Glass or plastic: which container for water is better? Is it harmful to drink water from plastic bottles? Is it possible to drink from a plastic bottle?

Plastic has rapidly entered the life of modern man. Now plastic products surround us everywhere. This synthetic material is widely used for storing and consuming food and water. Let's find out more about the composition of plastic bottles.

What is the harm of plastic dishes?

We will not escalate the situation: just read and draw your own conclusions.

The human body is under chemical attack from all sides, but the worst thing is that we don’t even notice it. But then we are surprised at the illnesses and ailments that come from no one knows where.

And all because we are accustomed to unconditionally trust the opinion of the crowd. A typical manifestation of the herd instinct. In the system, it is considered right to be like everyone else and unfailingly accept what is given, and not to reflect, and certainly not to show awareness.

« Don't think, just consume! " - this is the motto of our time. The system does not care about our health, the system is only busy with self-preservation and absorbing everything it can reach.

Now is the time when the health of the buyer means nothing to the manufacturer. Only business, nothing personal. Profit comes first, nothing else matters. I don’t care if the buyer dies a couple of decades earlier, and irreparable damage is caused to the environment. The main thing is to have time to cook now, and then, as they say, there’s a flood. This is the true face of capitalism, when money comes first.

If in the Stone Age people had to defend themselves from animal predators, now we are forced to fight the same predators in the form of corporations with animal habits. The purpose of which is simple and clear - to satisfy the lower instincts, that is, money, money, money, and everything else does not matter.

Yes, it’s not easy to maintain your health in the modern world! Even little things like plastic dishes and bottles also contribute to the destruction of human health. Let's find out more about the harm of plastic and, of course, figure out how to avoid this harm.

The harm of plastic bottles

Why are plastic bottles dangerous?

It turns out that such containers may contain the chemical substance bisphenol-A.

This is a synthetic analogue of the female sex hormone.

And this harmful substance from the plastic bottle can penetrate into water or liquid, and then into the human body.

If you drink water from plastic bottles, you are increasing the amount of bisphenol in your body. And high concentrations of this substance are very harmful to humans. Let's find out what exactly the danger is.

• Bisphenol has harmful effects on boys and young men. Even a slight increase in the concentration of this substance can lead to a malfunction of the hormonal glands. Due to the poisoning of the body with bisphenol-A upon reaching puberty, there is a high probability of disruption of the process of sperm creation.
• For men, water from plastic bottles is no less harmful. First, increased concentrations of bisphenol increase the likelihood of prostate cancer. Secondly, bisphenol also has a negative effect on men’s health, as it disrupts hormonal levels.
• Girls and women are also susceptible to the negative effects of bisphenol. This harmful chemical promotes early puberty in girls and can also cause breast cancer in women. Female reproductive functions are also affected.
• Pregnant women are generally contraindicated to drink water from plastic bottles, since due to bisphenol poisoning, the child may be born with birth defects, for example, problems with the cardiovascular system. Problems with hormonal levels are no less likely. Scientists suggest that bisphenol-A can even have a negative effect on the structure of DNA.

So, the harm of plastic bottles lies in the contamination of the human body with a foreign chemical - bisphenol-A. Which, in turn, leads to general intoxication of the body and the consequences listed above.

« But everyone drinks water from plastic and nothing... - you say. Let's figure out why plastic bottles are dangerous.

1⃣ Firstly, it all depends on the regularity of drinking water from plastic bottles. Scientists at Harvard University conducted a study and found that drinking cold plastic liquids for just one week increases the level of bisphenol in urine by 69%.

2⃣ Secondly, the release of bisphenol depends on temperature. The higher the temperature, the more active water pollution occurs with bisphenol from plastic. That is, ordinary summer heat can increase the concentration of harmful substances in water tenfold. Well, if you fill plastic bottles with hot liquid or specially heat them, the release of bisphenol will increase up to 55 times! This fact should be known to parents who heat milk in plastic bottles for their children.

What to do? It is necessary to reduce the intake of bisphenol into the body. That is, use plastic bottles less often. Replacing them, for example, with glass ones, will have a positive effect on your health.

You can also look for plastic bottles without bisphenol-A: some manufacturers, sensing increased demand and, accordingly, the smell of money, began to produce safer containers for liquids. This is indicated on the packaging. Of course, in addition to bisphenol, there may be other harmful substances, but at least you will get rid of the most harmful ones. That is, all we need is to show a little more awareness in everyday life.

