Tips&TricksDebunking the controversial theory. Is reboiled water a stealthy health hazard?

Debunking the controversial theory. Is reboiled water a stealthy health hazard?

Few people know whether the water in the kettle is safe for us.
Few people know whether the water in the kettle is safe for us.
Images source: © Pixabay | Katya_Ershova

1:51 PM EST, December 31, 2023

It's common knowledge that water should be boiled to prevent it from causing potential harm. But what about reboiling water? Some people believe there's no harm in it, while others argue that reboiled water contains harmful compounds. The concentration or thickening of the water supposedly produces these compounds. But who's right in this boiled water debate?

This theory emerged in 2015 and swiftly spread through social media, thanks to the "carcinogenic thickening of water" concept. Julie Harisson, a contributor to "The Sun", propagated this phrase and the associated theory. Harisson, while not a medical or chemical professional, advocates for alternative treatment methods. She actively published her advice on social media and a currently-for-sale website.

Is reboiled water harmful?

Harisson alleges that repeatedly boiled water is responsible for causing cancers, neurological, endocrine, and gynecological diseases, and even infertility. She claims that when water is boiled in a kettle, the concentration of harmful chemicals increases. She believes that fewer such chemicals were present before boiling and that the water, after evaporation, becomes deadly and dangerous.

The truth about reboiled water

Reliable sources and experts do not support Harisson's theory of harmful reboiled water. We can easily disprove it by comparing the properties of water before and after boiling in a kettle. The water does not thicken or change weight, debunking the theory contradicting fundamental scientific principles. However, this does not imply that boiling water in a plastic kettle is entirely free of risk.

Microplastics present a significant threat. Numerous scientific studies suggest they hurt our health. Microplastics are often found in groundwater or water sources in residential gardens, such as wells. Urban scenarios are different as water is supplied to apartments through water pipes.

Regular consumption of water contaminated with microplastics, without proper treatment or filtration, can result in the accumulation of microplastics in our bodies, even in the brain. This can easily lead to significant health issues, so taking this risk isn't advisable. A plastic kettle could also cause microplastics to leech into the boiled water. So, it's best to switch to a glass or porcelain kettle.

Researchers do not see a threat in kettle water.
Researchers do not see a threat in kettle water.© Freepik
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