BfR assesses research results of samples of mineral water with hormone-like effects

Media reports on research results by scientists at Frankfurt University concerning samples of mineral water with hormone-like effects have disconcerted consumers. In the study, such effects were determined in 12 out of 20 mineral waters tested. The scientists assume that this oestrogen-like effect originates from substances in plastic bottles that contain the mineral water. The position of the Federal Institute of Risk Assessment (BfR) is that mineral water essentially should have no hormone-like effects. Substances such as the plasticiser DEHP, bisphenol A or nonylphenol are known to exhibit hormone-like characteristics that may have negative effects on offspring. The BfR’s assessment of the study, however, has led to the conclusion that the results do not allow any assumption on the origin of such hormonally acting substances from plastic bottles. Both tests allow no conclusion concerning the substances that cause a hormone-like effect in water. The BfR does not advise consumers to avoid the consumption of mineral water from plastic bottles as a result of Frankfurt University’s study results. The BfR has no information on substances used in plastic bottle production with such hormonal effects that could migrate into the mineral water. The results especially raise questions concerning the substances and their origin.DE; en; efsa-focal-point@bfr.bund.d