Shocking sunlight link to a cancer-causing toxin
You know I love sunlight.
It’s one of Nature’s most remarkable, powerful ways to help your body run at its best.
But sunlight isn’t good for everything.
In fact, according to a recent study, sunlight could potentially turn your water into a cancer-causing toxin.
Here’s what you need to know.
Sunlight on water isn’t the problem.
Sunlight on water stored in plastic bottles is.
In a recent study, researchers analyzed volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by plastic bottles when exposed to sunlight.
Studies have shown that VOCs can cause health problems ranging from organ damage to headaches, to eye irritation, and even to cancer.
And it turns out that when your plastic water bottle is exposed to sunlight, they emit VOCs like…
- alkanes,
- alkenes,
- alcohols,
- aldehydes,
- and acids.
The researchers also noted highly toxic, cancer-causing VOCs like n-hexadecane.
The longer the plastic bottles were exposed to sunlight, the higher the concentration of VOCs.
Water is not the enemy here. Neither is sunlight.
Instead, consider the containers your food and water are stored in, and avoid plastic packaging whenever possible.
If you use a plastic water bottle, try to keep it out of direct sunlight.
However, a better option would be to use glass or stainless steel instead.
P.S. Beware of these other TOXIC chemicals hiding in your home!
Source:
Liu, R., Liao, Z., Zheng, J., Wu, X., Tan, Z., & Ou, H. (2024). Characterizing the photodegradation-induced release of volatile organic compounds from bottled water containers. Eco-Environment & Health, 3(2), 145-153.
