Unveiling the Hidden Hazards: Harmful Chemicals in Bottled Water
A recent study has revealed a startling truth: popular bottled water brands contain dozens of unregulated harmful chemicals. The research, published in the journal Science Direct, analyzed 64 regulated and unregulated disinfection by-products (DBPs) in 10 popular brands, finding that all bottled water examined contained DBPs. This discovery raises concerns about the potential health risks associated with these chemicals.
However, the findings also offer a glimmer of hope. Susan Richardson, a chemistry professor at the University of South Carolina and study author, assures us that the bottled waters tested were less contaminated with DBPs compared to tap water. She emphasizes the importance of this discovery, stating that before this study, there was limited information on the majority of toxic, unregulated DBPs. Now, we have a clearer understanding of these chemicals.
Why It Matters: Disinfecting drinking water is crucial to prevent exposure to cholera, typhoid, and other microbial diseases. However, this process can lead to DBPs contaminating the water, posing potential health risks. Richardson highlights the concerns, noting that epidemiological studies link DBPs to bladder, colorectal, and reproductive cancers, as well as birth defects.
What to Know: The study examined unnamed brands, revealing that "grocery" and "name" brands had higher DBP counts compared to "designer" brands. Additionally, brands sourced from spring water generally had lower DBP levels than those labeled as purified. Interestingly, two "grocery" brands used purified tap water, resulting in significantly higher cytotoxicity levels than other bottled waters, with 43 and 83 times the average levels.
Bottled water contamination with DBPs can occur through various means. Richardson explains that many brands use tap water, which is "further purified," but not all DBPs are removed during this process. Some bottled waters are treated with ozone, an effective disinfectant, but ozone can also form DBPs. She also mentions that spring water can be infiltrated with surface waters contaminated with DBPs.
The study identified several unregulated DBPs in bottled water, including brominated DBPs, particularly dibromoacetonitrile, a known carcinogen. While levels were low and similar to those in tap water, the presence of these chemicals is concerning. Other unregulated DBPs found were chloroacetonitrile, dichloroacetamide, trichloronitromethane, dichloroacetaldehyde, 1,1-dibromopropanone, and 1,1,1-trichloropropanone. Total organic halogen (TOX) was also measured for the first time.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates some DBPs in bottled water, such as bromate, chlorite, haloacetic acids, and total trihalomethane levels. However, Richardson clarifies that the unregulated DBPs in the study refer to those not regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in drinking water and unlikely to be regulated in bottled water.
Interestingly, bottled waters have fewer DBPs compared to tap water. On average, 3 types of DBPs were detected in bottled water, compared to 37 in tap water. This finding is supported by experts like Sherri Mason, director of Project NePTWNE, who acknowledges the lower DBP levels in bottled water but expresses concern about other toxicants not typically tested for, such as benzene and micro- or nano-plastics.
Natalie Exum, a professor in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, shares a similar perspective, noting that chemical disinfectants in tap water can lead to DBPs, which may be reduced in bottled water through purification processes. However, she emphasizes the need for expanded regulation of DBPs in public drinking water to ensure the health of the population.
Vasilis Vasiliou, chair and professor of Environmental Health Sciences, highlights the striking discovery of over 50 priority unregulated DBPs in bottled water, compounds not routinely monitored. He raises concerns about cross-contamination and incomplete processing, challenging assumptions about the purity of certain treatments. Vasiliou advises that properly treated tap water, especially with basic home filtration, is a safe and practical choice for most people.
Despite the findings, Richardson advises against switching from tap water to bottled water unless there's a known contamination issue. She expresses environmental and cost concerns, emphasizing the plastic waste generated by bottled water. The study underscores the importance of further research and regulation to ensure the safety of drinking water for the public.
