Are plastic bottles dangerous for health? Bottled water is deadly. "Beer in plastic bottles contains POISON!"

Many substances artificially created by man harm him. This applies not only to harmful industrial enterprises, but also the most simple things: additives to food, water with various chemicals, packaging, etc. But few of the average users think that a bottle of water purchased in a supermarket can somehow harm health. Although scientists say exactly the opposite. Ordinary plastic bottles are harmful to the body, and they also claim that plastic bottles are harmful to nature.

The harm of plastic bottles to humans

Kazakhstani oncologists have come to the conclusion that popular plastic containers can harm a person. Doctor medical sciences Dilyara Kaidarova, who is the chief oncologist of Almaty, claims that when heated, plastic containers are able to actively produce carcinogenic particles into their contents.

Such information was heard even earlier from the lips of some foreign researchers. There is evidence that one of the reasons for the development of breast cancer lies in the consumption of water from plastic bottles. When such a container is heated, it produces an aggressive substance bisphenol-A inside its contents. And as practice shows, a huge number of people leave unfinished liquid in cars or just in the sun, which causes the bottles to heat up, which activates the process of such a harmful release.

Dilyara Kaidarova claims that glass containers are much safer for health. And it used to be actively used in production. However, the pursuit of cheaper production process has borne negative results. In many Western countries, where the use of plastic containers has been practiced for much longer than ours, there is now a real boom in cancer. Therefore, the theory of the link between cancer and plastic beverage bottles has a right to exist.

But at the same time, Dilyara Kaidarova admits that the prevalence of cancer is explained by other factors: the consumption of GMO products, unfavorable ecology and not enough healthy way life.

Studies on the safety of plastic bottles have been carried out in many countries around the world. So Australian scientists studied quite a lot of people (including children and pregnant women) and in 95% of them, the above-mentioned bisphenol-A was found in the body (in the urine). This aggressive substance, most likely, entered the body precisely from bottled water.

When a significant amount of such a chemical enters the body, not only the likelihood of developing cancer increases, but also the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and arthritis. However, British scientists have conducted a number of studies that somewhat reassure the consumer: bisphenol-A is unable to accumulate in the body and is successfully excreted from it in the urine.

Thus, the consumption of bottled water takes place in the life of every person. But, if you are health conscious, do not heat plastic bottles, leave them in extreme heat and sun, and do not reuse them.

The harm of plastic bottles to the environment

Plastic bottles were invented by mankind over fifty years ago. And today a huge amount of such containers is produced and discarded in the world. Because of this, more and more landfills are constantly being formed on the planet, and real islands of plastic waste are formed in the seas and oceans. Such pollution harms animals, birds, fish, and, of course, people, because they are closely related to each other. Plastic cannot decompose quickly; this process takes at least four to five hundred years.

A closed plastic bottle is lighter than water, and, over time, under the influence of floods, it falls from landfills into rivers, from where there is a direct road to the world ocean. Sea currents carry debris into floating "Garbage Continents". Decomposition of plastic in sea water goes faster and the bottle breaks up into pieces the size of plankton. In this state, it is swallowed by fish and various birds. Some of the inhabitants of the sea perish, while others are eaten by larger predators. Further, along the food chain, the remains of plastic end up on the human table in the form of seafood ...

But what about plastic bottles? As you know, you cannot burn them. Indeed, when burned, plastic emits an aggressive gas phosgene, which is a highly toxic substance that can provoke cancer, asthma, allergies, etc.

Thus, plastic products are recyclable. One kilogram of such waste allows you to get eight hundred grams of secondary raw materials. And it is already used to create a variety of things: fabrics, artificial wool, carpets, insulation and filler for soft toys, etc.

Folk recipes

Traditional medicine specialists offer quite a few recipes based on herbs and improvised means that will help cleanse the body of various aggressive substances, including those that have got into it due to the use of plastic containers.

So a wonderful cleansing effect is obtained by taking flax seeds. Brew a glass of such raw materials with three liters of boiling water and soak in a water bath for two hours. Do not filter the resulting medication and take a tablespoon three times a day for two to three weeks.

Also, a good cleansing result can be achieved with the help of an infusion based on bird knotweed. Brew a couple of tablespoons of chopped raw materials with half a liter of boiling water and leave for two hours. Strain the finished medicine and take half a glass three times a day.

For blood purification, traditional medicine experts recommend using black elderberry leaves. Grind them well. Brew a tablespoon of the resulting raw material with a glass of boiling water and boil for ten minutes. Strain the finished medicine and take it one glass at a time about an hour before a meal.

