Does the plastic in water bottles pose a health risk?
Studies have shown that the PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottle that we find in grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, etc contains a chemical called phthalates, which can leach into bottled water after repeated use and is a probable carcinogen. Although there are regulatory standards limiting phthalates in tap water, but there are no legal limits for phthalates in bottled water. Who regulates the bottled and tap water? EPA (Environment Protection Agency) sets standards for tap water provided by public water systems whereas FDA (Food and Drug Administration) sets standards for bottled water based on EPA’s tap water standards. However, FDA has little authority to regulate bottled brands and give the beverage brand makers the ability to choose what details they would like to give to their consumers. Bottled water companies are not required to have their water tested by a certified laboratory or to notify customers within 24 hours if they find elevated levels of contaminants unlik