Disposable plastic tableware has become equally widespread over the past decades. There are several types of plastic tableware depending on the composition, and each material has certain disadvantages. The composition of the plastic is indicated on the dishes themselves in the form of a triangle with a number, so you can always find out what your plastic dishes are made of.

1. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) . These are disposable cups, plates, cans, boxes, bottles. Dangerous if reused or heated. Even ordinary heat (28°C) increases the rate of release of harmful substances into water or food stored in pet dishes by 10 times.

2. High pressure polyethylene (HDPE). Bags, mugs, jars, and bottles are made from this material. Do not expose to high temperatures. Otherwise, such plastic dishes release a carcinogen - formaldehyde, which is very harmful to the human body.

3. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Plastic bottles and cling film are made from polyvinyl chloride. If operating conditions are not observed, harmful toxic substances are released - phthalates, dioxide, bisphenol-A, heavy metals and vinyl chloride. Attention! Do not heat or cool (including in the refrigerator), contact with fatty foods is prohibited.

4. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Used for the manufacture of flexible plastic packaging, bottles (for vegetable oil), bags, containers for storing detergents. When heated, it releases a carcinogenic poison - formaldehyde. Please note: fast food establishments often microwave food directly in plastic bags. You can't do that!

5. Polypropylene (PP). It is used in the manufacture of food packaging film, yogurt cups, plates, spoons, forks, caps, baby bottles, hot food containers. Withstands temperatures up to 100°C. However, you cannot drink alcohol from this plastic or eat fatty foods. Well, it is not recommended to heat it above 100° Celsius. If you use polypropylene incorrectly, you can cause a crushing blow to your kidneys and eyesight.

6. Polystyrene (PS). These are trays and containers for storing food, spoons and forks, glasses. Do not heat polystyrene dishes, including drinking hot drinks from them. Polystyrene cannot be used for storing/consuming alcohol. The dishes are intended exclusively for cold food. If operating conditions are violated, it releases styrene into food or water, which is a carcinogen and a chemical estrogen that negatively affects reproductive functions.

7. A mixture of different plastics (OTHER). These are plastic utensils made from various materials. The composition can be different: for example, water coolers, common in offices, are most often made of polycarbonate. Polycarbonate, when used for a long time or heated, releases the toxic element bisphenol-a, which disrupts physiological processes in the body and leads to hormonal imbalance.

So, we have looked at all the materials from which plastic tableware is made. The conclusion is simple - any plastic utensils are harmful in one way or another.

How often do you look at what plastic is made of? Probably not very much. But you don’t want to poison yourself... Therefore, you need to either carefully look at the composition of the plastic and use it without violating the rules of use. Or (which is preferable) try to limit the use of plastic utensils in everyday life as much as possible. This way you will definitely save yourself from the harm of plastic utensils. And you won’t have to remember whether this material can or cannot be used in certain conditions.

CONCLUSION

Plastic is everywhere. By reducing its use, you will free up your body's resources. Previously, these resources were used mainly to eliminate the consequences of constant synthetic intoxication. Now you can direct your freed forces to something really necessary!

Yes, giving up plastic dishes and bottles is not so easy. The system is to blame for everything - it is beneficial for it that you are constantly busy, snack on synthetic fast food on the go and work, work, work. No free energy, no self-improvement. Your body should only function more or less for the benefit of the system. You must be obedient to the cogs in the mechanism; you should not have any strength or energy left for everything else. Your resources should only be enough to crawl home and hang out in front of the TV or computer.

Plastic dishes play a role in our enslavement - being in constant intoxication, we will never leave the general order. Because all your energy will be spent on the most important thing - cleansing the body and maintaining life.

Perhaps I exaggerated my colors a little. But only to convey one simple idea: only you yourself can take care of your health, no one else needs it.

It is worth paying more attention to the operating conditions of each plastic product. And if you have the opportunity to completely eliminate plastic utensils from your diet or simply use them less often, then do this, and your body will definitely accept such changes with gratitude.

