Alexei Volkov
Plastic containers have been scrutinized for their potential health risks, with some plastics containing harmful chemicals that can leach into food and drinks. When it comes to water storage, it is important to ensure that the containers used are safe and do not compromise the quality of the water. The type of plastic used for water storage can have a significant impact on its safety, and it is crucial to choose containers that are approved for food and beverage contact.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic type | Polyethylene, Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polypropylene (PP), Polycarbonate, Epoxy resins |
| Recycled content | Virgin plastic (no recycled content) is safer as it does not contain plasticizers, phthalates, or bisphenols |
| Additives | Avoid plastics with additives that can leach toxins, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) |
| Food-grade quality | Look for the Food Grade quality label, which indicates the plastic is free from harmful dyes or chemicals |
| Resin Identification Code (RIC) | Safe RICs include 1, 2, 4, and 5. Avoid codes 3, 6, and 7 due to potential health concerns |
| FDA compliance | Choose containers that meet FDA standards and are approved for food contact |
| Country of origin | Consider products made in Europe, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand for potentially safer options |
| Storage | Store water containers away from strong odors, petroleum, insecticides, and perfumed products to prevent vapor absorption |
| Container condition | Avoid using containers with dents or creases, and do not reuse containers that previously held chemicals |
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What You'll Learn
Polyethylene plastic is approved for food contact
When it comes to water storage, it is important to use plastic containers that are safe for food contact. Polyethylene plastic is one such option that has been approved by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is commonly used for containers of various sizes, including large 55-gallon drums, and is known for its thick walls, which make it significantly less permeable to vapours than thin-walled containers.
Polyethylene plastic is considered safe for water storage because it is chemically resistant and does not leach harmful toxins when used to store food or beverages at a variety of temperatures. It is important to note that while polyethylene is generally non-toxic, it should not be left in hot places or exposed to UV rays as it can break down and become dangerous. Additionally, polyethylene containers should not be reused, as they can release dangerous levels of BPA with repeated use.
Polyethylene plastic is often labelled with abbreviations such as "PE", "LDPE", "HDPE", or "UHMW-PE". LDPE and HDPE are similar types of plastic, with LDPE being less rigid and more flexible, making it ideal for squeeze bottles, plastic films, and six-pack rings. HDPE, on the other hand, is more commonly used for beverage bottles, butter containers, cereal box liners, and thicker food storage buckets. Both types of plastic provide resistance to mould, mildew, and corrosion, making them safe for food contact.
When choosing plastic containers for water storage, it is important to ensure they are made of plastic approved for food contact by the FDA. While polyethylene is a safe option, other types of plastic, such as vinyl plastic waterbeds or trash containers, may leach undesirable chemicals into the stored water. Therefore, it is always advisable to check the type of plastic and its suitability for food contact before using it for water storage.
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Avoid containers with recycling code 3
When choosing plastic containers for water storage, it is important to avoid those with recycling code 3. This type of plastic is known as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and is not intended for food contact. PVC products cannot be recycled and may leach undesirable chemicals into stored water.
It is recommended to use containers made of polyethylene plastic, which is approved for food contact and commonly used for containers of various sizes, including large 55-gallon drums. Polyethylene containers are also significantly less permeable to vapors than thin-walled containers, reducing the potential for chemical leaching.
To ensure the safety of stored water, it is important to use clean containers and store them away from strong odors and chemicals. Additionally, water can be chemically disinfected for long-term storage by treating each gallon with 4 to 5 drops of unscented liquid chlorine bleach.
While liquid chlorine bleach bottles can be used for water storage in emergencies, it is not recommended due to the potential danger of accidentally consuming bleach. If used, it is crucial to remove the bleach label and clearly mark the bottle as "WATER" to avoid any mishaps.
Overall, by choosing containers made of polyethylene plastic and following proper storage and disinfection practices, individuals can safely store water while minimizing the risk of chemical leaching from plastic containers.
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Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic is safe
Plastic containers are a popular choice for water storage due to their lightweight and durable nature. However, with growing concerns about plastic pollution and toxicity, it is essential to choose the right type of plastic that is safe for water storage. Polyethylene terephthalate, commonly known as PET, is one such plastic that has been extensively tested and is considered safe for water storage.
PET plastic is widely used in the food and beverage industries, including bottled water. It is known for its lightweight, high tensile strength, transparency, and barrier properties. PET is also 100% recyclable, making it a popular choice for single-use plastic bottles. The scientific testing of plastic containers focuses on two critical aspects: minimizing the transfer of substances between the plastic and its contents, and ensuring that any transferred substances do not pose a risk to human health.
