Providing water for events is an absolute must, but organisers might want to remind their guests that reusing plastic bottles could actually be bad for their health.
Speaking to Good Housekeeping, Dr Marilyn Glenville explained that certain chemicals can be found in these bottles that are actually bad for us, affecting ovulation and increasing risks of conditions like endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome.
Such bottles contain Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that does have the potential to be toxic and which is typically used in combination with other chemicals to manufacture resins and plastics.
The NHS says that the science on how BPA could affect you is as yet unclear, explaining: “Some scientists think that if it interferes with sex hormones, this could affect puberty or the menopause or cause cancers that are related to hormones. Those calling for a ban suggest that it may be a factor in a rising numbers of human illnesses, such as breast cancer, heart disease and genital birth defects.
“There is a growing call to stop manufacturing plastics with BPA and using BPA in food containers as there are less hazardous alternatives.”
For event organisers – particularly those in charge of running festivals this summer – it might be wise to provide tap facilities on site and have paper or plastic cups and mugs available so people don’t have to reuse their water bottles.
Alternatively, make sure all plastic bottles on site are BPA-free – or you could invest in stainless steel branded bottles that people can take away with them as a memento of all the good times.