More on the topic:

The benefits and harms of green tea for the human body Health benefits and harms of pine nuts The benefits and harms of walnuts for human health The benefits and harms of barley porridge for the human body Composition, benefits and harms of sunflower halva

Canada recognizes plastic bottle component as toxic
Canada is the first in the world to recognize the substance bisphenol A, widely used in the production of plastic bottles and food packaging, as toxic. Accordingly, baby bottles containing this chemical will be banned.

The decision to recognize bisphenol A as toxic is associated with reports of the potential danger of this substance for the environment and human health, which had a wide public response. It is suspected that the chemical may negatively affect the formation of the reproductive system and disrupt the metabolism of certain hormones. Of particular concern was the fact that bisphenol A is often added to the plastic of baby bottles to make it hard and impact-resistant.

Other countries do not yet share the opinion of Canadian competent authorities about the toxicity of bisphenol A. In the United States and the European Union, this substance is considered quite safe, since the quantities ingested from plastic bottles and food packaging are too small to pose a health threat.

The chemical bisphenol A (BPA) is used to make plastic bottles. In high concentrations, the effect of this compound is comparable to the female sex hormones estrogens. Initial studies by English scientists have shown that the presence of BPA in the human body can lead to a risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Subsequent experiments led to more restrained conclusions. For example, the BPA content in the manufacture of plastic bottles turned out to be significantly below the dangerous value. It is not able to accumulate in the body, as it is excreted within 24 hours. It has been proven that in liver diseases and obesity, the content of BPA in the body is also increased and this phenomenon cannot be associated with the use of plastic containers. The connection with the occurrence of cancer, strokes, and arthritis could not be proven at all.

In Germany, a number of studies were also conducted on the dangers of plastic bottles. A substance resembling the female sex hormone, namely 17 beta-estradiol, was found in mineral water, which was in both plastic and glass containers. Yes, the percentage turned out to be different, but nowhere did it exceed the level at which it would be worth talking about serious harm. The harm of plastic bottles is significant only in one case - if you decide to burn them and breathe in this smoke. This smoke will contain bezvreda dioxins, which can accumulate in the body, causing mutations, contributing to the occurrence of cancer, causing deformities in babies in the womb, and can even kill them. Another substance, benzopyrene, can also be carcinogenic. But all these horrors cannot happen to you if you only drink mineral water or juices, or milk from plastic containers. In order for the negative effect to make itself felt, it is necessary to inhale smoke from burning plastic containers. I can’t say that this article completely reassured me about the harm of plastic bottles, but it did allow me to look at this situation a little differently.

Let us add on our own that not everything is as fabulous with plastic containers as it may seem after reading. There are nuances that need to be taken into account. Plastic bottles and other containers are created according to specified parameters and for certain situations when used. For example, it is better not to pour juices or, especially, alcoholic beverages into a milk bottle. Another important factor is the integrity of the manufacturer, who can sometimes skimp on quality and environmental friendliness. Temperature conditions also need to be taken into account.

Did you know that when heated and in contact with water, plastic releases various harmful toxic compounds, which, when entering the human body, undermine his health, accumulate and cause various diseases.
Scientists claim that up to 80% of toxic “plastic” substances found in the human body come from:
construction and finishing materials - from insulation, waterproofing, wallpaper
household items - from plastic windows, furniture, household appliances
but most of all - from plastic dishes.

