Bottled Water Harbors a Hormone Disrupting Chemical

A lot of people drink bottled water because they think that it is fresher and it is better for them. However, the latest studies in the field have revealed the presence of an endocrine-disrupting chemical (or EDC) in the bottled water found on market’s shelves.Bottled Water Harbors a Hormone Disrupting Chemical

EDCs

The substances are artificial and they are commonly found in different kinds of plastics. These have been proven to interfere with the hormones of different organisms, especially the reproductive system.

Back in 2010 one of the studies showed that the women who were exposed to EDC during their pregnancy were more likely to be affected by breast cancer.

Where do the EDCs come from?

In many cases the EDCs come from the plastics that the water is stored in. The recent studies showed that Bisphenol A or BPA can be also found in the plastic that is used to produce baby bottles. The most recent study meant to show whether EDCs can sweep into bottled water and what kind of EDCs these are.

The Latest Study

The team of researchers run a review of the available studies and data regarding the matter and they also reviewed 18 water products to see whether they contained any antiestrogenic compounds or any substances that would block other biological processes.

Results

The results came as a shock to the world. 13 out of the 18 water products contained antiestrogenic compounds. In the same time 16 products showed antiandrogenic activities. This means that consuming these products can and will interfere with the hormone production of the body.

DEHF

The spectrometric simulations have revealed the presence of DEHF (or di(2-ethylhexyl) fumarate) in the water products. The specialists claim that this compound suggests antiandrogenic activity. This means that it is possible for the water to contain EDC which hasn’t been discovered yet.

Is DEHF Dangerous?

Although the findings are somewhat alarming, at the moment there is no strong evidence suggesting that DEHF is dangerous for people. There is need for further studies to find out whether it is needed to ban some of the plastics that are used for packaging foods.

All this means that the water that you have on your desk and in the kitchen may do more harm to you than good. However, we also have to add that the specialists aren’t certain about the effects that some chemicals may have. Still, it is better to be safe than sorry.