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BPA in Water Bottles

Bisphenol A also known as BPA has, once again been in the news.  In a nutshell, the articles listed below share the following:

  • A plastic containing the  chemical BPA is used to line most food and drink cans as well as used in the production of the popular polycarbonate "clear" (many do have a color added) water bottles.
  • The chemical can leach into the contents of the product or drink.
  • It seems that heat (such as leaving the bottle in a car) and harsh detergents/hot water (placing bottles on the lower level of the dishwasher or using a commercial dishwasher) increase the amount of "leaching."
  • Unacceptable levels of BPA have been found in laboratory animals causing possible hormone disruptions.
  • Canada will be banning the use of BPA in baby bottles.
  • The majority of bottles w/ #7 on the bottom contain BPA.
  • Safer alternatives are bottles (and other plastics) that have #1, #2, or #4 on the bottom.

As the studies are more recent and more individuals are now using the bottles in question, therefore resulting in additional exposure, longitudinal studies will need to be conducted before concrete results are gleaned. There are differing opinions amongst the various scientists representing the plastic industry and the health researchers.

Articles containing additional information:

  • www.trailspace.com/news/2008/04/18/nalgene-to-phase-out-bottles-containing-bpa.html – The Nalgene® Web site posted information regarding the bottles in question.

    In the near future, Nalgene® will be phasing out those bottles containing BPA as noted in this recent press release: 

    ROCHESTER, N.Y. (April 18, 2008) – In response to consumer demand, Nalgene® will phase out production of its Outdoor line of polycarbonate containers that include the chemical Bisphenol-A (BPA) over the next several months, it announced today. Nalgene’s® existing product mix, including the recently launched Everyday line, already features a number of containers made from materials that do not contain BPA. (Accessed from www.Nalgene-outdoor.com).

  • www.ewg.org/node/26291 – Historical facts and information about BPA
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