Migration and potential risk of trace phthalates in bottled water: A global situation

Last updated on June 2nd, 2025 at 12:26 pm

Phthalates are synthetic chemical compounds used as plasticizers to increase the flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity of plastics. They are widely used in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, the most common packaging material for bottled water globally. These chemicals are not chemically bound to plastics, making them susceptible to migration into bottled contents, especially under certain storage conditions.

The presence of trace phthalates in bottled water has raised alarms among scientists, regulatory bodies, and health organizations due to their endocrine-disrupting properties and potential carcinogenicity. The migration of these compounds into bottled water is not only a localized issue but a global concern.

Read: The Most Effective Way to Eliminate PFAS and PFOA from Your Drinking Water

Mechanisms of Phthalate Migration into Bottled Water

Phthalate migration primarily occurs due to temperature fluctuations, prolonged storage, UV exposure, and chemical interactions between the water and the plastic polymer matrix. Factors contributing to increased phthalate release include:

• Storage at elevated temperatures (above 25°C)
• Exposure to sunlight or UV radiation
• Long shelf life, particularly in tropical regions
• Mechanical stress during transportation
• Improper bottle sealing and manufacturing defects

Studies have confirmed that under such conditions, bottled water contains measurable amounts of diethyl phthalate (DEP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and other derivatives.

Global Occurrence and Surveillance Data

North America

In the United States and Canada, the FDA and Health Canada set guidelines for permissible levels of DEHP in drinking water. However, independent research has documented trace phthalate levels exceeding regulatory thresholds in bottled water brands stored in warm climates or in direct sunlight.

Europe

European Union (EU) countries maintain stricter regulations under REACH and EFSA standards. Nevertheless, surveillance studies in countries like Italy, France, and Germany have detected phthalate presence in more than 60% of tested PET bottled water samples.

Asia-Pacific

India, China, and Indonesia have reported elevated levels of DBP and DEHP, particularly in locally bottled water subjected to poor storage standards. High ambient temperatures and lack of regulation enforcement contribute to significant migration risks.

Africa and Latin America

In regions with high environmental temperatures and limited regulatory oversight, bottled water consumers face substantial exposure to trace phthalates. Informal bottling units and roadside vendors are especially problematic.

Read: EPA Sets First Federal Limits on Dangerous ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Drinking Water 

Health Risks Associated with Trace Phthalates in Bottled Water

Endocrine Disruption

Phthalates mimic or block hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, disrupting the human endocrine system. Even at low concentrations, long-term exposure can lead to:

• Hormonal imbalances
• Reduced fertility in both men and women
• Premature puberty in children
• Increased risk of breast cancer and prostate disorders

Developmental and Neurological Impacts

Prenatal and childhood exposure to phthalates has been associated with:

• Reduced IQ levels
• Attention deficit disorders
• Behavioral abnormalities
• Autism spectrum-related symptoms

Reproductive and Fetal Toxicity

Studies link phthalate ingestion to:

• Testicular dysgenesis syndrome
• Miscarriage risk
• Impaired sperm quality
• Urogenital malformations in newborns

Potential Carcinogenicity

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified DEHP as a possible human carcinogen (Group 2B). Continuous ingestion via bottled water poses a long-term cancer risk, especially for vulnerable populations.

Regulatory Frameworks and Global Limits on Phthalates

However, most countries do not mandate routine testing of bottled water for all phthalate types. Existing policies are often outdated and lack enforcement at the distribution level.

Read: 7 Science-Backed Advantages of Drinking Purified Water

Scientific Studies Confirming Phthalate Migration

Numerous peer-reviewed studies have provided solid evidence of phthalate migration:

• A study published in Environmental Science & Technology found DEHP concentrations up to 3.2 µg/L in bottled water stored in sunlight for 45 days.
• In Journal of Hazardous Materials, Indian researchers detected DBP levels of 0.94 µg/L in popular bottled brands under tropical storage.
• European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that chronic dietary exposure to phthalates may exceed the tolerable daily intake in specific population segments.

Mitigation Strategies: Reducing Exposure to Phthalates

Consumer-Level Actions

• Avoid storing bottled water in hot environments
• Use glass or stainless-steel reusable bottles
• Check expiration dates and manufacturing location
• Do not reuse PET bottles multiple times

Industry-Level Solutions

• Shift to phthalate-free PET resins
• Incorporate barrier layers inside bottles to prevent leaching
• Improve supply chain refrigeration and transport practices
• Implement real-time monitoring of chemical migration

Governmental and Regulatory Interventions

• Mandate labeling of phthalate content on bottles
• Enforce stricter migration testing protocols
• Develop global harmonized standards for bottled water packaging
• Promote public awareness campaigns on plastic safety

The Path Forward: Global Collaboration and Innovation

Addressing the global threat of trace phthalates in bottled water requires coordinated action among governments, manufacturers, and consumers. Innovation in sustainable packaging materials, widespread analytical testing adoption, and transparency in manufacturing practices are essential steps toward a safer future.

As the world shifts toward health-conscious consumption, ensuring the chemical safety of bottled water is not optional—it is imperative. We must continue to raise awareness, support research, and demand accountability from stakeholders involved in bottled water production and regulation.

Read: Water Stress: A Global Problem That’s Getting Worse 

Conclusion

The migration and potential risks of trace phthalates in bottled water present a significant, global public health concern. With evidence mounting across continents, now is the time for robust policy action, technological reform, and informed consumer behavior. Protecting the purity of bottled water must be a priority—not just for today, but for the health of generations to come.