From food-grade plastic, various toxic compounds pass directly into food.
Using plastic utensils is very harmful. The use of plastic containers, which have now become fashionable, is especially harmful, since they are often used for storing and heating food in microwave ovens. It is with this use - heating and contact with water and food - that toxic substances and poisons are released and formed that enter the body. It turns out that we do not directly use poisons, and there seem to be none around us, but everything we touch under certain conditions releases poisons.
Technical and food plastics are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene and polycarbonate.
Polymers themselves are inert and non-toxic, but technological additives, solvents, and chemical decomposition products, when they get into food, have a toxic effect. This can happen when food is stored or heated. In addition, these materials, when subjected to change (aging), release destruction products.
Polyvinyl chloride is a chlorine-based polymer. It is distributed all over the world because... extremely cheap. It is used to make drink bottles, cosmetics boxes, containers for household chemicals, and disposable tableware. Over time, PVC begins to release a harmful carcinogenic substance - vinyl chloride. From a bottle it gets into a drink, from a plate into food, and with food into our body. Harmful substances from PVC begin to be released a week after the contents are poured into it. After a month, several milligrams of vinyl chloride accumulate in mineral water (oncologists believe that this is a lot). Often, plastic bottles are reused: tea or other drinks, even alcoholic ones, are poured into them. These markets sell milk and sunflower oil. Large bottles are used as buckets and they even store “living” and “holy” water in it (the healing properties of water can only be preserved in glass containers).
BOTTLED WATER IS DEADLY
We are so accustomed to drinking from plastic bottles that we don’t even think about the dangers of such containers. The water itself, which is used to fill the eggplants, may not contain any harmful impurities. Although there is evidence that some manufacturers “enrich” it not with minerals, but with pharmaceutical preservatives.
Australian scientists conducted an experiment and found bisphenol-A in 95% of the volunteers studied. Moreover, the number of test subjects included children and pregnant women. This substance got into the urine, most likely, from bottled water. Under normal storage conditions, plastic does not exchange chemical elements with water. When heated even slightly above room temperature, toxic molecules begin to actively move from the plastic bottle into the liquid with which it is filled. It is clear that in heat of more than 30 degrees, such water becomes poisoned, including bisphenol-A. This component negatively affects the thyroid gland, the central nervous system, and provokes the inability to have children, hypertension, obesity and diabetes.
There is another significant danger in our country - the reuse of eggplants. Some even pour hot water into them, others use them repeatedly. This certainly increases the risk of chronic intoxication. Experts also note the significant cost of such water, hundreds of times higher than tap water. They advise that it is better to spend this money on a high-quality water filter.
Water bottles should not be refilled with anything other than water. Only PET bottles can be reused. Toxic vinyl chlorine is released from PVC bottles. Experts believe that bottle plastic only remains neutral in the absence of oxygen, as long as the water retains its original chemical composition. As soon as the bottle is opened, the water and plastic quickly change their properties.
Conscientious manufacturers put a symbol on the bottom of dangerous bottles - a three in a triangle, or PVC, i.e. PVC. A harmful container can also be recognized by the influx on the bottom. It comes in the form of a line or a spear at two ends. If you press the bottle with your fingernail, a whitish scar will form on the dangerous one. A “correct” (relatively correct) bottle remains smooth.

MELAMINE TABLEWARE
Using dishes made of melamine (formaldehyde) is extremely dangerous. To make the dishes stronger, asbestos is added to them. And asbestos is prohibited even in construction, not to mention in dishes. Formaldehyde and asbestos are very harmful and can cause cancer. The design on such a plate is also harmful. You cannot apply a harmless dye to melamine - it will not stick. Therefore, paints containing heavy metals, primarily lead, are used.
Food in such containers becomes toxic (when heated, harmful carcinogenic substances are formed). Heating soup in such a container just a few times can cause cancer.

Studies were conducted on animals: some were fed for 2 months from porcelain dishes, and others from bright plastic. The latter experienced changes in blood composition, which often leads to neoplasms.
Together with food, formaldehyde enters the body - a poison that negatively affects many vital organs, even causing them to fail. This even affects the offspring (future children are born with various disabilities and will be delayed in development).
The dishes come from Turkey, Jordan and China - for the Russian market they are painted with scenes from “our life”. At home, manufacturers do not risk selling such dishes.
And in Europe they don’t like melamine; some countries write on the label: on the territory of the EEC, it’s not allowed, for export - please. This is how foreign manufacturers and sellers take care of the health of their citizens.

BEFORE YOU BUY SUCH TABLEWARE, THINK - IS IT WORTH RISKING YOUR HEALTH!?
Disposable cups can only be used for water. It is better not to drink acidic juices, sodas, hot and strong drinks from them! It is not recommended to place hot foods in polystyrene plates. Polystyrene (designated with the letters PS) is indifferent to cold liquids. But when heated, the glass begins to release a toxic compound (styrene).
Manufacturers of instant food products also often use polystyrene packaging (cup, bag, bowl). And when it comes into contact with hot water, it begins to release harmful styrene. Polystyrene plates are also used in summer cafes and canteens. In addition to the already not very healthy hot lunch, you can also get a dose of toxins.
Foods high in sugar and fat should not be cooked in plastic containers. They are heated to the point where the plastic melts and deforms. It is better to cook them in glass containers that can withstand heating up to 140, 180 or more C.
Frozen prepared meals in reheatable trays may lose adequate heat stability after being deep-chilled (some brands).
Plastic dishes - used mainly for storing food (cheese, butter) or ready-made dishes. You can't cook in it. You cannot store acidic foods, cabbage, pickled cucumbers and other vegetables in plastic containers. Wash with hot water too.

