According to studies conducted by the Thomson Reuters Foundation, a human consumes about 44 pounds of plastic over the course of their lifetime. While consumer behaviour is shifting to favour sustainable products and environmentally responsible behaviours, plastic still reigns supreme in the majority of households. Plastic bottles, jars, containers, cutlery, rubbish bags, and other items abound in our kitchens, and their use is expanding at an alarming rate.
According to a recent assessment, India produces 6,000 tonnes of plastic every day, with approximately 10,000 tonnes going uncollected. Plastic not only contributes to environmental degradation, but it also has a negative impact on human health. In a chat, Kushagra Sharma and Kartik Rajput, Director, Volnaa beverages Pvt. ltd, discussed the negative impacts of drinking water from plastic bottles.
“Water is stored in a variety of plastic bottles, jugs, and containers. Plastic might be low-grade or high-grade, but it’s still plastic! Plastic containers transport a lot of chemicals and germs; thus, this is a highly damaging everyday practise,” they stated.
According to a recent study conducted by the State University of New York in Fredonia, bottled water contains high quantities of microplastics, particularly in popular brands. Microplastics are little bits of plastic trash that are 5 millimetres in length or less. Microplastic is detected in over 93 percent of bottled water, and while the World Health Organization claims there is no proof that microplastic intake harms your health, it remains a source of concern.
The dangers of drinking water from plastic bottles include the following:
Dioxin production is aided by direct sunlight. When heat is applied to a surface, a toxin called Dioxin is released, which can hasten the development of breast cancer if swallowed.
Biphenyl A (BPA) is an oestrogen-mimicking molecule that can cause a variety of health issues in females, including diabetes, obesity, reproductive issues, behavioural issues, and early puberty. It is preferable to avoid storing and drinking water in a plastic bottle.
When we drink water from plastic bottles, it has a significant impact on our immune system. When toxins from plastic bottles are consumed, they disrupt our immune system.
Drinking water from plastic bottles can induce liver cancer and a drop in sperm count due to the presence of a chemical called phthalates in the plastic.
