How to Tell Which Plastic Water Bottles Are Bad for Health

There has been plenty of debate, research, and information regarding the health safety of plastic water bottles over the last few years. As society is continually becoming more health conscious, the odds are high that you are interested in knowing which types of plastic water bottles have a damaging effect on your health. The process of finding a safe plastic water bottle is simple once you know what to look for. Every plastic water bottle has a label which identifies the type of plastic used. This is the key to determining which are safe to use.

Instructions

• 1

  Locate the the recycling symbol located on the plastic water bottle. It will be in the shape of a triangle composed of three arrow-shaped lines. It is usually located on the label of the bottle next to the barcode, although it may also appear on the foot of the bottle.

• 2

  Check the number code located within the recycling symbol. Number codes 2-HDPE, 4-LDPE, and 5-PP are deemed to be safe plastic because they have a minimal "leach" effect. Avoid the number codes 1-PETE, 3-v, 6-PS, and 7-OTHER. These degrade faster than the former, consequently leaching chemicals into the water.

• 3

  Examine the water bottle itself if you cannot find the number code. Do not use those that fade in color, appear to be warped in certain areas, or that lend a "plastic" taste to the water.