Bottled Water Research Paper

Water plays a role in almost every aspect of life. It is one of the most important substances on Earth. The amount of water found in an average human is fifty to sixty-five percent, which means water is extremely important to our survival (Helmenstine). While the amount of water a person needs to consume every day is individualized, the typical recommendation is nine to thirteen cups (Marcin). Someone can obtain their daily recommended amount through the food they eat, drinks containing water, or straight water: tap or bottled. However, the question lies, what characterizes “safe” bottled water? There are hundreds to thousands of bottled water companies around the world which meet the standard of safe bottled water, however, Dasani bottled

Magnesium sulfate, or more commonly known as Epson salt, is found in Dasani. Magnesium sulfate has been known to be used as a laxative, treat low levels of magnesium, and can be used to soak in for a bath (Marks). Less commonly used now to control seizures in pregnant women, slow down contraction in labor, and to lower blood pressure (Marks). However, the use with pregnant women has dwindled down because there have been side effects known to have harmed the unborn baby, “Magnesium sulfate may cause low levels of calcium and bone problems in an unborn baby if taken for longer than five to seven days during pregnancy” (Marks). Magnesium sulfate can also cause serious side effects such as dizziness, irregular heartbeat, muscle paralysis, drowsiness, and sweating. So is it really necessary for this potentially harmful ingredient to be in this popularly sold brand of water? Along with magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride can be found in Dasani. Potassium chloride might be the most dangerous of the two because some common uses of the compound are fertilizer and to induce cardiac arrest. Potash is the general category of fertilizer it can be found under and it is referred as muriate of potash (“Potassium”). By far the most traumatizing aspect of Dasani is this ingredient is the last step in the three drug cocktail. The three drug cocktail is the nickname for the