Plasticizers in water bottles: Myth or truth? 

Plasticizers in water bottles, along with a number of other substances of concern, have long been of concern to scientists around the world. The general public has come to believe that water bottles contain harmful plasticizers, BPA and hormones. But is this really true? Let's take a closer look. 

In this Guidebook you will learn ...

• ... what plasticizers are, 
• ... where they occur,
• ... whether plasticizers are contained in water bottles, 
• ... what other substances of concern have been detected in plastic bottles, 
• ... whether mineral water in PET bottles is harmful to health
• ... and which water bottles without plasticizers are best suited for everyday use. 

What are plasticizers? 

Plasticizers are substances that are needed to make hard and brittle materials soft, pliable and stretchable. Phthalates are the most common, but also the most questionable plasticizers. There are also other substances such as citrates, epoxidized soybean oil or adipates. 

The five most commonly used plasticizers are 

• DIDP (diisodecyl phthalate)
• DINP (diisononyl phthalate)
• DEHP (diethylhexyl phthalate)
• DBP (dibutyl phthalate)
• BBP (benzyl butyl phthalate)

Not all of these phthalates are equally questionable and harmful to health ¹. DEHP, DBP and BBP have been classified by the EU as toxic to reproduction and harmful to the development of children. They disrupt the hormonal balance and can promote hormonally influenced diseases. Their use is highly regulated and in some cases banned. DIDP and DINP, on the other hand, are classified as less harmful to health. 

Where are plasticizers contained? 

Plasticizers are used for materials that would be too brittle without the addition of these substances. These include, for example

• Rainwear
• Floating tire
• Floor coverings
• Disposable vinyl gloves
• Imitation leather
• Packaging material
• Nail polishes
• Adhesives
• Infusion tubes
• Stomach tubes

The plastics polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) generally do not require plasticizers ². Phthalates are also found in the packaging of fatty foods such as cooking oil, pesto and sausage and cheese products. The problem: plasticizers are fat-soluble and can therefore be easily transferred from the packaging to the food, especially in the case of fatty foods. ³ from the packaging to the food. 

For this reason, the majority of plasticizers are unconsciously ingested through food. However, according to the Federal Environment Agency, this is not a cause for concern in adults, as only small quantities are involved ⁴. However, it is dangerous for babies and small children. As they often put all sorts of objects in their mouths, their exposure to phthalates is much higher.

Substances of concern in plastic bottles: Are plasticizers one of them?

Contrary to widespread opinion, plasticizers cannot usually be detected in water bottles! The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) even expressly confirms that PET bottles do not contain phthalates or other plasticizers.

However, there are a number of other substances that have already been detected in water bottles and classified as questionable. These include

Bisphenol A ( BPA)

Bisphenol A - BPA for short - is a substance with hormone-like effects that was classified as toxic to reproduction several years ago and has been partially banned ⁵. BPA is contained in various plastic items such as drinking cups, drinking bottles and storage boxes made of polycarbonate as well as in the inner coating of food cans. PET bottles, on the other hand, are generally BPA-free.

Hormones

A 2009 study at the University of Frankfurt investigated possible hormonal substances in mineral water bottles ⁶. The researchers found that the levels of oestrogenically active substances in plastic bottles were twice as high as those in glass bottles. However, the origin of the hormone contamination could not be proven and the study was heavily criticized. To date, there is no further research that clearly confirms or refutes this study.

Microplastics

A study of microplastics in food was able to detect microplastics in reusable PET bottles in particular ⁷. It is assumed that contamination occurs during the cleaning and refilling of the bottles. The possible effects of microplastics on the human organism have not yet been sufficiently researched. According to the BfR, however, it is not currently assumed that the concentration present in food poses a health risk ⁸.

Acetaldehyde

Acetaldehyde is a substance that you can smell and taste even in small quantities. It often gives mineral water the typical sweet taste that you may already be familiar with. This is caused by suboptimal production processes or if the bottle is exposed to too much heat and light. The EU limit value for acetaldehyde is 6 mg per 1 kg of food. This value is significantly lower in water bottles - so no danger can be assumed here ⁹.

