'Harmful chemicals' found in bottled water

The water quality of three of the UK's leading brands of bottled water has been called into question, following the discovery of a potentially dangerous chemical in all three.

Of ten different brand name bottles tested by scientists, six were found to contain PVC, with half of those discovered to be leaking phthalates into the water, according to thisislondon.co.uk.

David Santillo, senior scientist at the Greenpeace Research Laboratory, commented: "The fact that it can be detected in water at all is remarkable and suggests that very high levels of phthalates are being used in the caps."

Phthalates are utilised to give plastics greater flexibility, however, the exposure of pregnant women to the chemicals has been linked to the development of hypospadia, a genital abnormality affecting young boys.

The chemicals are already banned from use in certain toys by the EU, but there is currently no legislation regarding bottled water manufacture.

Different types of phthalates are used in a variety of everyday objects, including nail polish, perfume, flexible vinyl and toys.