Also, to remove aggressive substances from the body, you can mix equal shares of St. John's wort, knotweed, bearberry and corn stigmas... Brew four tablespoons of such raw materials with two liters of boiling water and boil for ten minutes. Wrap the medicine well and leave for half an hour to infuse. Take the filtered product one glass at a time about half an hour before a meal.

Bottled water actually cannot do much harm to the body, but it must be taken in moderation and wisely.

What do you know about how to choose bottled water? Probably to the bottom (whether there is deformation or unforeseen sediment) and to the cork (whether its integrity is preserved). It turns out that this is not enough to protect yourself from harm.

A plastic bottle usually has a record of what plastic raw material it was made from. It is imperative to know this! Since any inorganic material can release various chemicals into the liquid, both dangerous and not so. And if you look at the label, you will definitely find a special designation in the form of Latin letters. If you are not a chemist, then they will not tell you anything. And our task is to enlighten you in this important area.

The "PET" or "PETE" icon means that this is a disposable bottle that secretes into its contents a lot of all sorts of nasty things, such as: varieties of heavy metals and a lot of substances that can damage your hormonal balance.

Unfortunately, PET is the most popular plastic on the planet. The most important thing to remember well is that the bottle is one-and-one !!! This means that after consuming the purchased liquid, it must be DISPOSED! Pouring water or something else into it is categorically contraindicated, because in this case, in addition to water, you will also swallow alkalis and the darkness of bacteria, which multiply with pleasure on PET plastic.

But HDP or HDPE are absolutely harmless! They will not "enrich" you with any harmful substances. Therefore, if possible, buy drinks in containers with just such a marking. Firstly, you do not risk anything, and secondly, you care about the environment, because such plastic is recyclable.

It is tough to the touch, it is used for packaging dairy products, dishwashing liquids and kitchen surfaces, baths.

PVC or V are dangerous because can release hazardous chemicals that interfere with the endocrine glands and hormones.

It is a soft, flexible plastic in which vegetable oil and toys are packed. It is also used to pack a whole bunch of consumer goods, including garden hoses, window frames (PVC is durable and not exposed to aggressive sunlight or weather in general). They are sheathed with cables for computers. But if there is an alternative, it’s better not to buy.

LDPE is a good plastic because it does not "enrich" the products packed in it with chemicals. If a bottle is made from it, then you can buy it - there will be no harm. But if a packaging bag is made from it, then it's not worth it. Anyway, I advise you to skip store-bought packaging bags: they contain too many chemicals that can damage your heart.

Syrups, yoghurts are packed in PP. Usually he white, but it is also translucent. One of the main properties of polypropylene is temperature resistance: it does not melt. But it is still impossible to call it absolutely safe.

PS are used for production disposable cups for coffee. It is used to make containers for fast food. It is dangerous only when heated. If you do not warm it, then there is nothing to be afraid of. Do not store hot food or drinks in polystyrene packaging. But it is often used because it is considered an inexpensive, lightweight, and durable type of plastic.

PC (polycarbonate) is just poison! Despite this, this plastic is used in the manufacture of bottles and food containers. Containers for storing food are also made from it. But you CAN'T use them! Polycarbonate contains a substance called bisphenol A, which affects your endocrine system by interfering with the production of estrogen.

And the last thing. Do you want to be healthy and live long? Then choose a glass container, it will not harm you.

Today, plastic bottles are the most popular containers for water, various drinks and liquid products due to the availability, cheapness, practicality and ease of use of such material. Many people reuse plastic containers.

However, everyone knows about the dangers of these raw materials, so you can only use safe containers with a quality certificate. Let's take a look at if plastic water bottles can be reused.

The harm of plastic bottles

Certain types of plastic bottles contain hazardous chemicals called bisphenol-A. It is a dangerous element that penetrates into water and liquid, and then together with the product and into the human body.

The increased content of this substance and other chemistry leads to hormonal disruptions and hormonal imbalances, delayed sexual development of children and even hepatitis A. In addition, this causes severe poisoning, digestive disorders, impairs material metabolism, and can provoke allergic reactions.

Another disadvantage of plastic is that during prolonged use, cracks and scratches appear on the material, in which harmful bacteria and organisms accumulate.

Most dangerous place in this case it is the neck of the bottle. Studies have shown that thread accumulates greatest number bacteria that subsequently cause food poisoning.

Reuse or reuse of plastic bottles increases the risk of negative effects on your health and the health of your household. At the same time, the risk increases in direct proportion to the number of container re-uses.

If you still want to use the plastic bottle twice or more times, there are a few guidelines to follow to help keep you safe from harmful properties plastic and bacteria.

