Mineral waters, AltroConsumo survey. A poker of contaminants-benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene-were detected in 19 bottles of mineral water among 42 analyzed in the laboratory. Instead, residues of disinfectants, which are not allowed in natural mineral waters, were found in 2 waters. The data emerging from the report of Italy’s first consumer association deserves further scrutiny by the relevant health authorities.
BTEX, 19 mineral waters contaminated in Italy
A poker of contaminants-benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene, grouped under the acronym BTEX-were traced by laboratory analysis in 19 of the 42 waters tested. The 4 substances‘are part of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can contaminate soil and groundwater as a result of anthropogenic activities or result from plastic bottles,’ AltroConsumo points out.
The causes of contamination will have to be ascertained on a case-by-case basis, by the bottling industries and health authorities. Especially verifying the chemical safety of foods for the most vulnerable categories of consumers (YOPI, Young, Old, Pregnant, Infants). With particular attention to the exposure of infants and children to toxic substances, all the more so considering that the use of mineral water is often recommended as ‘ideal’ for preparing breast milk replacement formulas (so-called growth milk).
Contamination levels have not been made public. Next are the brands found to be contaminated with BTEX in AltroConsumo’s tests:
A) Private labels
Esselunga Dolomites
Conad
Eurospin Blues
B) Branded waters
Nestlé Vera
Evian (France)
Vitasnella
Sangemini
Recoaro
Saint Benedict
Guizza Source
Grand Guizza
Frasassi
Norda
Boario
Levissima
Drop Of Carnia
Maniva
Emeraldine.
BTEX, risks and bans
Mono-aromatic hydrocarbons. – benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX)-are common pollutants detected in groundwater plumes and other water resources as a result of the disposal of contaminated industrial effluents and accidental events such as oil and petroleum spills (Alberici et al., 2002, Castillo et al., 1998; Mazzeo et al., 2010; Costa et al., 2012).
Health hazards associated with exposure to such compounds in the diet include cancer, liver injury, drowsiness and organ irritation (Zhang et al., 2012; Tunsaringkarn et al., 2012). Mitra and Roy (2011) also reported that human exposure to BTEX compounds over a long period of time causes skin and sensory irritation, adverse respiratory health effects, and central nervous system irritation. Despite their adverse effects on human health, BTEX contamination often remains overlooked and untreated in public water systems, resulting in an increased risk of illnesses related to water ingestion. (1)
‘The following substances or compounds resulting from anthropogenic activity shall not be presentin natural mineral waters ; the absence of such substances (…) shall constitute a guarantee of quality for the mineral water:
1. Surfactant agents
2. Dissolved or emulsified mineral-hydrocarbon oils.
3. Benzene
4. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
5. Pesticides
6. Polychlorinated biphenyls
7. Organohalogen compounds.’ (2)
Mineral waters with disinfectant residues
Residues of compounds‘that may indicate a possible disinfection treatment, which is not permitted by law in the case of natural mineral waters‘ were found in 2 of 42 mineral water bottles tested, Altroconsumo reports. Precisely in the waters
– FIUGGI Oligomineral, from the spring Fiuggi (FR),
– SMERALDINE Oligomineral, from the source: Monti di Deu, of Tempio Pausania (Olbia).
The presence of disinfectant residues is an indication of possible irregularities. In fact, the relevant regulations prohibit subjectingnatural mineral water to ‘potabilization treatments, the addition of bactericidal or bacteriostatic substances and any other treatment likely to change the microbiome of natural mineral water.’ (3)
‘Natural mineral waters are considered to be those waters which, having originated from an underground aquifer or deposit, come from one or more natural or drilled springs and which have special hygienic characteristics and, possibly, properties favorable to health.’ (4)
Dario Dongo and Marta Strinati
Notes
(1) OM Fayemiwo, MO Daramola, K Moothi (2017). BTEX compounds in water – future trends and directions for water treatment. Water SA vol.43 no.4 Pretoria Oct. 2017. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/wsa.v43i4.08
(2) Ministry of Health Decree February 10, 2015, Criteria for Evaluation of Characteristics of Natural Mineral Waters, Article 2(Criteria for Evaluation of Chemical, Chemical-Physical and Organoleptic Characteristics of Natural Mineral Waters)
(3) See d.lgs. 176/11, Implementation of Dir. 2009/54/EC, on the use and marketing of natural mineral waters, Article 8.4
(4) Idem c.s., Article 2
Dario Dongo, lawyer and journalist, PhD in international food law, founder of WIISE (FARE - GIFT - Food Times) and Égalité.
Professional journalist since January 1995, he has worked for newspapers (Il Messaggero, Paese Sera, La Stampa) and periodicals (NumeroUno, Il Salvagente). She is the author of journalistic surveys on food, she has published the book "Reading labels to know what we eat".
