"Plastic" taste in water

[code1]

Hi all,

This might be slightly off-topic:

the water bottle in the hydration belt that I use for running- it is made of a soft plastic. everytime I fill it up, and drink from it, it has an unpleasant taste to it.

What is causing it- leaching? Dangerous and toxic to mankind?

Can some polymer engineer please provide advice. Thanks!

 

[Demon3]

Hard to guess what the likely culprit is without knowing which pastic it is. What does the recycling symbol on the bottom say? PE, PP?

Anything used to make driking bottles probably only has safe additives. Things that can give taste (referred to as organoleptics in the trade) include antioxidants and clarifying agents (3rd generation clarifying agents for PP gave a characteristic cherry flavor).


Chris DeArmitt

 

[IRstuff]

And what, if anything, have you done to clean it?

TTFN

FAQ731-376

 

[code1]

to Demon3:
there is no recycling symbol on it. so i could not identify the type of plastic so could not do my own research. Hence this thread. It is a soft type bottle. It is from fuelbelt.com. Asked the company about it but no replies.

to IRstuff:
I have tried soaking if for a full week. it still has an unpleasant artificial smell when i sniff it. when i drink from it i can taste the same smell.

I have also brushed the surface virgously.

I use it to store my water and isotonic drinks when running.

 

[IRstuff]

Seems to me that you might as well dump the bottle and buy a new one. You seem to imply that it was like this from the start, so whatever the problem is, it's probably permanent.

Something that smells and tastes bad is usually bad for you, so why would you continue to use it?

TTFN

FAQ731-376

 

[CoryPad]

Based on your description and pictures at the Fuel Belt Internet site, I would say the plastic is either HDPE, LDPE, or PVC. PVC, especially with lots of plasticizers, seems most likely to cause taste and smell issues, but it could be one of the others. I wouldn't use it if it has a bad smell and taste.

Regards,

Cory

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[unclesyd]

Your problem was quite common when plastic first appeared on the scene due to the aforementioned plasticizers. It won't go away based on my experience on both large and small containers. After many years there was information on approved plasticizers for use in potable water. I don't recall by whom.
I would have to assume that the manufacturer just picked up some plastic form that met his physical requirements and ignored the rest. Personally I wouldn't try to use it as there is not telling what is in the plastic and where it came from. I can guess where it originated.

You can as for an MSDS on the bottle as its sold to hold liquids for human consumption and being handled by same.

 

[unclesyd]

Here is one standard that should be met for a potable water container. It is ANSI/NSF Standard 61. There is also some bottles of water that have a UL certifying it fit to drink for the container.

http://www.astm.org/DIGITAL_LIBRARY/STP/PAGES/STP42114S.htm

There is also a list of additives not permitted in contact with potable water. I understand the list is growing daily. All the ruckus lately about BPA in plastic bottles adds a lot.

 

[patprimmer]

ASTM or ANSI only applies if the OP is in the USA. He has not disclosed his location.

I agree if it is imported from a country with less respect for health regulations, there is a good chance it is the cheapest material available, so who knows.

Is it a bottle or a pouch. If a bottle it is most likely an EVA modified LDPE. If a pouch, it is quite likely PVC.

There is far to little information for us to make any reliable comment.

Regards
Pat
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