How to reuse a plastic bottle

After each use, rinse the plastic container thoroughly in warm soapy water and dry the material. Pay special attention to the neck of the bottle. Do not use hot water for washing, as it will damage the plastic and the material will crack !;
Instead of soapy water, you can use vinegar or an oral antibacterial agent. Such formulations will eliminate bacteria, disinfect and disinfect water. How to purify drinking water, see;
Use the plastic bottle as directed, i.e. Pour only water into a container from under water, from under oil - oil, and so on. Better to use a disposable container only once;
Choose containers with a wide mouth, as these containers are easier to clean inside. For a bottle with a narrow neck, you can take a special brush with a long handle;
It is best to use reusable plastic water bottles, which are made of tough, durable and dense plastic. But even such a container must be washed and dried after each use using warm soapy water;
Since the neck and screw caps or caps contain a huge amount of bacteria that enter the human body, use small bottles and drink the contents through a straw;
Choose products from quality and proven materials. The bottle can be reused if the packaging is made of polyethylene labeled “2” or “4” or polypropylene with the letters “PP” and the number “5”. Do not reuse containers marked "1", "PET" or "PETE", with subsequent use, the material will begin to release toxic substances. The most dangerous are category 3 and “PVC”.

Types of plastic containers

A triangle of three arrows is applied to the bottom of the plastic container, inside which there is a number, and below it - letters. This icon identifies the type of material, depending on which seven types of packaging are distinguished:

PET (E) or PET is a raw material for the manufacture of disposable plastic bottles for water, cosmetics, vegetable oil and dairy products. Cannot be microwaved, filled with hot liquid and reused;
PEHD (HDPE) or LDPE is used for the manufacture of milk packaging, garbage bags and packaging bags;
V or PVC (PVC) is used for the production of packaging films for food, footwear and furniture, for finishing and building materials;
PELD (LDPE) or HDPE - low-pressure polyethylene, from which pipes and toys are made, cling film and bags, bottles for detergents;
PP (PP) are the safest and most suitable for repeated use, long-term storage of products. In such a container, you can store hot meals except for fatty foods. Capacity allowed. Produce containers for food, cups and bottles for drinking;
PS (PS) is used for the manufacture of cups and bottles, trays and containers for food, various plastic dishes. But the material is only for cold food and drink. Plastic should not be placed in the microwave;
O or OTHER includes the remaining plastics from which baby bottles, refillable water bottles and multilayer packaging are made.

Polycarbonate or PET

For bottled water, polycarbonate or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging is used. The safest plastic is considered to be polycarbonate, which is characterized by strength and resistance to high temperatures.

It can be reused, but only for storing water. In addition, polycarbonate retains its original taste and beneficial features drinking water throughout the year.

PET containers are permeable to ultraviolet light and oxygen, which degrades the quality of the contents and increases the number of harmful bacteria. In addition, it is not resistant to shock and wear, and to high temperatures.

Such products can be used only once and it is not recommended to store water in PET packaging for more than three months. Otherwise, such a container can become a source of toxic and infectious diseases, poisoning and allergies.

The most common material for making water bottles is plastic. Most often used as raw material polyethylene terephthalate - PET (PET)... It is designated by a special icon - a triangle with the number 1 inside and the inscription PET or PETE. Polyethylene terephthalate is highly recyclable and recyclable and is considered one of the safest types of plastic.

Dignity

PET bottles are lightweight and durable, convenient to use and transport
Not only water is poured into them, but also juices, lemonades and others cool drinks
Water in plastic bottles cheaper than glass

Flaws

Bottles made of this plastic are not recommended to be reused, and most importantly - in no case should you pour hot or even warm drinks into them: when heated (for example, in the sun) toxic substances are released from plastic bottles
PET containers transmit ultraviolet rays and oxygen, and when long-term storage this may affect water quality

Much less often, a different type of plastic is used for packaging water - polyvinyl chloride (PVC)... It is designated by a triangle with the number 3 and the inscription PVC. Polyvinyl chloride is called poisonous plastic. According to research data, the carcinogen it contains, vinyl chloride, has the ability to penetrate into food, and then into the human body.

Dignity

Low cost

Flaws

High toxicity: the process of production, use and disposal of PVC is accompanied by the formation of large amounts of dioxins (dangerous poisons) and other toxic chemicals.

POLYCARBONATE

For reference:

Bisphenol a- a highly toxic substance that, accumulating in the human body, causes cancer, suppression of reproductive function and endocrine system, delayed brain development, diabetes mellitus, obesity and cardiovascular disease.

