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Saturday, 8 September 2007

PET bottles health hazard?

PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles are used widely now. Drinking water is stored and dispensed in these bottles. There won't be a meeting or travel with out PET bottles. In India I have noticed people reusing plasic bottles for storing drinking water. I once recieved a mail telling about the danger of reused plastic bottles. Studies have shown dangerous chemicals in high concentration, above the recommended level, in drinking water stored in these bottles. For example, antimony, formaldehyde, etc. People are not aware of the health effects of plastic materials. People of low strata uses these bottles daily for years together with our knowing the harmful effects. Several studies have been published on this regard but there is still no consensus on it. WHO (world health organisation) should come out with the required recommendations and the type of containers that can be used to store drinking water. There should be public awareness programs in this matter directed towards people of poor socioeconomic class.

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