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.
There is controversy over the safety of this chemical. Research has shown that it does sometimes leach into food and beverages. However, the FDA (the Food and Drug Administration, the regulatory agency for the United States food and pharmaceutical industry) believes that the low levels found in consumer goods do not pose a significant threat, even for unborn children and infants.
The FDA is continuing its investigation of this chemical in relation to food contamination. In the meantime, the agency recommends that plastic containers not be put in the microwave or in the dishwasher. High heat can degrade plastic and increase leaching. They also advise limiting canned food use to avoid over-exposure to epoxies. Many European countries have banned this chemical in products intended for children under three.
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.
The marketplace is full of drinking bottles made of glass or metal that eliminate the use of plastic completely. As far as waters sold in plastic go, it's not easy to find brands that promise to be BPA-free. Although there are many that do not come in polycarbonate bottles, this fact is not always advertised. One way to tell is to check the recycle codes on the containers; 2, 4, and 5 are non-polycarbonate codes, while the number 1 means that the plastic container is safe but 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.
There is controversy over the safety of this chemical. Research has shown that it does sometimes leach into food and beverages. However, the FDA (the Food and Drug Administration, the regulatory agency for the United States food and pharmaceutical industry) believes that the low levels found in consumer goods do not pose a significant threat, even for unborn children and infants.
The FDA is continuing its investigation of this chemical in relation to food contamination. In the meantime, the agency recommends that plastic containers not be put in the microwave or in the dishwasher. High heat can degrade plastic and increase leaching. They also advise limiting canned food use to avoid over-exposure to epoxies. Many European countries have banned this chemical in products intended for children under three.
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.
The marketplace is full of drinking bottles made of glass or metal that eliminate the use of plastic completely. As far as waters sold in plastic go, it's not easy to find brands that promise to be BPA-free. Although there are many that do not come in polycarbonate bottles, this fact is not always advertised. One way to tell is to check the recycle codes on the containers; 2, 4, and 5 are non-polycarbonate codes, while the number 1 means that the plastic container is safe but 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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