Scientists Expose The Truth Behind Bottled Water
In recent years, bottled water has become a go-to choice for many looking for convenience and purity. However, a growing body of research is raising serious concerns about the health risks associated with bottled water, even though it’s marketed as a cleaner, safer alternative to tap water. Doctors and scientists are urging people to reconsider their preference for bottled water, and here’s why.
Hidden Dangers in Bottled Water:
Recent researches show alarming truths about the contents of bottled water. It was discovered that as much as 80 percent of bottled water contains microplastics. These tiny plastic particles, measuring less than 5 millimeters, can enter a living body and cause serious damage. Microplastics have been known to associate with several health conditions, such as disorders in fertility, delays in developmental levels among children, and diabetes. They also damage the body’s endocrine system, which controls hormones and can lead to problems like ovarian cancer or chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma.
But that’s not all. Contaminated chemicals can also leach into the water from bottled water, such as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), more commonly known as “forever chemicals.” They build up in the body over time and have been associated with a host of health issues, including liver damage, heart disease, and an increased risk of stroke. Shockingly, it is estimated that nearly 98 percent of Americans have PFAS in their bloodstream.
Tap Water: The Safer Choice:
You might think bottled water is the safer option, but experts say that tap water is actually a much better choice in developed countries. Tap water in places like the US and UK is subject to strict quality and safety standards set by government bodies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Conversely, the standard set for bottled water is not quite the same. Bottled water has a watchdog by the FDA that oversees the whole process; it does not enjoy the kind of regulation by EPA as its tap counterpart enjoys.
Studies have shown that bottled water contains pollutants like phthalates, which are used to make plastics more durable, and bisphenol A (BPA), a hormone disruptor that is linked to serious health issues like breast cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and behavioral problems in children. In fact, a study from the Environmental Working Group found 38 different pollutants in various bottled water brands, including industrial chemicals, bacteria, and disinfection byproducts-all of which are harmful to our health.
Environmental Impact of Bottled Water:
Besides the health implications, there are also enormous environmental impacts involved in bottled water. The making, disposal, and recycling of plastic bottles create greenhouse gases and methane, causing global warming. When bottles get discarded, toxic chemicals leak from them into the soil and the water, poison animals, and find their way into our food chain.
The Real Cost of Bottled Water:
While it may seem convenient, bottled water comes with hidden costs—both for your health and for the environment. Experts are urging a re-evaluation of the widespread use of bottled water. Not only does it pose health risks, but it also contributes to the ongoing plastic pollution crisis. Choosing tap water over bottled water can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and help minimize exposure to harmful chemicals.
Regarding your health, you find it ironic that the safest water is actually the one from the tap. Bottled water looks convenient and, unfortunately, very accessible today; however, the risks lurking with these tiny microplastics, noxious chemicals, and environmental impacts make this less ideal. So, the next time you grab that bottle of water, think twice. Tap water, which strictly adheres to quality standards and contains no bad pollutants, might be better for both you and the planet.