Woman with mysterious flu-like symptoms learns unlikely everyday item was making her sick
A woman who suffered with mysterious cold symptoms for nearly a year discovered her reusable water bottle was making her sick.
Karyn Smith Wilson from Elmhurst, Illinois, would begin going to the gym again each time she recovered, but ‘within a week the illness would return’.
She would then be struck down by fevers, aches, breathing difficulties and fatigue.
By process of elimination, Ms Wilson realized the only thing that had changed in her routine was a new metal water bottle she had purchased to use while working out.
Doctors told DailyMail.com metal water bottles sometimes contain lead and cadmium, highly toxic metals, and other chemicals linked to health issues.
Karyn Smith Wilson from Elmhurst, Illinois, reveals in a TikTok how for six to nine months she had flu-like symptoms, which she put down to using a metal water bottle
Opening up about her ordeal in a TikTok video, Ms Wilson goes on to note that a future incident reaffirmed her suspicions.
She revealed: ‘I did keep [the bottle] in hopes of getting it tested one day. [Then] I accidentally used it one day, months later, on a bike ride.
‘The following day I had the same old symptoms.’
Speaking to DailyMail.com, internationally recognized and respected food policy expert, Darin Detwiler, confirmed that metal water bottles can ‘potentially make someone sick due to contamination or even poor quality materials.’
He added: ‘In rare cases, they may contain harmful substances like lead or cadmium, which can leach into water.
‘Additionally, improper sanitation can lead to bacterial buildup, especially in crevices or straws, contributing to illnesses.
‘Plastic bottles have also raised concerns over chemicals like BPA, which may leach into liquids, and improper cleaning of either material can harbor bacteria or mold.’
After being reminded of the symptoms triggered by the metal water bottle, Karyn never used it again and threw it away.
She confirmed in the comments section that the bottle was from the homeware brand, Oggi, which sells goods via Amazon and other sites.
The native Californian said she decided to share her story in a bid to warn others, and her video has since been watched more than 1million times.
The FDA notes that chronic lead exposure is associated with kidney dysfunction, hypertension, and neurocognitive effects.
Meanwhile, consuming traces of cadmium can cause stomach irritation, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
The content creator reveals that she now only uses glass water bottles
Speaking to DailyMail.com, food policy expert, Darin Detwiler, confirmed that metal water bottles can ‘potentially make someone sick due to contamination or poor quality materials’
Exposure to the chemical element through inhalation can also result in respiratory illness and over long periods – as with cigarette smoking or through occupational exposure – is ‘linked to many different types of cancer.’
Earlier this year, the maker of the popular Stanley Cup was hit by multiple lawsuits after the company admitted its viral tumblers contain some amount of lead.
Four California complainants said the company falsely advertised its tumblers as ‘BPA-free,’ but failed to warn the public that lead is a ‘key ingredient’ in its vacuum seal, in a February 1 filing seeking $70 million.
They claim they purchased Stanley cups prior to the January announcement from the company and insist they would not have purchased them if they knew they contained lead.
‘Our manufacturing process currently employs the use of an industry standard pellet to seal the vacuum insulation at the base of our products; the sealing material includes some lead,’ Stanley said on its support page.
‘Once sealed, this area is covered with a durable stainless steel layer, making it inaccessible to consumers. Rest assured that no lead is present on the surface of any Stanley product that comes into contact with the consumer nor the contents of the product.’
