Brenda McHugh
Thursday, July 26, 2007

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There is no question that water does the body good. But for those who rely on bottled water, there may be a potentially harmful downside.

"Plastic bottles can contain chemicals like Phthalates and bisphenol A that seep into the water within," said Paula Baille-Hamilton, M.D., Ph.D., in her book Toxic Overload. "These toxins disrupt the endocrine system, interfering with hormonal balance to trigger symptoms like weight gain and fatigue."

To keep your bottled water supply safe, follow these tips.

1. Pay Attention to Expiration Dates

Toxin levels can climb to 90 percent for water that has been in single-use bottles for over six months, according to a study conducted at the University of Heidelberg in Germany.

Look for the supplier's date stamp. Some bottlers use a five or six digit line such as "061707" to denote June 17, 2007. Others companies use a "best if used by" date which is two years from the time the water was bottled. To safeguard your health, count back eighteen months from the expiration date and drink water in its first six months.

2. Check the Number of the Plastic

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Turn over a plastic water bottle and you will see a triangle shaped code. That ‘resin code' reveals the type of plastic used. You are likely to find:

PP5: Polypropylene plastic can easily be molded so it is made with fewer chemicals than other types of bottles. It is the overall safest and works well for refillable sports bottles.

HDPE 2: High density polyethylene has not been linked to leaching. It is often the type of plastic used for gallon jugs of water and other beverages.

PET (or PETE) 1: Polyethylene terephthalate is the manufacturers' most popular choice for single serve water. It is economic and deemed safe for one-time use. However, refilling these bottles may increase the chance that the chemicals will leach out.

3. Water Down Damage and Elements

Both refillable and single use bottles can create weak areas which give toxins like aldehydes and bisphenol A an easy way out, says Dr. Baille-Hamilton. To avoid problems, do not drink from reusable models that bear signs of age or disposable bottles with dings and dents.

Freezing water bottles can create tiny surface cracks, which create a pathway for toxins. And according to Dr. Baille-Hamilton, heat is another factor that speeds up the breakdown of plastic and increases the release of chemicals.

She suggests that any bottle previously stored in a hot car or left outside in the summer sun is tossed. And that reusable bottles should be hand washed and dried instead of using high-heat dishwashers.

Water still does a body good. As long as it is not filled with unnecessary chemicals.

© NewsMax 2007. All rights reserved.

Editor's note:
Doctor: Pure Water Can Save Your Life – Click Here Now

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