Experts Warn Against Bottled Water: Health Risks and Environmental Impact Revealed in New Study

According to a recent report from Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, the majority of Americans consume significant amounts of bottled water, with one in 20 relying on it for most of their hydration. However, only 10% of the population exclusively drink tap water. This statistic has raised concerns among experts, who are urging individuals to reconsider their drinking habits. The authors of the report, published in the esteemed BMJ Global Health journal on Tuesday, emphasize the need for change in the interest of both personal and environmental health.

Health Risks Associated with Bottled Water

The commentary highlights the alarming contamination levels found in bottled water, with studies revealing that anywhere from 10% to 78% of bottled water samples have been found to contain potentially harmful contaminants. These contaminants include:

• Microplastics: A monumental study conducted earlier this year revealed that popular brands of bottled water contain up to 100 times more nanoplastics—tiny flecks of material smaller than microplastics—than previously believed. These plastic particles have made their way into various parts of the human body, raising concerns about their potential to trigger inflammation, metabolic changes, reproductive issues, and even changes related to Parkinson's disease in the brain. Furthermore, Rolf Halden, director of Arizona State University's Biodesign Center for Environmental Health Engineering, warned that nine out of ten plastic bottles end up in the environment, disintegrating into microplastics and nanoplastics that pose global pollution and adverse health effects on living organisms, including humans.
• Phthalates: Commonly found in various products, including bottled water, phthalates are chemicals used to enhance the flexibility and durability of plastics. Recognized as endocrine disruptors, they interfere with the endocrine system, which regulates hormones. Exposure to phthalates has been linked to reproductive health issues, low IQ in children, and metabolic changes.
• PFAS: Renowned as "forever chemicals," per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are synthetic compounds employed to render products resistant to heat, including carpets and nonstick pans. These substances are notably persistent in the environment, taking hundreds or thousands of years to break down. Additionally, they can remain in the human body for up to a decade. Elevated levels of PFAS have been associated with higher cholesterol levels, liver enzyme changes, preeclampsia during pregnancy, low birth weights, and an increased risk of testicular and kidney cancer. Furthermore, PFAS may contribute to obesity and metabolic issues.
• BPA: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical utilized to enhance the strength and corrosion resistance of food packaging. Much like phthalates, BPA disrupts hormones and has been linked to a higher risk of infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), diabetes, cardiovascular disease, as well as breast and prostate cancer. While the Food and Drug Administration considers BPA levels in food packaging to be safe, they concluded after a four-year review that there is no need to change safety standards.

The Regulatory Landscape

It is worth noting that much of the concern regarding chemicals present in water bottles and food packaging is derived from animal studies, as it is challenging to conduct similar studies on humans. Dr. Jamie Alan, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University, acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the ramifications of chronic exposure to these chemicals, emphasizing the need for vigilance. Dr. Andrea De Vizcaya Ruiz, a professor of environmental and occupational health at the University of California, Irvine, also emphasizes the importance of minimizing exposure to foreign substances in the body, highlighting the potential health risks.

Despite the common perception that bottled water is safer than tap water, the authors of the commentary contend that this belief is largely fueled by marketing strategies. In reality, tap water in the United States is subject to stringent regulations and frequent testing, often surpassing bottled water in terms of safety. However, the notion of bottled water being superior to its tap counterpart persists, leading to increased consumption of bottled water.

Understanding Water Safety in the United States

The commentary authors acknowledge that while the United States boasts some of the cleanest and safest water supplies globally, this standard is not universally applicable. Areas with a history of industrial activity may have compromised water quality, warranting caution in choosing between bottled and tap water. The Flint crisis, for instance, underscored the importance of transparency regarding water quality and safety.

The Role of Marketing and Consumer Perception

The marketing efforts behind bottled water have successfully shaped consumer perception, leading many to associate bottled water with health benefits. Enhanced flavors and carbonation in certain bottled water brands have further contributed to their appeal. However, this raises questions about the need for such enhancements, as well as the critical examination of plastic-related scrutiny across various bottled beverages.

Making Informed Choices About Drinking Water

For individuals concerned about the potential health effects of bottled water, there are several steps they can take to mitigate risks. Dr. De Vizcaya Ruiz, whose research uncovered microplastics in human lungs and bloodstreams, recommends the following ranked order for drinking water:

1. Tap water in a reusable glass or stainless steel bottle: Residents in areas with safe drinking water can opt for this choice to minimize the risk of chemicals leaching from plastic containers.

2. Thicker plastic single-use water bottles: While still less desirable, these bottles, indicated by a triangle with a number on the bottom, are comparatively better in terms of plastic quality and health implications.

3. Clear plastic disposable bottles and jugs: Although not the optimal choice, occasional use of these lower-quality plastics is deemed acceptable, provided they are used only once and disposed of properly to prevent contamination.

4. Avoiding heat exposure: Regardless of the type of plastic, it is crucial to avoid exposing water containers to heat, as elevated temperatures can lead to increased chemical leaching.

The Imperative of Change

The testimony provided by the Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar researchers serves as a clarion call for individuals to reevaluate their drinking habits, concerning both personal health and environmental sustainability as concerns rise over the prevalence of bottled water consumption in the United States. While bottled water remains a lifeline in areas devoid of access to clean water, the unnecessary reliance on it in other regions raises questions about the long-term implications for human health. The potential presence of harmful contaminants in bottled water, ranging from microplastics to endocrine disruptors, underscores the need for heightened awareness and informed choices.