Emily Chan
Each of the bottles emitted a number of different chemicals that varied between the types of water. Among the chemicals was n-hexadecane, which is known for causing cancer. There were also several other carcinogens present.
“Our findings provide compelling evidence that plastic bottles, when exposed to sunlight, can release toxic compounds that pose health risks,” Huase Ou, the lead author of the study, said.
“Consumers need to be aware of these risks, especially in environments where bottled water is exposed to sunlight for prolonged periods.”
Although these results seem scary, the experts note that the potential health risks of occasional sun exposure aren’t too much of a concern.
So, if you accidentally leave your water bottle out in the sun once while playing pickleball this summer, there’s no need to start panicking.
Even after being exposed to sunlight for a long period of time, the effects of toxic chemicals from a single bottle are rather insignificant.
Still, the study supports the idea that bottled water is not as safe as previously believed. It also emphasizes the importance of public awareness of the risks associated with plastic water bottles.
Not only are they hazardous to human health, but they also have a negative impact on the environment.
Moving forward, plastic manufacturers should modify the ingredients used in containers to improve the quality of their products and reduce the risk of toxic chemicals being released when subjected to sunlight. For consumers, staying informed about proper storage methods can also help lower the risks.
The study was published in the journal Eco-Environment & Health.