Canada has already listed bisphenol-A, which is used in plastic bottles, dental fillings, CDs and other everyday items, as a toxic substance. “Our science has shown that BPA can harm both human health and the environment, and we are the first country (in the world) to take decisive action on behalf of Canadians,” said Canadian Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq. Concerns about the harm of BPA were raised as early as 2008. Then Canadian scientists announced a possible connection between the presence of the substance in plastic dishes and changes in behavior, the risks of prostate and breast cancer, and changes in the brain.

According to Russian standards, bisphenol-A belongs to the class of moderately hazardous substances.
Some argue: if you do not exceed the permissible level of chemicals, there will be no harm. You need to eat more than 2 kg of canned food per day to get closer to the maximum permissible dose. Others insist: the more chemicals a person consumes, the more it destroys the body... Plastic entered our lives about 30 years ago. Now the first truly “plastic” generation is growing, and to draw conclusions about the effect of plastic on the body, you need to observe at least five generations...

Stop poisoning yourself!

There are a great variety of all kinds of elegant bags, jars and bottles in which soft drinks and water are now packaged. There are even more fears and myths in connection with the worsening environmental problem.

Headlines have reported that many types of plastic are made using toxic chemicals that can leach into products. The most famous and formidable heroes of the articles are bisphenol A and phthalates. Let's figure out what rumors abound on the Internet: myth or reality?

1. Myth: Most plastic (and even baby) bottles contain BPA.

Reality: The issue of child safety is always paramount for parents. In recent years, EU countries have conducted many studies into the possibility of migration of bisphenol A from polycarbonate products into food and drinks. These studies have proven that the release of bisphenol A into food is extremely low - less than 5 parts per billion. The conclusion is that less than 0.0000125 milligrams of bisphenol A per kilogram of weight enters the human body.

This is 4000 times less than permissible according to the standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency (USA). Even if your child drinks from a bottle every day, there is no reason to worry. For bisphenol A to harm a child’s body, the baby must eat and drink at least 600 kilograms of food and drinks that have been in contact with polycarbonate every day.

Advice: Do not store water in baby bottles for long periods of time. Wash and sterilize containers in a timely manner.

2. Myth: PET bottle is reusable.

Reality: PET bottles should only be used once and then recycled. This is due to the fact that this type of plastic, which is not resistant to alkalis and high temperatures, cannot be washed and disinfected well enough before reuse.

If used incorrectly, namely when heated at high temperatures, destruction of the polymer and active release of toxic substances into food and air are possible. However, don't be intimidated and use water bottles correctly!

Advice: Look on the Internet for places to return containers for recycling or check with water suppliers; many provide such a service.

• Do not heat PET containers in the microwave.
• Do not pour hot liquids (water, tea, warm milk) into PET bottles.

3. Myth: After opening the bottle, try to use it within 5 days, otherwise harmful substances will be released into it.

Reality: Research shows that plastic, under normal conditions, is unable to release harmful substances into the bottle. But after opening, the bacteria, along with the dust in the air, inevitably end up in the water, and if the water does not contain preservatives, they begin to actively multiply. After a few days (especially in a warm and sunny room), the concentration of microorganisms may reach such an amount that the water will develop an unpleasant odor (the water will dry out), and sediment may occur. Which of us will like this?

Adviсe:

• Drink water for 5 days and don't bother.
• Never drink water directly from a bottle unless you intend to finish it that day. Remember how your mother reminded you not to “drink from your throat?”
• If you need to store the container for more than 5 days, then leave the water in the refrigerator or on the balcony during the cold season.
• If you (your family or office) cannot drink a 19-liter bottle of water in 5 days, choose a smaller container. Ideally, disposable.

4. Myth: You cannot store plastic bottles in hot rooms or in direct sunlight, as harmful substances bisphenol A, phthalates, chlorine, dioxins, etc. will be released into them.