Used to make large 18-19 liter water bottles. The polycarbonate bottles are durable, shatterproof and comfortable. They can be used many times and have a long service life.

Polycarbonate is produced on the basis of bisphenol A, whose harm to human health was officially recognized in 2010 by the Office for Sanitary Supervision of Quality food products and US Medicines (Food and Drug Administration). When food is heated or stored for a long time in a container, bisphenol A is transferred from plastic to food.

However, the World Health Organization in the same 2010 recognized bisphenol A as safe, and the European Commission allowed its use for all food containers, except, perhaps, baby bottles.

Also, according to the results of research, it turned out that the leaching of harmful substances from polycarbonate occurs only in the first 2-3 portions of water. Then the container is filled dozens of times, emptied and washed, and the migration of toxic substances from the container into the water comes to naught. Therefore, if the bottle of water for the cooler, which was brought to your home or office, looks clearly second-hand, this is more a plus than a minus - it means that it has been washed many times, and harmful substances from polycarbonate have already left the water.

GLASS

A better container for any food and drink than glass has not yet been invented. Glass is chemically inert and water does not react with its components.

Previously, glass containers were widely used, and many remember how they bought water, lemonade and other drinks in the same glass bottles, and then returned them. And it was not only economically profitable, but also caused less harm to the environment.

CONCLUSIONS

Yuri Rakhmanin, Academician of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Director of the Research Institute of Human Ecology and Environmental Hygiene. A.N. Sysina:

“If you choose water in a plastic bottle, pay attention to the smell when buying. Good, high quality and safe plastic does not smell like anything. If you smell plastic, you shouldn't buy this water. If the bottle itself does not smell, but when you open it, you smell a musty smell, then it’s not the container, but the water. Most likely, the filters have not been changed in production for a long time, and microbes have accumulated on them. It is better not to drink such water. "

Andrey Mosov, head of the expert area of NP Roskontrol, doctor:

“Bottled water is the same product as everyone else, and it has a shelf life and must be stored under certain conditions. Read the label and follow directions.Regardless of the container, water should not be stored in the sun. Especially dangerous Sun rays and temperature rise for water in plastic bottles - toxic substances can enter the water. Choose freshly made water. The longer the water was stored, the more harmful substances from plastic got into it ”.

There is a great variety of elegant bags, jars and bottles in which food is now packed. But, alas, sometimes there is danger behind the beautiful packaging. Most of the horror stories are about plastics, since poisonous chemicals are used in the production of many of its varieties that can penetrate into products. And the most dangerous of them, toxicologists call bisphenol A and phthalates. Let's try to figure out which plastics can harm our health.

Environmental organizations in the United States and Canada have released a report called Toxic Bottles, which states that baby bottles major brands made from polycarbonate plastic, when heated, reach potentially harmful levels of bisphenol, a synthetic estrogen that can cause serious consequences for the child's body.

Bisphenol a are used in the lining of food and beverage packaging including baby bottles and sippy cups, teethers and other products such as sunglasses and CDs.

The report of the Safe Market Working Group, a coalition of American health and environmental nongovernmental organizations, is also based on a study of 6 major brands of baby bottles and a review of over 100 articles on BPA. It was concluded that

Bisphenol A emitted from polycarbonate bottles dangerous for children.

The examined baby bottles were sold under the brands Avent, Disney / Early Years, Dr. Brown, Evenflo, Gerber, Playtex.

All bottles contained BPA

The following was found:

All baby bottles tested released BPA when heated.
Bisphenol A levels released from bottles when heated range from 5 to 8 ppb.
A review of over 150 bisphenol scientific journal articles confirmed that the amount of released bisphenol from heated bottles is dangerous for animals, not to mention children.
The heating increases the amount of excreted bisphenol.

The report says that laboratory tests have shown that levels of bisphenol A secreted from baby bottles have a negative effect on animals.

Animal studies have shown that the effects of Bisphenol A include:

prostate and breast cancer,
early onset of puberty,
obesity,
hyperactivity,
reduces the amount of sperm produced,
increases the number of miscarriages,
diabetes,
disorders of the immune system.

To minimize the exposure of their children to BPA, parents are advised to:

Use glass or polypropylene bottles instead of polycarbonate bottles (polycarbonate is a hard, shiny, transparent or darkened plastic, usually with the number 5 or 7 or the letters PC on the bottom.)
Those who use polycarbonate bottles should not use strong detergents or wash them in the dishwasher. Wash them with warm soapy water and a sponge. Hard brushes can damage the surface and increase BPA release.
Do not reheat food in polycarbonate containers, use glass or ceramic dishes.
Do not buy children food those manufacturers who use BPA in their packaging.
Cut back on high-fat canned foods that are higher in BPA.

