Plastic water bottles leak antimony - polyethylene terephthalate

[Guest guest]

Now and then a parent asks, Why high in antimony? A possible clue for some

such families.

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Water bottles leak chemical

December 22, 2006

http://www.thestar.com/News/article/164236

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.

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

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