Reality: The sun usually cannot heat water in a bottle to the temperature at which such substances could hypothetically be released. The sun or high room temperature contribute to the growth of unwanted microflora in the bottle (unpleasant odors, loss of liquid transparency, change in taste), rather than dangerous releases of harmful substances into the water. For example: polycarbonate (marking 7) can withstand water temperatures up to 100°C; at approximately this temperature it is washed in production. Bottles (most often 19 liters) made of polycarbonate, just like plastic ones, cannot be left in the sun: bisphenol A has nothing to do with it, blue-green algae and other living creatures can simply develop in the sun in the water.

Adviсe:

• Always store water in a cool, dark place. In winter, it is ideal to store water at home near the cold balcony door
• In summer, never store water in the passenger compartment or trunk of your car.

5. Myth: Plastic dishes and containers have a protective layer that becomes damaged when reused.

Reality: There is no protective layer in such containers; reuse is not recommended for hygiene reasons. Disposable tableware is difficult to wash without hot water and alkaline detergents.

Advice: Use disposable paper tableware. In addition to the environmental friendliness of the material, it looks much more attractive.

6. Myth: When packaging food in cling film, harmful substances pass into the food, so it is necessary to cut off the top layer from it.

Reality: Cling films are most widely used as a means of packaging due to their low cost and the ability to work manually, without the use of additional devices. Vacuum polyethylene, in which meat and fish, vegetables, cheese and other products are often packaged, keeps them fresh longer, but in an oxygen-free environment certain types of bacteria multiply well, becoming more active after the packaging is opened. And if you also store it open in the refrigerator for some time, then the chances of getting poisoned increase sharply. If you have heated food in film, we do not recommend consuming it, since harmful substances have already been released.

INTERESTING: you probably bought semi-finished products in a store on a tray covered with film. Everything is clear about the film, but white trays are often made of polystyrene foam, a material that emits carcinogenic poison.

To avoid health problems, it is recommended to store the film at a temperature no higher than +70 °C, and never heat the trays. For your safety, it is important to use plastic as intended. Always carefully read the labeling on the bottom of the packages. Some types of plastics are more susceptible to destruction when heated, others - when exposed to alkaline detergents, and others - to alcohols and fats.

By the way, many of you probably wrap your suitcases in film when traveling, but not everyone knows that cling film is made of a different material - polyethylene.

7. Myth: Bottled water in plastic containers is a marketing ploy; it is better to drink tap water.

Reality: You drink tap water, and over 25 years your body accumulates 27 grams of boron, 1 liter of petroleum products, and another 3 kg of iron, an excess of which kills our kidneys. For an adult, 15-20 kg of nitrates are harmful. What about babies? When using tap water to prepare nutritional mixtures, there is a risk of a terrible disease - water-nitrate methemoglobinemia. This disease affects the heart and respiratory system. We reassure ourselves by boiling water regularly, but remember that boiling is not the answer! But boiling is a completely different topic.

Do you know how to purify tap water? The most effective water purifier is chlorine (Cl) and ozone (O3), when combined with them, 99% of bacteria die. The advantage of ozone is that when it is added to water, it quickly breaks down and does not remain in the water, which is why it began to be used at water treatment stations. But how to deliver clean, purified water to consumers through dirty, worn-out pipes? No one says out loud that chlorinated water is dangerous. Why? No other method of water purification has yet been invented.

Advice: choose active and mineral water that will deliver beneficial macro and microelements to your body.

8. It’s better to buy water in glass, it’s better for the environment.

Plastic is the leader among basic materials in terms of energy efficiency and environmental friendliness. In addition to low emissions, consider that plastic is lightweight, has low thermal conductivity, is resistant to damage, and is versatile. It is easy to recycle in our country, and after repeated disposal it remains safe. Various products are made from recycled plastic. Glass waste in Russia is recycled in small quantities. But even this amount of recycled waste ensures the conservation of about 10,000 hectares of land that could turn into huge landfills.

It is clear that any raw material that can be recycled is better sent to the necessary institutions. How long will it take for glass and plastic to decompose? Glass is not biodegradable. A simple glass water bottle has a decomposition time of 1000 years or more. A plastic bottle should also decompose, although its lifespan is slightly shorter. Without recycling and recycling, our entire planet would be completely filled with plastic and glass waste in a short period of time.

Advice: Find out where you can recycle bottles in your city.

