PET-bottles

PET-bottles

Reports from around the world regarding substances in PET bottles that cause cancer are worrying users of the SODIS method. Therefore, a number of research institutions tested the scientific accuracy of these reports and carried out their own analyses of the materials. Studies have been produced for the following substances: antimony, adipates, phthalates, acetaldehydes and formaldehydes. These studies show that when the SODIS method is applied correctly with PET bottles, there is no danger to human health.

Antimony

Antimony speeds up chemical processes in the manufacture of PET (catalyst). However, antimony does not get into the water unless the bottles are stored for a very long time or heated to very high temperatures. The storage times and temperatures in question far exceed those that are involved in the correct application of the SODIS method. There is therefore no danger to the health of SODIS users.

Adipates and phthalates

Adipates and phthalates are used as softeners in the production of certain types of plastics and packaging materials (e.g. PVC). Adding these substances to the plastic makes it more flexible and easier to work. Although these softeners are not particularly toxic, they do represent a threat to health if they are consumed in large quantities. However, softeners are not needed in the production of PET. If softeners are found in the water from PET bottles, they must have been in the water before the bottles were filled.

Aldehydes

Aldehydes are formed when the plastic is heated in the manufacturing process for PET bottles. A research group in Eawag, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology,, therefore researched the questions of whether formaldehydes and acetaldehydes are transferred from the PET bottles to the water when the SODIS method is applied, and if so, in what quantities. It was found that exposure to the sun has no effect on the concentration of acetaldehydes, though the concentration of formaldehydes does increase with the length of exposure. However the concentrations of aliphatic aldehydes remained far below the state regulatory limit for drinking water in all samples. Therefore, the SODIS method does not pose a health risk.

Scientific publication