BPA Free Bottled Water Brands
By Marci Glover
There is a controversy over whether all plastic food containers are safe for consumer use. Many consumers want to find BPA free bottled water brands, as well as products for use by small children. Others are reassured by claims that chemical leaching is not a significant problem in modern food, beverages, and plastic goods.
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, 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.
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.
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 can't find this information on the label, you might want to call customer service for particular brands. The companies will be glad to tell you if their water is BPA-free, as well as particulars on other packaging or products.
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, 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.
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.
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 can't find this information on the label, you might want to call customer service for particular brands. The companies will be glad to tell you if their water is BPA-free, as well as particulars on other packaging or products.
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