Monday, December 10, 2007
H2-UH-OH?
Scientific studies have been piling up since '98 saying that bisphenol A (BPA) leaches out of polycarbonate water bottles—those popular Nalgene bottles—and that it can lead to "chromosomal aberrations," IN YOU, and, no, they're NOT the super spidey-strength kind.
So the time is NOW to switch to a safer alternative... (these are all aluminum free too, if that matters).
*We stole this title from these fine peeps. More recent studies are cited here.
According to several recent studies, polycarbonate plastic readily leaches a chemical called bisphenol-A (BPA) into foods and liquids that are stored in containers made from it. BPA has been identified as an endocrine disrupting chemical, or a chemical that easily mimics hormones when absorbed by the human body. In the case of BPA, the hormone being mimicked is estrogen. Exposure to this compound at the wrong time can cause a cell division problem called aneuploidy in which chromosomes do not evenly split as a cell divides, leaving the two resulting cells with more or fewer chromosomes than normal. This uneven distribution of genetic material can in turn lead to cancer, miscarriage, and birth defects that include Down's Syndrome.
Sigg Oval Bottles 0.6L $19.99 Stainless Steel replica of 1941 Swiss Army Canteen—has FDA approved epoxy phenol resin coating to cut down on any possible mineral leaching
Guyot Shorty 24oz $14.95 uncoated stainless steel—wide mouthed so it will still fit your nalgene accessories—water filter, etc.
Klean Kanteen 27oz $19.95 w/stainless steel loop cap—uncoated food-grade stainless w/stainless cap even!
Unfortunately, polycarbonate plastic bottles and containers are identified by the plastic recycling symbol #7, which is used for a wide variety of plastics and plastic mixtures that fall into the "Other category." Unless this #7 symbol is accompanied by the letters PC, there's no sure way to tell if the container in question is made from polycarbonate or some other kind.
To be safe, environmental advocates suggest simply avoiding #7 plastics altogether and opting for safer choices for food and beverage storage. These better options include polypropylene (#5 PP), high density polyethylene (#2 HDPE), and low density polyethylene (#4 LDPE). No evidence has been found to suggest that these plastics leach toxic materials. Scientists advise against the repeated use of plastic water bottles made from plastic type #1 PETE as there is evidence to suggest that such bottles leach a compound known as DEHA, which is classified by the EPA as a possible human carcinogen, as well as acetaldehyde, which has received the same designation from the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
So the time is NOW to switch to a safer alternative... (these are all aluminum free too, if that matters).
*We stole this title from these fine peeps. More recent studies are cited here.
According to several recent studies, polycarbonate plastic readily leaches a chemical called bisphenol-A (BPA) into foods and liquids that are stored in containers made from it. BPA has been identified as an endocrine disrupting chemical, or a chemical that easily mimics hormones when absorbed by the human body. In the case of BPA, the hormone being mimicked is estrogen. Exposure to this compound at the wrong time can cause a cell division problem called aneuploidy in which chromosomes do not evenly split as a cell divides, leaving the two resulting cells with more or fewer chromosomes than normal. This uneven distribution of genetic material can in turn lead to cancer, miscarriage, and birth defects that include Down's Syndrome.
Sigg Oval Bottles 0.6L $19.99 Stainless Steel replica of 1941 Swiss Army Canteen—has FDA approved epoxy phenol resin coating to cut down on any possible mineral leaching
Guyot Shorty 24oz $14.95 uncoated stainless steel—wide mouthed so it will still fit your nalgene accessories—water filter, etc.
Klean Kanteen 27oz $19.95 w/stainless steel loop cap—uncoated food-grade stainless w/stainless cap even!
Unfortunately, polycarbonate plastic bottles and containers are identified by the plastic recycling symbol #7, which is used for a wide variety of plastics and plastic mixtures that fall into the "Other category." Unless this #7 symbol is accompanied by the letters PC, there's no sure way to tell if the container in question is made from polycarbonate or some other kind.
To be safe, environmental advocates suggest simply avoiding #7 plastics altogether and opting for safer choices for food and beverage storage. These better options include polypropylene (#5 PP), high density polyethylene (#2 HDPE), and low density polyethylene (#4 LDPE). No evidence has been found to suggest that these plastics leach toxic materials. Scientists advise against the repeated use of plastic water bottles made from plastic type #1 PETE as there is evidence to suggest that such bottles leach a compound known as DEHA, which is classified by the EPA as a possible human carcinogen, as well as acetaldehyde, which has received the same designation from the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Labels: BPA, hormones, Nalgene, polycarbonate, water bottle
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