Let's return to transporting bottles. What is easier to transport: a truck with glass or plastic? Plastic saves fuel consumption by 20% and reduces emissions of harmful substances. Example in numbers: transporting 14,000 liters of water in 0.5 liter plastic bottles over a distance of 1600 km (Moscow-Essentuki) will require 355 liters less diesel fuel and reduce CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions by 60% than transporting the same volume of water in glass . In addition, glass containers can easily crack during transportation, while PET is durable. The harm of plastic utensils is greatly exaggerated and manifests itself when used incorrectly.

Summarize. Yes you are right. The glass is practically impenetrable. Packaging made from this material is suitable for oxygen-sensitive drinks. The disadvantage of glass is obvious - it is fragile and heavy. Complex transportation, glass melting processes and the formation of new forms lead to huge energy costs. How many harmful substances will a truck with glass emit into the atmosphere before it gets to the disposal site? Therefore, disposable plastic bottles are preferred for dispensing water.

There are a great variety of all kinds of elegant bags, jars and bottles in which food is now packaged. But, alas, sometimes danger lurks behind the beautiful packaging. Most of the horror stories are about plastics, since many varieties are produced using toxic chemicals that can leach into food. And toxicologists call bisphenol A and phthalates the most dangerous of them. Let's try to figure out which plastics can harm our health.

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

Bisphenol A 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 by the Safe Markets Working Group, a coalition of American health and environmental NGOs, was based on a study of six major baby bottle brands and a review of more than 100 articles on BPA. It concluded that

Levels of bisphenol A released from polycarbonate bottles dangerous for children.

The baby bottles studied were sold under the brands Avent, Disney/First Years, Dr. Brown, Evenflo, Gerber, and Playtex.

All bottles contained bisphenol A

The following was found:

• All baby bottles tested released bisphenol when heated.
• The level of Bisphenol A released from bottles when heated ranges from 5 to 8 parts per billion.
• A review of more than 150 scientific journal articles on bisphenol confirmed that amount of bisphenol released from heated bottles is dangerous for animals, not to mention children.
• Heating increases the amount of bisphenol released.

The report states that laboratory studies have shown that levels of bisphenol A released from baby bottles have negative effects on animals.

Animal studies have shown that the effects of BPA include:

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

To minimize exposure of their children to bisphenol A, parents are advised to:

• Use glass or polypropylene bottles instead of polycarbonate (polycarbonate is a hard, shiny, clear or tinted plastic, usually with the number 5 or 7 or the letters PC on the bottom.)
• Those using polycarbonate bottles should not use strong detergents or put them in the dishwasher. Wash them with warm soapy water and a sponge. Hard brushes can damage the surface and increase the release of BPA.
• Do not heat food in polycarbonate containers; use glass or ceramic dishes.
• Do not buy baby food from manufacturers that use BPA in their packaging.
• Reduce consumption of high-fat canned foods, which contain higher levels of bisphenol A.

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 children's body. Removed from sale and money returned for bottles from well-known manufacturers.

In Japan, consumers have already announced a boycott of bottles containing this substance.

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

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

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

In our country bisphenol And so far it is not controlled in any way. This means that all we have to do is be reasonable in choosing this or that product, when purchasing, carefully study what is written on the packaging, try not to buy canned food for children in metal cans, do not heat plastic bottles, and feed babies the old fashioned way - with mother’s breast milk. By the way, this is the best and healthiest food.

What lies 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 may contain monomeric styrene, which is highly toxic, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is destructive to the human liver. You can determine what the product packaging is made of using special markings. If it is not there, it is better to refuse to purchase such a product.

We carefully study the labeling

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

In addition, plastic packaging is divided into 7 types of plastic, each of them has its own digital symbol located inside a triangle and an alphabetic abbreviation.

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

- used for garbage bags, juice packaging or household products such as shampoo, detergents or even machine oil containers. Intended for single use.

– also used to store shampoo and detergents. Can also be used to store glass and vegetable oil. Since PVC is a rigid material, it is widely used in the production of pipelines. PVC releases dioxins when heated, which are harmful to health, so heating this type of plastic should be avoided. Poisonous.

Used in the production of food containers such as bread, frozen foods. Ideal as a bag for dry cleaning. Plastic has strong flexibility and can be used repeatedly. Safe, easy to recycle and reuse.

