10 Dangers of plastic drinking bottles

Plastic bottles are a practical and supposedly indispensable companion in many sports, as they are squeezable, light and easy to carry.

However, they also pose a variety of health risks. In particular, the ingestion of micro- and nanoplastics is a growing problem.

"A recent study by MedUni Vienna found that we ingest an average of one credit card of microplastics per week"

In particular, the substance bisphenol A (BPA), which is contained in many plastic bottles, is the focus of criticism. Although BPA-free alternatives are now on the market, discussions about the health risks of plastic bottles continue, as substitutes such as BPS, BPF and BPZ are also considered to be of similar concern.

Below you will find the 10 biggest health risks and problems associated with drinking from these bottles:

1. Ingestion of microplastics:
   Microplastic particles can remain in our body tissues and organs, causing inflammation and toxicity. They can affect hormone balance and the immune system and increase the risk of certain diseases such as diabetes, obesity and cancer. In addition, due to their small size, microplastic particles can pass through biological barriers such as the blood-brain barrier and potentially affect the nervous system.
   
   
2. Hormonal Disruption:
   Plastic bottles can contain hormone-like chemicals that can get into our drinking water and affect our hormones. These chemicals can increase the risk of breast cancer and other hormone-related cancers.
   
   
3. Bacteria and germs:
   Plastic bottles are an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and germs. The bottle cannot be completely cleaned due to the spongy structure of the plastic. This allows bacteria and germs to multiply and cause health problems, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
   
   
4. Damage to the nervous system:
   If a plastic bottle is used for too long, the plastic can leach into the water and release chemicals that can be toxic. Some chemicals in plastic bottles can damage the nervous system and cause developmental disorders and cancer. There is also evidence that the risk of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's is increased.
   
   
5. Changes in reproductive functions:
   Chemicals in plastic bottles can affect reproductive functions. BPA and other chemicals can increase the risk of miscarriage, premature birth and birth defects.
   
   
6. Poor dental health:
   Drinking from a plastic bottle can affect dental health. If we constantly drink from a plastic bottle, our teeth can be attacked and tooth decay can be accelerated.
   
   
7. Plasticizers
   Phthalates are chemicals used in plastics to make them soft. They can get into the water in the plastic bottle and have been linked to a number of health problems, including hormonal disorders, birth defects and cancer.
   
   
8. Mold:
   Mold growth in plastic bottles can cause health problems, especially for people with weakened immune systems or allergies. Mold can also produce toxins that can get into the water in the bottle and potentially cause health effects. In addition, mold in the bottle can cause unpleasant odors and tastes that can affect the drinking experience. Therefore, it is important to clean plastic bottles regularly and dispose of them as soon as there are signs of mold growth.
   
   
9. Decomposition in the heat
   If plastic bottles are filled with liquids that are too hot or heat up in the summer due to sunlight, for example, the material of the bottle may melt or decompose. This can release chemicals into the liquid that can be absorbed by the body.
   
   
10. Odor and taste problems:
    Plastic bottles can change the taste and smell of beverages. If the bottle is not meticulously cleaned on a regular basis, residue can build up on the surface and cause unpleasant odors and tastes.

In summary, drinking from a plastic sports bottle poses significant health risks. Ingestion of micro- and nanoplastic particles, as well as potentially harmful chemicals such as BPA and phthalates, can lead to various long-term conditions, including metabolic diseases, cancer and infertility.

Are there healthy plastic bottles?
In general, all plastics have the potential to release chemicals and thus affect our health.

However, some plastic bottle manufacturers advertise special materials and technologies that are supposedly safer and healthier than conventional plastic bottles. However, these claims are controversial and not always backed by sufficient scientific evidence.

It is especially important to make sure that bottles are free of harmful chemicals such as BPA and plasticizers.
However, there are some concerns about the safety of substitutes for BPA used in BPA-free products. BPS, BPF and BPZ are considered to be of similar concern to BPA, as they may also have hormonal activity.

To minimize health risks, it is advisable to use alternatives such as stainless steel, glass or ceramic bottles.

If you are concerned about your health, but don't want to give up the flexibility, squeezability and lightness during sports, a KEEGO is probably your ideal companion.

KEEGO combines the advantages of plastic and metal bottles by combining the light weight and flexibility of a plastic bottle with the durability, safety and resistance of a metal bottle.

The KEEGO is squeezable like a plastic bottle, but has an interior made of durable titanium that protects beverages from microplastics, bad tastes and migrating substances.

Although plastic bottles may seem cheap at first, the costs can add up over time, especially if they have to be replaced regularly due to wear and tear or loss. Reusable alternatives can be the more cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice in the medium term, as confirmed by a recent survey of more than 1,000 KEEGO users.

According to this KEEGO is used on average 4.7 times longer than comparable plastic sports drinking bottles. This also contributes to a smaller ecological footprint.

Overall, it is important to be aware of the impact that our choice of water bottle can have on our health and the environment. When we choose a bottle, we should make sure that it is of high quality, easy to clean and avoid any contact with potential pollutants.

KEEGO with inner layer of pure titanium

Sources:

1. Elisabeth S. Gruber, Vanessa Stadlbauer, Verena Pichler, Katharina Resch-Fauster, Andrea Todorovic, Thomas C. Meisel, Sibylle Trawoeger, Oldamur Hollóczki, Suzanne D. Turner, Wolfgang Wadsak, A. Dick Vethaak, Lukas Kenner. "To waste or not to waste - questioning potential health risks of micro-and nanoplastics with a focus on their ingestion and potential carcinogenicity." Exposure & Health, 2022. DOI: 10.1007/s12403-022-00470-8.

2. Schmidt, C.W. (2016). Bisphenol A in the Food Supply: Updated Exposure and Mitigation Strategies. Environmental Health Perspectives, 124(7), A115-A120. doi: 10.1289/ehp.124-A115

3. Wagner, M. & Oehlmann, J. (2009). Endocrine disruptors in bottled mineral water: total estrogenic burden and migration from plastic bottles. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 16(3), 278-286. doi: 10.1007/s11356-009-0107-7

4. Li, J., Zhou, G., & Zhang, J. (2011). Toxicity of nano-TiO2 on algae and the site of reactive oxygen species production. Aquatic Toxicology, 104(3-4), 242-250. doi: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2011.04.002

5. European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). (2015). Scientific opinion on the risks to public health related to the presence of bisphenol A (BPA) in foodstuffs: executive summary. EFSA Journal, 13(1), 3978. doi: 10.2903/j.efsa.2015.3978

6. United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2012). An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality

7. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). (2019). Bisphenol A (BPA). Retrieved from https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/sya-bpa/index.cfm

8. World Health Organization (WHO). (2011). Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality, Fourth Edition. Geneva: WHO Press. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/publications/2011/dwq_guidelines/en/