Toxic Water Bottles: It's Official

Posted by Clark Williams-Derry

09/16/2008 09:30 AM

Just when you thought it was safe to take a drink...

Bottle Collection A synthetic chemical called bisphenol A has been on our radar screen for a while. Scientists have known for some time that bisphenol A (called BPA for short*) can mimic the effects of estrogen in mammals, causing a range of subtle but potentially serious health effects.

And that's especially troubling, since we use BPA for storing food and water. BPA is a key component of polycarbonate water bottles, and is also used as a liner for canned goods and liquid infant formulas. And BPA doesn't just stay put in the container -- it can leach into foods and beverages. BPA was recently found in the urine of 93 percent of adults and children that the CDC tested; and most of our BPA exposure comes from what we eat and drink.

Yuck.

But as if you needed it, now there's even more reason to freak out: a new population-based study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association -- primo credibility -- has linked BPA to heart disease and diabetes.

For now, the US Food and Drug Administration is sticking by its guns, claiming that BPA is safe -- or, rather, that "A margin of safety exists that is adequate to protect consumers, including infants and children, at the current levels of exposure." We'll see how long that position lasts...

[*Apologies to the Bonneville Power Administration, which is also commonly known as BPA. Too many acronyms!]

Pollution & Toxics

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Comments

Posted by Alan Durning 09/17/2008 10:41 AM

A minor side note, I noticed at REI the other day that the new plastic water bottles they're selling say, "no BPA" on them.

So that's something.

I wish I could trade in my old ones for new, BPA-free ones.

Posted by Eric Hess 09/17/2008 11:42 AM

REI decided to stop carrying BPA-ful water bottles a few months ago. Nalgene released their new BPA-free bottles very soon after...almost as if they were waiting for it.

Posted by Jamie Fellrath 09/17/2008 07:49 PM

We've moved to stainless steel bottles for our water now and started saving large glass jars to replace much of our plastic storage containers. Every little bit helps, especially when your family has a history of heart disease. :(

Posted by garwoodpr 09/18/2008 11:16 AM

Wood Toys are Better Than Plastic

Parents can replace plastic toys like sorting toys for children with wood ones from family companies like http://www.TagToys.com that make all their toys in the USA.

Posted by Quinn 09/19/2008 07:47 PM

You know you rally should look at all Avenues-- because the FDA disagrees with this whole scenario. Take a look and check it out-- yet you all don't mind allowing fluoride in your water which is poisonous as all get out--

Posted by Jesse 09/19/2008 08:07 PM

Nalgene does allow you to order a new one at a lower cost. I'd written them with wondering if they'd have a trade-in program:
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Thank you for taking the time to write to us with your questions regarding BPA. We have listened to our customers' concerns and are transitioning our polycarbonate line into the BPA free Everyday(tm) Nalgene(tm) line made from Tritan(tm) co-polyester. We have not recalled any of our products and are not issuing credits or refunding money as the science indicates products containing BPA are safe for their intended use. All of our products utilize FDA compliant food and beverage materials.

We have always offered a wide range of materials, including HDPE (# 2) and LDPE (# 4) bottles. For more information on our wide assortment of materials and styles, please visit

Posted by chs 09/19/2008 10:24 PM

> I wish I could trade in my old ones for new, BPA-free ones.

You can if you bought them at REI... and don't feel too guilty about it. They'll take them back and give you nice refund that you can spend on stainless steel or a sheep's stomach or whatever you think is a more eco-groovy beverage-containing option.