Water bottles leak chemical
December 22, 2006
OTTAWA-A study of bottled water has found concentrations of potentially
harmful antimony increase the longer water is stored in a certain plastic.
A Canadian scientist now working in Germany tested 132 brands of bottled
water from 28 countries in containers made of polyethylene terephthalate
(PET). About 20 came from Canada.
William Shotyk of the University of Heidelberg found that concentration of
chemicals such as antimony increases the longer the water sits in PET
bottles. His study measured concentrations for up to six months; he plans
to test the samples again in a year.
"It's increasing over time because (the plastic) is leaching chemicals,"
said Shotyk, while in Ottawa to lecture on the findings. He was cautious
about implications for human health, saying more research is needed.
Antimony is a white metallic element that in small doses can cause nausea,
dizziness and depression. In large doses, it can be fatal.
Most of the Canadian samples had initial antimony levels of about 160
parts per trillion, but six months after sitting in plastic the level had
doubled. Still, levels were well below Health Canada standards of 6,000
parts per trillion.
canadian press
http://www.thestar.com/News/article/164236
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