5 votes

How worried should I be about plastic water bottles?

Posted by lou
Tags: ask.advice, water bottles

I'll be brief.

I have a collection of plastic water bottles including a large 12 liters container. I am in the process of replacing them with metal, but large metal containers can be expensive (I'm not in the US). How much risk do quality plastic water bottles really poses to my health?

Thanks!

10 comments

  1. aphoenix
    Link
    For reusable plastic containers, the appropriate level of concern is approximately 0, as long as you clean them regularly, and you're not leaving them with water in them under the dashboard of...

    For reusable plastic containers, the appropriate level of concern is approximately 0, as long as you clean them regularly, and you're not leaving them with water in them under the dashboard of your car for long lengths of time.

    10 votes
  2. [3]
    OBLIVIATER
    Link
    Realistically probably not much, but studies around that kind of thing are extremely difficult and we still don't understand the effects of all the different kinds of plastics on human health. Do...

    Realistically probably not much, but studies around that kind of thing are extremely difficult and we still don't understand the effects of all the different kinds of plastics on human health.

    Do you need a 12 liter water bottle? What's the use case, I'm assuming not just for personal drinking or anything. If you want something like long term storage of water, there are better solutions than a big metal container.

    7 votes
    1. [2]
      lou
      Link Parent
      I keep a large water container in my office. A large container makes it less likely that I'll empty it out and forget to refill.

      Do you need a 12 liter water bottle?

      I keep a large water container in my office. A large container makes it less likely that I'll empty it out and forget to refill.

      2 votes
      1. OBLIVIATER
        (edited )
        Link Parent
        You're probably fine with a plastic container there, but you could also look into something like glass like those ones you see in hotel lobbies. Edit: I'm thinking something like this, comes with...

        You're probably fine with a plastic container there, but you could also look into something like glass like those ones you see in hotel lobbies.

        Edit: I'm thinking something like this, comes with risk of shattering if you drop it, but I think if you're careful that's not that big of a deal.

        5 votes
  3. [5]
    BroiledBraniac
    Link
    The podcast Search Engine had a great episode on this exact question. It's probably worth limiting but there isn't enough evidence on the long term effects to be certain. Also the anxiety over...

    The podcast Search Engine had a great episode on this exact question. It's probably worth limiting but there isn't enough evidence on the long term effects to be certain. Also the anxiety over limiting that type of consumption could have even worse effects given thw prevalence of plastic in our world.

    4 votes
    1. [4]
      teaearlgraycold
      Link Parent
      I consider it a good idea to remove plastic utensils and containers from my home. It’s an easy win.

      I consider it a good idea to remove plastic utensils and containers from my home. It’s an easy win.

      2 votes
      1. [3]
        DefinitelyNotAFae
        Link Parent
        It's one of the (many) things that's hard about disability. Disposable utensils and plates are really helpful or crockpot liners and other things. I've tried to cut back but I think my partner is...

        It's one of the (many) things that's hard about disability. Disposable utensils and plates are really helpful or crockpot liners and other things. I've tried to cut back but I think my partner is accidentally throwing out our flatware and while I need to just get a new set, at some point plastic forks are just.... Easier.

        Sigh

        3 votes
        1. teaearlgraycold
          Link Parent
          You could purchase PLA utensils. I have to imagine the compostable plastic made from corn starch is less problematic when ingested incidentally.

          You could purchase PLA utensils. I have to imagine the compostable plastic made from corn starch is less problematic when ingested incidentally.

          1 vote
        2. tanglisha
          Link Parent
          This kind of thing seems to sneak up on good intentions. I have a friend who can only really drink with a straw; she had real issues when the city outlawed plastic straws. That was before metal...

          This kind of thing seems to sneak up on good intentions. I have a friend who can only really drink with a straw; she had real issues when the city outlawed plastic straws. That was before metal straws were common. Things are easier for her nowadays but dealing with a dirty straw away from home can be a real challenge when you have ataxia.

          1 vote