Madeline Adams
Oko-Test has tested various types of mineral water. Some contain substances of concern; two brands fail. All information about the mineral water test!
It is better to avoid mineral water with chromate
The experts from Öko-Test were able to detect chromate (chromium VI) in three mineral glasses of water, including “San Benedetto carbonated” (grade: unsatisfactory).
Chromate is a tasteless and odorless metallic element that occurs naturally in rocks, soil, and plants.
Chromate is considered carcinogenic. Even if the chromate content in all tested mineral waters is below the prescribed limit for mineral water, Öko-Test recommends giving preference to a brand that does not contain any chromate at all. Because the experts warn, the substance is also found in other foods; to reduce the total recording, every known source should be avoided as much as possible.
“San Pellegrino”: uranium in mineral water
The experts were able to detect uranium in one type of mineral water: “San Pellegrino” (grade: sufficient).
Uranium is a slightly radioactive heavy metal. In connection with the mineral water, its radiation effect can be classified as harmless to health, according to Öko-Test; its toxicity is, therefore, more worrying.
A research paper published in 1998 provided evidence of kidney dysfunction caused by the regular intake of uranium via drinking water – according to the Öko-Test, however, these results have not yet been substantiated by more recent studies.
Mineral water test: boron in drinking water
Oko-Test was able to find the semi-metal boron in two types of mineral water, including “Marius Quelle Classic, Sachsenheim” (grade: unsatisfactory). Boron has a toxic effect – in animal studies, it had a detrimental effect on the development and reproduction of test animals.
In the meantime, the manufacturer has commented on the poor rating to RUHR24: “Our product Marius Quelle Classic contains 0.56 mg/l boron. This value is well below the limit values specified by the German Mineral and Table Water Ordinance and the Drinking Water Ordinance and is therefore harmless.” This official limit value is 1 mg/l.
Pesticides in nine types of mineral water
Oko-Test found residues of pesticides in nine mineral glasses of water. However, the experts emphasize that these residues do not pose any health risk – only the requirement of “original purity” is not fulfilled in this way.
How do the harmful substances get into the mineral water?
As Oko-Test quotes from the legal text on its website, mineral water “originates from subterranean water sources that are protected from contamination”. This is rainwater that flows through layers of rock to the source from which it is bottled. On its journey, the water can “pick up” toxic substances and take them to the source.
In addition, pesticides that seep into fields can enter drinking water sources in a decomposed form through the soil. The types of mineral water in which pollutants end up ultimately depend primarily on the source from which they are bottled.
