Plastic (PET) water bottles
Single-use plastic container
Evidence level : Probable Drinking waterMechanism : Hormonal disruption burden
🟡 Several human studies point the same way, with a plausible biological mechanism, but the evidence is not yet conclusive.
- Where it's found
- Water in plastic bottles, especially when stored in heat (car, sunlight) or when a bottle is reused.
- Suspected mechanism
- Migration of microplastics (found in 93% of bottles tested, about 325 particles/L, more than tap water), antimony and acetaldehyde, increased by heat. The presence of phthalates or BPA (bisphenol A) remains debated: some studies detect them, while ANSES's 2013 survey of 50 brands found none, as standard PET formulation does not contain them.
- Suggested alternative
- Use a glass or stainless-steel bottle; avoid leaving plastic bottles in sunlight or in a car; do not reuse a plastic bottle beyond a few days.
- Source
- Orb Media / Sherri Mason 2018; ANSES 2013 (BPA); conflicting literature cited above.
Map your everyday exposures in about ten minutes.
Take the questionnaireRelated factors
Including a factor does not mean it causes infertility: it is simply worth monitoring, depending on its level of evidence.
Content last updated: September 14, 2026