Maya Ellison
Garden hoses are often made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a type of plastic that frequently contains phthalates, which are plasticizers added to make the material more flexible. Phthalates are considered toxic chemicals, and their use in products for children is banned in the United States above 0.1%. A 2016 study by the Ecology Center found that 75% of PVC hoses tested contained phthalates, with some having concentrations between 1% and over 8% by weight. While some companies are phasing out phthalates, they may be replaced by alternative plasticizers with potentially unknown health effects. Lead, another toxic substance, is also commonly found in PVC hoses, with some hoses containing up to 68,000 parts per million. These contaminants can leach into water, potentially causing health issues and birth defects. To avoid exposure, it is recommended to look for hoses labelled drinking water safe or lead-free and to avoid PVC hoses if possible.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Garden hoses contain plasticizers | Yes |
| Garden hoses contain phthalates | Yes, especially PVC hoses |
| Phthalates are hazardous | Yes |
| Phthalate-free hoses are available | Yes |
| Phthalate-free hoses are labelled | Not always |
| Phthalates are linked to health issues | Yes |
| Phthalates are linked to birth defects | Yes |
| Phthalates interfere with hormonal development | Yes |
| Alternative plasticizers are available | Yes |
| Alternative plasticizers are safer | Possibly |
| Alternative plasticizers are well-researched | No |
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What You'll Learn
- PVC hoses frequently contain lead, bromine, antimony, and phthalates
- Non-PVC hoses are safer
- Hoses with a drinking water safe label may still contain phthalates
- Heat and sunlight can increase the leaching of chemicals into the water
- Alternative plasticizers are considered safer than phthalates, but more research is needed
PVC hoses frequently contain lead, bromine, antimony, and phthalates
A 2016 study by the Ecology Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, tested 32 garden hoses from national retailers such as Amazon, Lowe's, Home Depot, and Walmart. The study found that PVC hoses frequently contained elevated levels of lead, bromine, antimony, and phthalates.
Lead was detected in 50% of the hoses, with levels greater than 100 ppm—the limit for children's products. Three hoses had lead levels greater than 10,000 ppm. Lead was more commonly found in the flexible vinyl hose layers than in the metal fittings.
Bromine was elevated in over half of the PVC hoses, indicating the presence of brominated flame retardants. Antimony was also detected in high levels, along with other elements found in e-waste, such as tin, copper, and gold.
Phthalates, a class of plasticizer chemicals, were detected in 56% of all hoses tested and 75% of PVC hoses. Recycled electronic waste vinyl was found in several PVC hoses, which likely contributed to the high levels of these contaminants.
These contaminants can leach into water and soil, potentially causing health issues and birth defects. To reduce exposure, it is recommended to avoid PVC hoses, choose hoses labelled "drinking water safe," and adopt habits such as flushing out water that has been sitting in the hose and storing the hose out of direct sunlight.
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Non-PVC hoses are safer
Garden hoses are often made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a toxic plastic that frequently contains phthalates, BPA, and organotins, which can interfere with hormonal and reproductive development. A study by the Ecology Center in 2016 found that 75% of PVC hoses tested contained phthalates, and 38% contained bromine and antimony. These chemicals have been linked to various health issues, including birth defects, impaired learning, diabetes, obesity, liver toxicity, premature births, hormone disruption, cancer, and infertility.
Non-PVC hoses, on the other hand, do not contain these contaminants. The same study found that hoses made from polyurethane or rubber and labelled "drinking water safe" did not show any of the contaminants tested for. These hoses are safer alternatives to PVC hoses, as they do not pose the same health risks.
Some companies are phasing out phthalates and using alternative plasticizers like DOTP, which are considered safer. However, studies on the new plasticizers have shown conflicting results, and more research is needed to confirm their safety. Lead is also used as a stabilizer in PVC hoses, and even low levels of lead can be harmful to humans.
To avoid exposure to toxic chemicals, it is recommended to look for hoses labelled "drinking water safe" or "lead-free." Storing hoses out of direct sunlight and flushing out water that has been sitting in the hose can also reduce the leaching of contaminants.
Overall, non-PVC hoses are safer options for garden hoses as they do not contain the same toxic chemicals as PVC hoses, and consumers should be aware of the potential health risks associated with PVC hoses and take steps to choose safer alternatives.
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Hoses with a drinking water safe label may still contain phthalates
Garden hoses labelled "drinking water safe" may still contain phthalates, according to research by the Ecology Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The study, which tested 32 garden hoses from major retailers, found that while hoses labelled "drinking water safe" were free of significant lead, bromine, antimony, and tin, three out of ten did contain phthalates.
Phthalates are plasticizers added to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to increase flexibility. They have been linked to a range of health issues, including birth defects, impaired learning, liver toxicity, premature births, early puberty, and hormone disruption. Due to these health concerns, the Ecology Center's report calls on national retailers and manufacturers to phase out the use of phthalates in garden hoses.
