Does Your Soft Drink Contain Lead & Cadmium

Many studies have indicated that plastic bottles leach out unsafe levels of bisphenol A (BPA), which is a toxic estrogen mimicker and a "gender bender" for males. Now, there are new toxins to worry about that may be leaching out of your soft drink bottles, which are lead, cadmium and more.

India's Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), a division of its government Health Ministry, recently uncovered the presence of toxins, such as antimony, lead, chromium, cadmium and Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) in the plastic of soft drink containers.

Many of these metals, especially lead and cadmium, are classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as being a "major public health concern." Lead and cadmium are both known to be carcinogenic and are linked to causing brain damage and other neurological impairment, not to mention a number of birth defects and reproductive problems to those who are exposed.

According to reports, the plastic bottles used to hold popular soft drinks, such as those that are manufactured by Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, as well as thousands of other beverage brands, including those marketed as being "healthy", are full of toxins that can leach into the liquid inside and into the bodies of the consumer.

Lead is one of the largest environment threats to children, since lead can reduce a child's IQ and damage the brain. At higher levels lead can cause convulsions, seizures, comas and possible death.

The California Office of Environmental Health and Human Hazard Administration (OEHHA) warns that lead can cause birth defects and other reproductive harm, as can cadmium.

Cadmium is known to damage vital organs, such as the kidneys and liver, as well as cause bone damage, even at very low levels for long periods of time.

Cadmium can also lead to serious developmental problems, such as decreased birth weight and neurological harm, especially in males. The reproductive potential of young boys who are exposed to cadmium is greatly diminished.

A 2015 study published in the journal Toxicology Reports concluded that soft drinks constitute "a major public health problem."

Based on their high sugar content alone, the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) advises against soft drinks, warning that they're a major risk factor for type-2 diabetes, heart disease and various other chronic health conditions.

A great healthy alternative drink is sparkling mineral water, which is bottled in glass containers. You can add a splash of pomegranate juice, or a squeeze of a lemon or a lime.

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