In April of this year, Canada became the first country which officially banned the sale of baby products containing bisphenol A (BPA or BPA, one of the ingredients in the plastic used to make baby bottles).

This happened after the Ministry of Health of Canada officially announced its harmful effects on the child's body. Discontinued and money returned for bottles of well-known manufacturers.

In Japan consumers have already boycotted bottles containing this substance.

In the California State Legislature a bill is being discussed to ban the sale of bottles containing Bisphenol A.

In other countries, while advising do not heat, sterilize or store milk and formula in bottles (because fatty liquids absorb BPA faster than water), and change bottles every 6 months.

By the way, large manufacturers of children's products They reacted very quickly to the situation and began to put special marks on products where there is no bisphenol A, “BPA free”, “BPA free” or “0% BPA”.

In our country bisphenol A is not controlled in any way. This means that we only have to be smart about the choice of this or that product, when buying, carefully study what is written on the packaging, try not to buy canned food for children in metal cans, not heat plastic bottles, and feed the babies the old fashioned way - with mother's breast milk. By the way, this is the best and wholesome food.

What is behind the beautiful packaging?

The safest plastics are polyethylene and polypropylene. Pure polyethylene terephthalate is harmless, but if it contains monomeric phthalates it is bad, especially for pregnant women. Polystyrene can contain monomeric styrene, which has a pronounced toxicity, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) destroys the human liver. You can determine what the packaging of the product is made of using special labeling. If it is not there, it is better to refuse to buy such a product.

We carefully study the marking

The recyclable plastic sign (triangle with arrows) is placed on all types of plastic packaging.

In addition, plastic packaging is subdivided into 7 types of plastics, each of which has its own digital symbol located inside the triangle and an alphabetic abbreviation.

PET or PETE (PET or PET) (polyethylene terephthalate)- commonly used to store water and soft drinks, vegetable oil, mouthwash. Suitable for single use only. Contact with hot water should be avoided.

- used for trash bags, juice packs or household products such as shampoo, detergents or even for lube containers. Designed for single use.

- also used to store shampoo and detergents. It can also be used for storing glass, vegetable oil. Since PVC is a tough material, it is widely used in piping. When PVC is heated, it emits dioxins that are harmful to health, therefore, heating of this type of plastic should be avoided. Poisonous.

used in the manufacture of food containers such as bread, frozen foods. Ideal as a dry cleaning bag. Plastic has strong flexibility and can be reused. Safe, highly recyclable and recyclable.

PP (PP) (polypropylene) is the most suitable material for food containers and baby bottles. Due to its high melting point, this plastic is used for containers storing yoghurt, syrup, ketchup, or for cold or hot food.

used in the production of disposable plates, plastic cups. We often come across it when we buy coffee or fast food. This plastic is used in the production of trays, foam packaging, CD packaging, ice buckets, paint, eggs. Polystyrene is used for thermal insulation of buildings. Polystyrene can release toxins when heated, so care should be taken when it comes into contact with hot bodies.

Other... Plastics that do not belong to any of these six categories. Used in the manufacture of water cylinders, sunglasses, iPods, DVDs. This type of plastic contains bisphenol-A, which is released when heated. According to research, bisphenol-A is a cause of cancer, hormonal disorders and malformations in children.

What plastic shouldn't be used for food containers?

Based on the above description, plastics 3 (PVC), 6 (PS) and 7 (Others) should be avoided in the manufacture of food and beverage containers as they contain hazardous substances like chlorine, styrene, and bisphenol, which are harmful to our health.

Plastics No. 1 and 2 can only be used once with food and beverages.

Which plastics are safe?

Polypropylene (number 5), and low density polyethylene (LDPE) (number 4) – the best option as they do not contain BPA or PVC.

Containers No. 4 and 5 can be used multiple times.

Do not heat or expose the plastic container to high temperatures, even if food should be reheated as instructed in microwave oven or oven. Food should be cooled to room temperature for storage.

When disposing of containers it is strictly forbidden to burn them as they will give off hazardous substances such as cadmium smoke and dioxins, benzene, etc.

Plastics under numbers 1, 2 and 3, are generally used for bottled drinking water, juices and other non-alcoholic beverages and are strictly for one-time use only.

Avoid use of plastic containers numbered 6 and 7 for food storage. They use polystyrene, and are mainly used to make foam. The buildup of styrene in the body can lead to serious health problems.

Avoid using plastic containers that do not have a number or symbol. Most likely, these containers are not food containers.

Should dispose of the container, if it is broken, has various scratches or discoloration.