The safety of PET plastic has been a topic of debate, with some studies indicating the presence of toxic chemicals like phthalates and antimony in PET bottles. These chemicals can leach into the water, especially under high heat, UV exposure, and long storage times. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) carefully reviews all packaging substances that come into contact with food and beverages, including PET plastic. The FDA assesses the migration of plastics and substances within plastic into the contents, ensuring that any migration poses no risk to human health.
To minimize any potential risks associated with PET plastic, it is recommended to follow proper storage and handling guidelines. The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) advises consumers to store bottled water at room temperature or cooler temperatures, away from direct sunlight and potential chemical contaminants. Additionally, PET plastic is intended for single use only, as repeated use may increase the leaching of chemicals into the water.
Overall, while it is important to be cautious and aware of the potential risks associated with any plastic product, Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic is considered safe for water storage when used and stored appropriately. Proper disposal of PET plastic is also crucial to reduce plastic waste and its impact on the environment.
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High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is FDA-approved
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a type of plastic that is commonly used for food and beverage containers, including milk, juice, shampoo, dish soap, laundry detergent bottles, and water bottles. It is also used for larger water containers such as 1-gallon jugs and 2-gallon water dispensers. HDPE is easily identifiable by the #2 recycling code found on or near the bottom of the container.
HDPE is approved by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as safe for food contact. The FDA sets rules and guidelines regarding the appropriate packaging material composition, properties, and uses for food contact. Materials that meet FDA standards are considered compliant and safe for use as packaging material that comes into contact with food.
HDPE is a safe option for water storage because it does not leach chemicals into the water. It is also a thick-walled material, which makes it significantly less permeable to vapors than thin-walled containers. This helps to prevent the absorption of odors and the transfer of undesirable chemicals into the stored water.
When using HDPE containers for water storage, it is important to ensure that they are thoroughly cleaned before use. Additionally, water stored in plastic containers should be filled to the top to eliminate air space and stored in a cool, dry location away from strong-odor products, as vapors can permeate the plastic and affect the water.
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Polycarbonate plastic is FDA-approved
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was created to set standards for the safe production and storage of food, beverages, and drugs. The FDA has determined that containers used by the bottled water industry are safe for use with food and beverage products, including bottled water, and they do not pose a health risk to consumers.
Polycarbonate plastic is not the only plastic approved by the FDA for food and beverage contact. Polyethylene plastic, including high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE), is also approved for food contact. HDPE is the most common household plastic, used to make beverage bottles, butter containers, and cereal box liners. LDPE is less rigid than HDPE, making it perfect for squeeze bottles or plastic film. It is chemically resistant and does not leach harmful toxins when used to store food at a variety of temperatures.
Other plastics approved by the FDA for food contact include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, polypropylene (PP), and nylon. These plastics are used for various food and beverage containers, such as single-serve beverage bottles, vitamin bottles, and condiment bottles.
When choosing plastic containers for water storage, it is important to ensure they are made of plastic approved for food contact by the FDA. Thick-walled polyethylene containers are recommended as they are less permeable to vapors than thin-walled containers. It is also important to store water containers away from cleaning supplies, fertilizers, and other products with strong odors, as these vapors can permeate the plastic and affect the water.
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Frequently asked questions
Polyethylene plastic is approved by the FDA for food contact and is commonly used for containers of various sizes, including large 55-gallon drums. Polyethylene containers are significantly less permeable to vapors than thin-walled containers, which is important as vapors from petroleum, insecticide, strong-odor food, and perfume products can permeate plastic and affect the water. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic is another safe option, denoted by a #1 recycling code. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is also FDA-approved and safe for food contact, denoted by a #2 recycling code.
Certain types of plastic containers are not intended for food contact and may leach undesirable chemicals into the stored water. Avoid containers with the recycling codes #3 (phthalates), #6 (styrene), and #7 (bisphenols, including BPA).
Safer alternatives to plastic include glass, stainless steel, or lead-free ceramic containers.
Before filling a plastic container with water, rinse it thoroughly with hot water and allow it to dry. Fill the container to the top so there is no airspace, and store it in a cool, dry location away from substances with strong odors.
To chemically disinfect water for long-term storage, treat each gallon of water with 4-5 drops of unscented liquid chlorine bleach containing 4-6% sodium hypochlorite.
