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.
The FDA, America's regulatory body for the food and pharmaceutical industry, says that the low levels of bisphenol A found in foods and beverages does not pose a significant health risk. For this reason, the chemical has not been restricted. However, consumer concerns over research that shows possible danger to children in the womb and up to three years of age have caused many manufacturers of infant and toddler products to produce BPA-free goods.
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.
There are many BPA-free products on the market. BPA-free baby bottles, teething rings, pacifiers, and 'sippy cups' are now available. As far as bottled waters are concerned, there is a way for consumers to check. Any bottle or container with the recycling code 7 on the bottom is made of polycarbonate and thus could contain bisphenol A.
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.
The FDA, America's regulatory body for the food and pharmaceutical industry, says that the low levels of bisphenol A found in foods and beverages does not pose a significant health risk. For this reason, the chemical has not been restricted. However, consumer concerns over research that shows possible danger to children in the womb and up to three years of age have caused many manufacturers of infant and toddler products to produce BPA-free goods.
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.
There are many BPA-free products on the market. BPA-free baby bottles, teething rings, pacifiers, and 'sippy cups' are now available. As far as bottled waters are concerned, there is a way for consumers to check. Any bottle or container with the recycling code 7 on the bottom is made of polycarbonate and thus could contain bisphenol A.
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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You can visit www.caribbeanbluewater.com for more helpful information about Finding BPA Free Bottled Water Brands.
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