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| - Last Updated on June 10, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A Facebook video claims that Dasani packaged water bottles can cause ADHD and hormonal disruption due to their BPA content. We did the fact check to term it as False.
The Claim
According to a Facebook video, Dasani water bottles can cause ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and hormonal imbalance due to the presence of BPA.
Fact Check
What is BPA?
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in the production of certain plastics and resins. It is commonly found in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, which are used in various consumer products, including food and drink packaging, water bottles, baby milk bottles and other items. BPA has garnered attention due to its ability to mimic oestrogen and other hormones, potentially leading to hormonal imbalances and other health concerns.
According to a 2014 FDA report, BPA exposure below 5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day is considered safe, while most people only encounter 0.2-0.5 micrograms per kilogram daily. The FDA still allows BPA in food packaging but banned it from baby products in 2012. Some new studies suggest that even these “safe” levels might still cause health issues because BPA can disrupt hormones. High BPA exposure has been linked to reproductive problems, developmental disorders, and certain cancers in animals, but more research is needed to find out if any level of BPA is truly safe.
What is ADHD?
ADHD, short for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a condition characterised by persistent challenges in maintaining focus (inattention), restlessness (hyperactivity), and impulsive behaviour. Its causes are complex, thought to originate from a combination of genetic predispositions, environmental influences, and neurological factors. Symptoms include difficulty concentrating, excessive activity, and acting impulsively. The condition is often first identified in childhood but sometimes persists into adulthood. Even though the precise causes still remain a topic of research, there’s evidence to suggest that environmental factors, such as exposure to certain chemicals, may contribute to its development. But, conclusive findings are still pending.
Does Dasani water bottle contain BPA?
No, Dasani water bottles do not contain BPA. Dasani water bottles are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, which is devoid of BPA. PET plastic is widely used in the beverage industry due to its safety and recyclability. The Coca-Cola Company, which manufactures Dasani, clearly states on its official website that Dasani bottles are BPA-free. Independent tests and reviews also confirm that PET plastic used in Dasani bottles is safe and does not pose the risks associated with BPA.
Can packaged water bottles cause ADHD?
No, packaged water bottles may not cause ADHD. There is no conclusive evidence that drinking water from PET bottles, such as Dasani, causes ADHD. ADHD is a complex disorder with multiple contributing factors, including genetic and environmental influences. Even though some studies have explored potential links between BPA exposure and behavioural issues, PET bottles do not contain BPA, and thus, do not pose the same risk.
ADHD has multiple causes, including genetics, environment, and brain function. And, research hasn’t found a direct connection between PET bottled water and ADHD.
Does bottled water affect hormones?
No, not exactly. The main concern regarding hormonal disruption arises from BPA, which can act as an endocrine disruptor. However, since Dasani water bottles are made from BPA-free PET plastic, they do not pose this risk. Although PET plastic is considered safe, improper storage (e.g. exposure to high temperatures) could potentially cause chemical leaching, but this is not specific to hormonal disruptions. In addition to concerns about chemical leaching, there’s a higher risk of bacterial and fungal growth when reusing packaged water bottles. So make sure to clean your bottles thoroughly everyday to control the growth of microorganisms.
Can packaged drinking water bottles cause health issues?
No. But wait, even when PET bottles like those used for Dasani water are generally considered safe. There may be some potential health concerns due to packaged drinking water. These concerns are not specific to ADHD or hormonal disruptions but may include issues such as chemical leaching and the presence of microplastics.
Moreover, reusing plastic packaged water bottles can introduce another health concern: bacterial growth. Improper storage, such as exposure to high temperatures or prolonged use without proper cleaning, can create an environment conducive to bacterial harbouring. This can lead to contamination of the water, increasing the risk of bacterial infections and other health issues. Therefore, while PET bottles are generally safe for single use, reusing them without proper cleaning and storage can pose health risks due to bacterial growth.
What are the side effects of packaged drinking water bottles?
Health concerns associated with packaged drinking water bottles extend beyond chemical leaching and the presence of microplastics. Reusing plastic packaged water bottles can also lead to bacterial exposure, especially when bottles are stored improperly or reused without proper cleaning. Bacterial growth in these bottles can contaminate the water, posing risks of bacterial infections and other health issues.
Furthermore, the environmental impact of single-use plastic bottles cannot be overlooked. Improper disposal contributes to plastic waste pollution, harming ecosystems and wildlife. Additionally, the production and transportation of bottled water consume significant resources and energy, resulting in increased carbon emissions and environmental degradation. A study found that producing one litre of bottled water uses 17.41 litres of water and 7.08 megaJoules of energy. Most of the water goes into making the materials (61%), while processes (17%) and energy (16%) consume less. Optimising water use during material production can reduce the water footprint.
Therefore, addressing these health and environmental concerns requires promoting responsible consumption practices and adopting sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic bottles.
What are the correct practices for using packaged drinking water bottles?
We recommend carrying your own water bottles for the sake of the environment. But, we understand, it is very difficult to avoid buying plastic drinking bottles due to the lack of clean drinking water in public places. This highlights a significant gap from the government’s side to ensure clean and safe drinking water points for everyone.
Being aware of the correct practices can be helpful:
- Proper Storage: Store bottled water in cool, dry places away from direct sunlight to prevent potential chemical leaching.
- Check Labels: Choose water bottles that are labelled as BPA-free.
- Reduce Use: Limit your reliance on bottled water by using reusable bottles and water filtration systems. Make sure you clean your bottles regularly.
- Recycle: Ensure that plastic bottles are recycled properly to reduce waste and environmental impact.
- Support Initiatives: Support environmental initiatives and policies aiming to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable practices.
Conclusion
The claim that Dasani water bottles cause ADHD and hormonal disruptions due to BPA content is false. Dasani bottles are made from BPA-free PET plastic, and there is no credible evidence linking them to ADHD or hormonal disruptions. There are some health and environmental concerns related to packaged drinking water bottles. But, these are not specific to BPA.
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