Antimony in PET Bottles

The Overlooked Danger in Plastic Bottles

Plastic bottles are a common convenience in modern life, but what if the container holding your favorite beverage silently compromises your health? Many plastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles contain a hidden risk: antimony, a toxic heavy metal. Antimony can leach into the liquids inside as a catalyst in PET production, posing potential health hazards. This post explores how antimony affects your body, how it leaches into beverages, and how you can minimize your exposure.

Antimony and Its Toxic Effects

Antimony is a heavy metal with significant toxic potential. When ingested, even in small amounts, it can harm key organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys. Over time, chronic exposure has been linked to respiratory problems and may increase the risk of cancer.^[1] While antimony is essential in producing PET plastic, it doesn’t remain inert. Instead, it migrates into the beverages within, particularly under certain conditions.

How Antimony Leaches Into Beverages

Antimony migration from PET plastic into beverages depends on heat, storage time, and environmental conditions. Studies show that higher temperatures accelerate the leaching process.^[2] For example, a plastic water bottle left in a hot car or exposed to sunlight can release significantly higher levels of antimony into its contents. Even under normal storage conditions, prolonged shelf life increases the likelihood of contamination. In extreme cases, antimony levels can exceed the safety thresholds established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).^[3]

Health Risks Associated with Antimony Exposure

Once antimony enters the body, it can disrupt critical biological functions. Acute exposure can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, while prolonged exposure may lead to more severe health issues. Damage to the kidneys and liver, as well as cardiovascular strain, are among the documented effects. Research also suggests that antimony may play a role in the development of cancer, making it essential to limit exposure whenever possible.

Why PET Plastic Remains Popular

Despite the risks, PET plastic continues to dominate the beverage industry due to its affordability, durability, and recyclability. While manufacturers comply with safety standards, these regulations often overlook the cumulative effects of chronic low-level exposure to antimony.

Reducing Your Exposure to Antimony

Protecting yourself from antimony exposure starts with simple, actionable steps:

• Switch to Glass Bottles: Glass is non-reactive and doesn’t leach harmful substances, making it a safer beverage alternative.
• Use Reusable Stainless Steel or Glass Bottles: Invest in durable, high-quality bottles and fill them with filtered water or homemade drinks.
• Install a Reverse Osmosis (RO) System: RO systems effectively remove heavy metals like antimony from tap water, providing a safer option for drinking and cooking.^[4]
• Avoid Heat Exposure: Never leave plastic bottles in hot environments, as heat accelerates leaching.
• Limit Plastic Bottle Use: While avoiding plastic entirely may not be feasible, reducing consumption can significantly lower your risk.

The Value of Long-Term Health Investments

Switching to safer alternatives may involve higher upfront costs, but the long-term health benefits far outweigh the financial investment. Taking proactive steps to reduce antimony exposure protects your body from its toxic effects and promotes better overall well-being.

The Bottom Line

Antimony in PET plastic bottles is an invisible but significant health threat. Understanding the risks and making informed choices can reduce exposure and protect your health. Prioritize safety by switching to glass or stainless steel, investing in a reverse osmosis system, and being mindful of how you store beverages. Small changes can make a big difference in minimizing toxic exposures and supporting your long-term health.

1. Martin, Rachel, and Vincent R. Lee. “Antimony Toxicity.” StatPearls, StatPearls Publishing, 2025.
2. Carneado, Sergio, et al. “Antimony in Polyethylene Terephthalate-Bottled Beverages: The Migration Puzzle.” Molecules, vol. 28, no. 20, Oct. 2023, p. 7166.
3. Antimony.Compounds.https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-09/documents/antimony-compounds.pdf
4. US EPA, OW. Point-of-Use Reverse Osmosis Systems. 7 Jan. 2022, https://www.epa.gov/watersense/point-use-reverse-osmosis-systems.