When you are buying water in plastic bottles, you should check the bottom of the bottle in order to avoid any potential health risks.
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You Should Check When You Buy Bottled Water
The bottles are marked with numbers and letters, which reveal the types of materials that are used in their production.
These markings will help you to identify if some toxic chemicals were used in producing the bottles and if the water is safe for consumption.
This information is extremely important because some chemicals can be a serious threat to your health. Here is the meaning of the recycling symbols on the plastic water bottles.
Plastic #1 – PETE or PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
This symbol stands for single use bottles. The plastic bottles that contain this symbol can release toxic chemicals and heavy metals, which can affect the hormonal balance.
These bottles should never be reused because a repeated usage can increase the risk of bacterial growth.
Plastic #2 – HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
This type of plastic doesn’t release any chemicals. The food experts advise the consumers to select these bottles when buying bottled water.
The bottles with this symbol contain one of the healthiest water on the market. This plastic is considered to be completely safe and to have a low risk of leaching.
Plastic #3 – PVC or V (Polyvinyl Chloride)
These plastic bottles contain toxic chemicals that can affect the hormones in your body.
You should avoid heating up these bottles because they release phthalates, chemicals that are connected to many health issues, including miscarriages and developmental problems.
In addition, they contain DEHA, which is linked to liver problems and loss of bone mass.
Plastic #4 – LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
Even though this plastic doesn’t release any chemicals, it cannot be used in the production of bottled water. Low-density polyethylene is most commonly found in squeezable bottles, food wrap foils, shopping bags, bread bags, clothing, and carpet.
Plastic #5 – PP (Polypropylene)
Plastic #5 is one of the safest types of plastic. This white colored or semi-transparent plastic is mainly used for the packaging of medicines, syrups, and yogurt.
Plastic #6 – PS (Polystyrene)
This kind of plastic poses many health risks since it releases toxic chemicals and carcinogenic substances, especially when heated. Also, it is very difficult for recycling, and therefore, bad for the environment.
Plastic #7 – Other, Miscellaneous
All the plastics that don’t fit into any other category are marked with #7. These plastics should be avoided because they contain bisphenol-A (BPA), a toxic compound which is considered to be responsible for causing hormonal imbalance, reproductive problems, infertility, hyperactivity, and many other health issues.
They are found in 3- and 5- gallon water bottles, nylon, sunglasses, as well as computer and phone cases.