People have embraced the convenience and perceived superior quality of bottled waters. However, the fact that most come in plastic concerns many consumers. Plastic is made of chemicals which can leach into food and beverages, especially when it is softened or degraded by heat. For this reason, many consumers are interested in knowing about 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.
Bisphenol A is an estrogen mimic which can be retained in the human body, where it may increase cancer risks. Researchers have found links to brain and prostate gland development problems in unborn children and infants. For this reason, many people want to avoid this chemical altogether.
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.
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, 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.
Bisphenol A is an estrogen mimic which can be retained in the human body, where it may increase cancer risks. Researchers have found links to brain and prostate gland development problems in unborn children and infants. For this reason, many people want to avoid this chemical altogether.
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.
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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