
PLASTIC AND HEALTH RISKS IN GENERAL - FACTS
Other serious health concerns derive from:
DEHA found in plastic type # 3 (cling film and softer plastics) which may cause liver, kidney damage and more.
Styrene (plastic type # 6) is toxic to brain and nervous system.
For a more detailed overview of the facts (plastic categories, uses and risks) please consult these fact sheets:
Plastics: Common Q & A's Plastic grade guide
NAPCOR (Plastic grade #1 PET association) - Let the manufacturers have their say too.
All plastic risks are greatly increased by extreme heat, microwaving, dishwashing, exposure to sunlight, harsh detergents. Highly acidic products (eg; tomato based sauces) should not be kept in plastic.
Best advice: replace plastic with glass alternative whenever possible
Note on plastic 1/4 tubing used in I Love My H20 office system set ups:
Our 1/4 plastic tubing used for beverage dispensers is non-toxic, non-corrosive and does not contain the high-risk chemicals listed above. It has superb longevity, approximately 10 years.
Copper tubing does corrode and deteriorate over time. It reacts with water and contributes to the undesirable heavy metal content (although the H2O filter would ultimately remove this).
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