Parents object to metal water bottle ban at private school

Citing health concerns, a group of parents has written to R.S. Junior Modern School at Humayun Road, central Delhi, seeking revocation of the notice banning metal water bottles and permitting only plastic ones.

“The policy dictates that children must drink water daily from plastic bottles, creating a pathway for micro-plastics exposure, which exposes them to avoidable and potentially serious, lifelong health risks,” reads a January 16 letter that was also sent to the Directorate of Education (DoE).

The parents said that scientific studies have found that plastic bottles can release microplastics, especially when used repeatedly, worn down, or exposed to heat.

The school did not respond to requests for comment.

Last October, the school issued a notice to parents, allowing only non-metal bottles in school to “ensure the safety of the students”. “Please note that if a steel bottle is brought to school, it will be taken into safekeeping,” the notice read.