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.
BPA is an abbreviation for bisphenol A, a chemical component of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Many food containers are polycarbonate plastic, and epoxy resins are commonly used to line metal cans, bottle tops, and water pipes. Before bisphenol A began to be suspected of adverse effects on human health, both water and baby bottles were usually made of polycarbonate plastic.
The FDA, America's regulatory body for the food and pharmaceutical industry, says that the low levels of bisphenol A found in foods and beverages does not pose a significant health risk. For this reason, the chemical has not been restricted. However, consumer concerns over research that shows possible danger to children in the womb and up to three years of age have caused many manufacturers of infant and toddler products to produce BPA-free goods.
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.
This has caused manufacturers to create many bisphenol A-free products for concerned parents. Look for the designation on labels for such things as teething rings, pacifiers, 'sippy cups', and formula bottles. When looking at beverage containers, the recycle code on the bottom is one way to identify containers that may contain this chemical. If the number is a 7, any bottle or container so marked is made of polycarbonate plastic.
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 want to make sure about a commercial brand, call the manufacturer directly and ask a customer service representative. The representative will be glad to tell you if the manufacturer's bottles are in fact BPA-free. Otherwise you can minimize exposure by using glass, stainless steel, or porcelain food and beverage containers.
BPA is an abbreviation for bisphenol A, a chemical component of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Many food containers are polycarbonate plastic, and epoxy resins are commonly used to line metal cans, bottle tops, and water pipes. Before bisphenol A began to be suspected of adverse effects on human health, both water and baby bottles were usually made of polycarbonate plastic.
The FDA, America's regulatory body for the food and pharmaceutical industry, says that the low levels of bisphenol A found in foods and beverages does not pose a significant health risk. For this reason, the chemical has not been restricted. However, consumer concerns over research that shows possible danger to children in the womb and up to three years of age have caused many manufacturers of infant and toddler products to produce BPA-free goods.
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.
This has caused manufacturers to create many bisphenol A-free products for concerned parents. Look for the designation on labels for such things as teething rings, pacifiers, 'sippy cups', and formula bottles. When looking at beverage containers, the recycle code on the bottom is one way to identify containers that may contain this chemical. If the number is a 7, any bottle or container so marked is made of polycarbonate plastic.
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 want to make sure about a commercial brand, call the manufacturer directly and ask a customer service representative. The representative will be glad to tell you if the manufacturer's bottles are in fact BPA-free. Otherwise you can minimize exposure by using glass, stainless steel, or porcelain food and beverage containers.
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