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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 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.
The best way to be absolutely sure about a brand of water that has no assurance on the label is to call the manufacturer and ask customer service about the chemical make-up of the bottle. Representatives will be glad to tell you if their plastic bottles are BPA free. Of course, using glass, porcelain, or stainless steel for food storage or travel cups will eliminate the problem.
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 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.
The best way to be absolutely sure about a brand of water that has no assurance on the label is to call the manufacturer and ask customer service about the chemical make-up of the bottle. Representatives will be glad to tell you if their plastic bottles are BPA free. Of course, using glass, porcelain, or stainless steel for food storage or travel cups will eliminate the problem.
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