The study found that PVC hoses often contained elevated levels of lead, bromine, antimony, and phthalates, while these contaminants were not found in non-PVC hoses. Specifically, 75% of PVC hoses tested (18 out of 24) contained phthalates. Recycled electronics were found in many PVC hoses, which may explain the presence of these contaminants.
To avoid exposure to phthalates and other hazardous chemicals, it is recommended to purchase hoses labelled "drinking water safe" made from polyurethane or rubber rather than PVC. Even with this label, it is advised to avoid drinking from hoses unless you are certain they are phthalate-free. It is also suggested to flush out water that has been sitting in the hose before use, as contaminants may be more concentrated in stagnant water. Storing the hose out of direct sunlight can also reduce the leaching of contaminants and prolong the life of the hose.
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Heat and sunlight can increase the leaching of chemicals into the water
Garden hoses made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) often contain toxic chemicals such as lead, bromine, antimony, and phthalates. These contaminants can leach into the water and pose health risks to humans and the environment. Phthalates, for instance, are commonly used as plasticizers in the production of plastics and have been found to leach from microplastics, potentially causing endocrine disruption in marine life.
Heat and sunlight can indeed increase the leaching of chemicals from plastics into water. Sunlight exposure has been shown to cause the leaching of phthalates from plastic packaging into food products, such as juices. In one study, samples of lemon juice and vinegar stored in plastic containers for up to six months exhibited higher levels of phthalates, indicating that sunlight exposure and storage duration can contribute to the migration of these chemicals into the contents.
Similarly, heat is a critical factor in the leaching process. Higher temperatures can accelerate the migration of chemicals from plastics into the surrounding environment. This is particularly true for water, as heat increases the rate at which chemicals dissolve and diffuse, promoting their release into the aqueous medium.
The combination of heat and sunlight can further exacerbate the leaching of chemicals. Sunlight can degrade plastics through photodegradation, generating reactive oxygen species that contribute to microplastic aging and the release of chemicals. Concurrently, elevated temperatures facilitate the dissolution and migration of these chemicals, increasing the overall leaching rate.
To mitigate the risks associated with chemical leaching, it is advisable to avoid using PVC hoses for gardening or drinking water purposes. Opting for polyurethane or rubber hoses labeled "drinking water safe" can significantly reduce exposure to toxic chemicals. Additionally, storing hoses away from direct sunlight and heat sources can help minimize the leaching of contaminants into the water.
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Alternative plasticizers are considered safer than phthalates, but more research is needed
Plasticizers are chemical compounds added to materials to increase their plasticity, flexibility, and durability. Phthalates are the most common type of plasticizers and are popular due to their low cost, low volatility, and ability to create very elastic materials. However, there is mounting evidence that phthalates can leach out of plastics into food, water, and the environment, leading to significant health issues. As a result, there has been a push to find safer alternatives.
In 2015, the European Union added four new phthalates (DEHP, BBP, DBP, and DIBP) to the list of restricted plasticizers in cosmetic products, children's toys, and electronics. This was due to reported endocrine-disrupting capabilities. Researchers have also been working on developing safer alternatives to phthalates, such as nonmigratory plasticizers like the "tadpole" and "frog," which are chemically bonded to the polymer chain and cannot leach out of PVC products. Another example of a non-phthalate plasticizer is Hexamoll DINCH, which has been shown to be safer than phthalates as it does not produce endocrine disruption, reproductive dysfunctions, genotoxicity, or mutagenicity.
However, more research is needed to fully understand the safety of alternative plasticizers. For instance, while DINCH did not show genotoxicity in liver cells, it did induce cytotoxicity in kidney cells. Furthermore, alternative plasticizers may still pose ecological risks, particularly in marine and freshwater ecosystems, where they can lead to bioaccumulation.
It is worth noting that garden hoses have been found to contain toxic chemicals, including phthalates, lead, bromine, antimony, and bisphenol A (BPA). These chemicals can leach into the water and contaminate gardens and plants. Some hoses labeled "drinking water safe" have been found to contain phthalates, and even low levels of lead can cause health problems. To reduce exposure to contaminants, it is recommended to flush out water that has been sitting in the hose and store the hose out of direct sunlight.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, garden hoses can contain plasticizers. Phthalates are a class of plasticizer chemicals, and six of these are banned in children's products in the US above 0.1%. Phthalates were detected in 56% of all 32 hoses tested by the Ecology Center in 2016.
Phthalates were only found in PVC hoses, not in the eight hoses made of other polymers. Of the 24 PVC hoses, 75% contained phthalates. Non-PVC hoses did not contain these contaminants.
Yes, as some companies phase out phthalates, they are using alternative plasticizers such as Dioctyl terephthalate (DOTP), which is considered safer. However, studies have conflicting results, and more research is needed to conclude on the safety of newer plasticizers.
