Bottled waters have grown steadily in popularity. Some people think they are purer than tap water, while others simply like the convenience of grabbing a drink on the go. However, there are some health concerns with the use of plastic for beverage bottles and food containers. One reason for concern is that some plastics contain BPA, a chemical that can leach into food and drinks when plastics are softened by heat. Therefore, many consumers want to find BPA free bottled water brands.
The abbreviation BPA stands for bisphenol A, a chemical found in some (although not all) polycarbonate plastics. It is also found in epoxy resins used to line metal cans, water pipes, and bottle tops. Although the epoxy keeps metals from reacting with food, it may contribute its own chemical taint. Polycarbonates were routinely used for baby bottles and food containers until research showed that there might be risks, especially for young and still developing children.
Although the fact that this chemical can leach into food and liquids is known, the FDA (the regulatory agency for the US food and pharmaceutical industry) does not feel that the levels of contamination are high enough to pose a threat to human health. However, other health experts feel that unborn and very young children can be harmed by any level of BPA.
The FDA, with its investigation on-going, recommends that people use plastic containers properly, keeping them from high heat (as in the dishwasher or the microwave). It also suggests limiting the use of foods in metal cans. Choosing highly acidic foods like tomato sauces in glass rather than metal containers is one way to lower exposure. The fact that Europe has banned BPA for many uses has fueled the controversy.
In spite of FDA assurances, the research that shows possible ill effects of this chemical is still of concern to many, especially for parents of unborn children and the very young. Research has shown that this estrogen-mimic chemical can affect brain development and the prostate gland. It is also believed to affect behavior in children and may perhaps be a carcinogen for people of all ages.
There are many BPA-free products on the market. BPA-free baby bottles, teething rings, pacifiers, and 'sippy cups' are now available. As far as bottled waters are concerned, there is a way for consumers to check. Any bottle or container with the recycling code 7 on the bottom is made of polycarbonate and thus could contain bisphenol A.
There are many portable drinking bottles on the market that are not made of plastic. However, those who value the convenience of buying drinks off the shelf may have difficulty in finding information on the chemical composition of bottles. Consumers can check the code number on the bottom of plastic containers. The numbers 2, 4, and 5 designate plastics free of bisphenol A. The number 1 means that the bottle is designed for one use and should not be re-used.
If you can't find this information on the label, you might want to call customer service for particular brands. The companies will be glad to tell you if their water is BPA-free, as well as particulars on other packaging or products.
The abbreviation BPA stands for bisphenol A, a chemical found in some (although not all) polycarbonate plastics. It is also found in epoxy resins used to line metal cans, water pipes, and bottle tops. Although the epoxy keeps metals from reacting with food, it may contribute its own chemical taint. Polycarbonates were routinely used for baby bottles and food containers until research showed that there might be risks, especially for young and still developing children.
Although the fact that this chemical can leach into food and liquids is known, the FDA (the regulatory agency for the US food and pharmaceutical industry) does not feel that the levels of contamination are high enough to pose a threat to human health. However, other health experts feel that unborn and very young children can be harmed by any level of BPA.
The FDA, with its investigation on-going, recommends that people use plastic containers properly, keeping them from high heat (as in the dishwasher or the microwave). It also suggests limiting the use of foods in metal cans. Choosing highly acidic foods like tomato sauces in glass rather than metal containers is one way to lower exposure. The fact that Europe has banned BPA for many uses has fueled the controversy.
In spite of FDA assurances, the research that shows possible ill effects of this chemical is still of concern to many, especially for parents of unborn children and the very young. Research has shown that this estrogen-mimic chemical can affect brain development and the prostate gland. It is also believed to affect behavior in children and may perhaps be a carcinogen for people of all ages.
There are many BPA-free products on the market. BPA-free baby bottles, teething rings, pacifiers, and 'sippy cups' are now available. As far as bottled waters are concerned, there is a way for consumers to check. Any bottle or container with the recycling code 7 on the bottom is made of polycarbonate and thus could contain bisphenol A.
There are many portable drinking bottles on the market that are not made of plastic. However, those who value the convenience of buying drinks off the shelf may have difficulty in finding information on the chemical composition of bottles. Consumers can check the code number on the bottom of plastic containers. The numbers 2, 4, and 5 designate plastics free of bisphenol A. The number 1 means that the bottle is designed for one use and should not be re-used.
If you can't find this information on the label, you might want to call customer service for particular brands. The companies will be glad to tell you if their water is BPA-free, as well as particulars on other packaging or products.
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