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 yogurt, syrup, ketchup, or for cold or hot food.

used in the production of disposable plates and plastic cups. We often encounter it when we buy coffee or fast food. This plastic is used in the production of trays, foam packaging, packaging for CDs, ice buckets, paint, and eggs. Polystyrene is used for thermal insulation of buildings. Polystyrene can release toxins when heated, so you should be careful when it comes into contact with bodies that have a high temperature.

Other. Plastics that do not belong to any of these six categories. Used in the production 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 abnormal development of children.

Which plastics should not be used for food containers?

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

Plastics No. 1 And 2 Can be used for food and drinks only once.

Which plastics are safe?

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

Containers No. 4 and 5 can be used repeatedly.

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

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

Plastics under numbers 1, 2 and 3, Typically used for bottled drinking water, juices and other soft drinks and intended strictly for single use.

Avoid use of plastic containers numbered 6 and 7 for food storage. They use polystyrene, and it is mainly used to make foam. The accumulation 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 has changed in color.

Not long ago, the largest retailer of organic and natural products, House of Nubian, published an excursion on the dangers of water in plastic bottles. We have chosen the most interesting from this: why it is still not recommended to buy and drink water from plastic

. Tap and bottled drinking water usually contain fluoride. You may have been led to believe that fluoride is beneficial and will protect you and your family from tooth decay, as we have been led to believe for many years, but this is not the case.

2. A recent study conducted on children in India showed that fluoride not only does not protect teeth, but is also a toxin that causes more cavities. In addition, fluoride can cause health problems, including a weakened immune system. In addition, fluoride accelerates the aging of the body.



3. A study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association showed that fluoride is not only useless, but also harmful to teeth, and the use of fluoride by a child in his first years of life is fraught with fluorosis - chronic fluoride poisoning! Bottled water is generally not tested for fluoride. Keep this in mind. In addition, by purchasing water in plastic, you may not only not be protecting yourself from harmful doses of fluoride, but also expose yourself to even greater health risks.

4. Even pure spring water needs storage capacity, and the plastic industry has long been in cahoots with water producers. Obviously, it’s difficult to come up with a better and more environmentally friendly glass container, but when you choose plastic between glass and plastic, the risk of being exposed to the insidious effects of certain chemicals is enormous.




5. BPA or bisphenol A is a synthetic estrogen that is found in plastic bottles, dishes and plastic children's utensils, among others. In many countries, this substance is prohibited in the production of plastic bottles and children's dishes, but Russia is not one of them.

6. Exposure to BPA is associated with a range of health problems:
⁃ problems with learning and behavior;
⁃ changes in the immune functions of the body;
⁃ problem with fertility in teenage girls;
⁃ prostate and breast cancer;
⁃ diabetes and obesity.

7. If you still cannot do without water or plastic food, look for a triangle made up of arrows on the bottle or dish. Is there a number 7 in the triangle? This means the plastic contains BPA. The numbers 3 (polyvinyl chloride), 6 (styrene) or no numbers also indicate the presence of BPA. BPA-free materials are marked with triangles numbered 1, 2, 4 or 5.

8. Another dangerous enemy of human health that awaits us in a plastic bottle is phthalates. This substance is widely used as a cheap substitute for PVC in plastic production.

9. Phthalates destroy the endocrine system and have a detrimental effect on reproductive systems. The most obvious effects of phthalates entering the body:
⁃ decrease in sperm quality;
⁃ testicular atrophy;
⁃ liver cancer.

10. Studies have shown that boys whose mothers had high exposure to phthalates during pregnancy suffer from low testosterone and are less masculine.

11. And another study found that pregnant women exposed to phthalates gave birth a week earlier than those who were not exposed.

12. If you leave a plastic water bottle in the car or strap it to your bike and go riding around a sunny city, keep in mind that ultraviolet rays or high temperatures accelerate leaching - the release of all of the above substances into the water. So, it is quite possible that if you leave a bottle in the car in the sun in the morning, in the evening, when you take a sip of water from it, you will drink a little pure poison.

13. Dioxin is released from plastic when heated., which is known to be linked to breast cancer.

Your body is made up of 80 percent water, and you can live without it for a few days at best. Most of us are in a constant state of dehydration and don’t even realize it. However, by learning to understand signals from the body and not confuse hunger with dehydration, you will maintain your health. If, of course, you stop drinking water from plastic, replace it with glass, metal or latex.