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 proper chemical name is bisphenol A, a component of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Polycarbonates are commonly used in food packaging. Epoxy resins are used to line metal cans and bottle tops. The lining prevents the metal from reacting with foods or liquids. However, many health researchers caution against using polycarbonates in products like baby bottles, and studies show that chemical taints may leach into canned foods from the protective resin lining.
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.
This chemical mimics estrogen in the human body. It may interfere with proper development of the brain and the prostate gland in babies, and may cause behavior disorders. It is considered by some experts to be a carcinogen. Consumers have become increasingly wary, despite FDA assurances of safety. Europe has banned the use of BPA in all products for children under three.
Concerned consumers should look for pacifiers, infant formula bottles, 'sippy cups', and teething rings labeled 'BPA-free'. They may also want to avoid this chemical for their own use by carefully selecting foods and beverages packaged in plastic. Polycarbonate containers will have a '7' recycle code on the bottom.
It's relatively easy to find drinking bottles that are free of this chemical. These include glass or glass-lined bottles, metal ones, or plastic ones that aren't polycarbonates. However, getting information on particular brands of bottled water that comes in BPA-free bottles is more difficult. It does help to check the number on the bottom of the bottle. A number 2, 4, or 5 means that the container is made from a safer form of plastic.
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 proper chemical name is bisphenol A, a component of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Polycarbonates are commonly used in food packaging. Epoxy resins are used to line metal cans and bottle tops. The lining prevents the metal from reacting with foods or liquids. However, many health researchers caution against using polycarbonates in products like baby bottles, and studies show that chemical taints may leach into canned foods from the protective resin lining.
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.
This chemical mimics estrogen in the human body. It may interfere with proper development of the brain and the prostate gland in babies, and may cause behavior disorders. It is considered by some experts to be a carcinogen. Consumers have become increasingly wary, despite FDA assurances of safety. Europe has banned the use of BPA in all products for children under three.
Concerned consumers should look for pacifiers, infant formula bottles, 'sippy cups', and teething rings labeled 'BPA-free'. They may also want to avoid this chemical for their own use by carefully selecting foods and beverages packaged in plastic. Polycarbonate containers will have a '7' recycle code on the bottom.
It's relatively easy to find drinking bottles that are free of this chemical. These include glass or glass-lined bottles, metal ones, or plastic ones that aren't polycarbonates. However, getting information on particular brands of bottled water that comes in BPA-free bottles is more difficult. It does help to check the number on the bottom of the bottle. A number 2, 4, or 5 means that the container is made from a safer form of plastic.
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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