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Accuracy of bottled drinking water label content
Nazeer B Khan1, Arham N Chohan
1Research Department, Dow University of Health Sciences, Baba-e-Urdu Road, Karachi, Pakistan. n.khan@duhs.edu.pk
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
|May 29, 2009
Summary
Bottled water in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, shows inaccurate fluoride (F) and calcium (Ca) levels on labels. Actual F levels exceed WHO recommendations, posing a risk of fluorosis in children.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Public Health
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Bottled water is a popular source of hydration globally.
- Accurate labeling of water composition is crucial for consumer health and regulatory compliance.
- Previous studies have indicated discrepancies in bottled water quality and labeling in various regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the accuracy of fluoride (F), calcium (Ca), pH, and total dissolved solids (TDS) levels on bottled water labels.
- To compare label claims with laboratory-analyzed concentrations for local bottled water brands in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- To evaluate potential health implications based on deviations from World Health Organization (WHO) and Saudi standards.
Main Methods:
- Collection of 21 non-carbonated bottled water brands from Riyadh supermarkets.
- Recording of F, Ca, pH, and TDS values as stated on product labels.
- Laboratory analysis of water samples using atomic absorption spectrophotometry.
- Statistical comparison between labeled and measured concentrations.
Main Results:
- Mean measured F concentration (0.86 ppm) and pH (7.5) were significantly higher than labeled values.
- Mean measured Ca concentration (38.47 ppm) was significantly higher than labeled values.
- Mean measured TDS concentration (118.87 ppm) was significantly lower than labeled values.
- Measured F levels exceeded the WHO-recommended range (0.6-0.7 ppm).
Conclusions:
- Significant discrepancies exist between labeled and actual F, Ca, pH, and TDS concentrations in Riyadh's bottled water.
- Elevated fluoride levels pose a risk of dental fluorosis, particularly in children.
- While Ca, pH, and TDS levels were within acceptable ranges, fluoride content warrants attention and potential regulatory action.
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