Is it safe to drink from plastic water bottles?
Barb Buffaloe, LEED A.P., M.S., Extension Associate & Resident Instructor, Architectural Studies, College of Human Environmental Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia Plastic and the “bottle” shape it takes is a very hot topic in the green world these days. One concern is that the plastic our bottles are made from is not safe because they can leach harmful elements into the water we are drinking. Another concern is that cracks and scratches in the water bottle can become a breeding ground for bacteria. It is important to know that there are different types of plastics that drinking vessels are made from. • Polyethylene terephthalate Water bottles like those from Aquafina, Dasani, etc. • HDPE or high-density polyethylene Milk and water jugs. Gray Nalgene bottles • PVC or Vinyl or polyvinyl chloride do not use any food container made from #3 • LDPE or Low-density polyethylene bags for bread, frozen food, and grocery. • Polypropylene Yogurt, margarine, and other food containers. • PS