Antimony

Antimony is suspected of being carcinogenic and has a certain estrogenic effect. PET bottles contain low concentrations of this substance. However, these quantities are far below the level of concern - even with lifelong consumption of mineral water ¹⁰.

Is mineral water in PET bottles harmful to health? 4 myths

There are numerous myths surrounding PET bottles and their supposedly harmful effects on health. We clear them up:

Myth 1: PET bottles contain plasticizers

According to the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, PET bottles do not contain phthalates ¹¹. This misconception is based on the similar names polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and phthalates, which are known as plasticizers. However, these two substances have nothing to do with each other.

Myth 2: PET bottles contain hormone-like substances such as BPA

PET bottles themselves do not usually contain BPA. However, the mineral water bottled in them may contain BPA as a contaminant. The presence of other hormone-like substances has not been sufficiently proven. The only exception is antimony, which has a very low hormonal activity.

Myth 3: PET bottles are toxic

The statement that PET bottles are toxic is not true. Some substances of concern have already been detected in PET bottles, but in such low concentrations that they cannot be classified as harmful to health. Moreover, these contaminants are not exclusively attributable to the packaging material, but can also be of other origins.

Myth 4: Glass bottles are more environmentally friendly than PET bottles

You can't say that! Basically, it's not just the material that matters. The type of bottle, transportation routes and disposable vs. reusable are other important factors here ¹². So-called individual bottles, for example, sometimes have to travel very long distances and are therefore considered less environmentally friendly - regardless of whether they are made of glass or plastic. Likewise, disposable glass bottles are usually less environmentally friendly than reusable PET bottles.

Overall, the advantages and disadvantages of reusable plastic bottles and reusable glass bottles are relatively balanced. Glass bottles have the advantage that they can be refilled twice as often as PET bottles - around 50 times in total. Reusable PET bottles are much lighter, which in turn has a positive effect on the eco-balance during transportation. However, a great deal has also been done in the meantime to make disposable bottles more sustainable. So whether glass or plastic bottles are more environmentally friendly always depends on the individual case.

Water bottles without plasticizers: these options are available

The potential risk of plasticizers is a minor consideration when choosing a suitable water bottle, as water bottles are usually plasticizer-free. However, there are a number of other factors you should consider before buying your next water bottle - such as sustainability, other potentially harmful ingredients and hygiene conditions. Here's a quick comparison of the most common materials for reusable water bottles:

Plasticizers in water bottles: No, thank you! 

According to current research, there is currently no need to worry about plasticizers in water bottles. Many other harmful substances are also less common and only occur in low concentrations. And yet the following still applies: our drinking water straight from the tap is still the healthiest!

Finally, two important tips when using plastic bottles: 

• Do not leave plastic bottles in the sun or in the heat in general. This is because heat and UV radiation make it easier for any harmful substances to dissolve from the plastic and pass into the water. 
• Do not reuse plastic bottles. This creates cracks that form an ideal environment for bacteria and germs. 

FAQs

Which water bottle is the healthiest? 

Drinking bottles made of stainless steel are the best all-rounders. They are very stable, tasteless and generally free of harmful substances. Glass bottles are also recommended. The biggest disadvantage is that they are relatively heavy and therefore less popular. 

Why are PET bottles unhealthy? 

PET bottles are not unhealthy per se! Water from PET bottles does contain some questionable ingredients, but according to research to date, not in concentrations that are harmful to health. 

How long can you drink from a plastic bottle? 

It is not advisable to reuse plastic bottles. This is because repeated use may corrode the plastic and cause small cracks to form. These cracks are ideal for bacteria and germs to colonize, which then enter the body with the water. 

Is "BPA free" safe? 

"BPA free" only means that the labeled products do not contain bisphenol A. This does not mean that no other harmful substances can be detected. 

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