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Surely you also still see people running around the street, holding plastic bottles of water in their hands. These bottles, however, often contain large amounts of harmful chemicals. These can easily outweigh the benefits of proper hydration.
You should therefore pay close attention to the triangles on the bottom of the plastic bottles you use. Pay particular attention to the number in the middle of the triangles.
Each such number represents a different type of chemical substance from which the bottle is made. You have surely noticed it more than once, but did not attach any special meaning to it. However, you should …
1 – PET (Polyethylene terephthalate)
These bottles are intended for single use only. That is because they can release heavy metals such as antimony. These chemical substances, also labeled EPA, disrupt the function of your endocrine system.
2 – HDPE (High-density polyethylene)
It is the so-called “good” plastic. It has the lowest likelihood of leaching harmful substances into the liquid stored in it.
3 – PVC (Polyvinyl chloride)
Bottles made from this material are not recommended for use. PVC can release substances into the water that disrupt hormone function.
4 – LDPE (Low-density polyethylene)
This type of plastic is relatively safe. With proper use and without mechanical stress, no harmful substances should leach into the water from it. This material is also often used to make plastic bags.
5 – PP (Polypropylene)
It is again a relatively safe plastic. Provided it is not exposed to high temperatures and mechanical stress, no undesirable substances should leach into drinks and food.
In practice it is usually used to make yogurt cups and some types of water bottles.
6 – PS (Polystyrene)
Warning, it releases carcinogenic chemical substances. You should under no circumstances use polystyrene for storing drinks or food. In the case of portable coolers, food must be reliably separated from the walls.
7 – PC (polycarbonate)
For storing food and water it is the worst possible material. The reason is the release of BPA (bisphenol A). You should therefore avoid bottles or other containers made from polycarbonate under all circumstances.
