News and concern about BPA (Bisphenol – A) and reusable plastic bottles have been widespread lately. There has been research and findings from various studies pointing to potential health risks associated with certain types of plastic or polycarbonate bottles that are often used as baby bottles and the reusable bottles many of us have been using to be keep disposable plastic bottles out of landfills. The health risks ultimately vary based upon levels of exposure and since this post is simply to identify broad issues and isn’t a scientific article and is not analyzing the research, we will not get into all the details. We will focus on the “big picture” issues instead, and how the discussion about BPA and reusable plastic containers affects you and the environment.
If you get too bogged down in the headlines about the harmful toxins in reusable plastics, without paying attention to the fact that there are different types of plastics, it could sound like we should be throwing out reusable containers all together and forgetting about sustainable thinking and reducing our impact on the environment. Even if you are concerned about BPA, since not all plastics contain BPA, and since there alternatives that can still be healthy for the environment and for ourselves, we should consider our options.
This site does not offer medical advice, and cannot tell you what is best for you, so you should consult with your personal doctor about any questions you have related to your health or health risks. However, some light can be shed on what BPA is, where it can be, and whether alternatives exist for those who want to reduce their exposure to BPA. Even though some polycarbonate and other plastics have contained (and some still do contain) BPA, not all reusable containers do.
Many manufacturers have plastic BPA-free water bottles and containers, and some offer polycarbonates that are free of BPA. There are other alternatives like aluminum and stainless steel as well. It is possible that even those materials can be lined with something harmful, so be sure to do your research on whether the bottle or container you are selecting for yourself or your children is constructed of materials that you are comfortable with, and that do not contain BPA.
Let’s consider for a moment what BPA is and what it’s effects could be. There is more information about BPA and reusable bottles in the links to the right. This will help you find information to do some of your own fieldwork as well. Basically, Bisphenol A (“BPA”) is a potentially-harmful chemical that can leach out of containers such as certain polycarbonate plastic water bottles and resins, certain baby bottles, and in epoxy linings which may be found in some food or drink containers. It is known to mimic estrogen and to activate estrogen receptors. It is believed by many that the levels of BPA we are normally exposed are not the high doses that tend to cause dramatic health effects.
However, sufficient doses have been attributed (in lab studies with tests on animals) to decreased fertility, birth defects among pregnant women exposed to sufficient amounts of BPA, hormone disruption, and carcinogenic effects (i.e., contributing to cancer). Source: National Toxicology Program Draft Brief on Bisphenol-A (click here for direct link). How much BPA any given item gives off will vary partly based on its use — exposure to harsh detergents, dish washing, heating in a microwave, and other such common practices can accelerate or foster the amount of BPA an item can leach out.
With all that said, as with many studies, there are critics to some of the research results about the health effects of BPA. In fact, it is even possible to find contradictory or non-conclusive information, as some of the studies involved lab rats which may not mirror the effects the same exposure would have on humans. The information in this limited overview should not be interpreted as findings, recommendations, opinions, or conclusions on how much BPA is harmful, or what effects it may cause. Rather, the intent is to help people understand or find resources for a subject that has received significant attention as of late, particularly as it relates to reusable water bottles, which are often used by those who are making an effort to reduce plastic waste and help contribute to environmental conservation. For more information, you should seek the advice of someone qualified to render an opinion in these matters, such as your doctor.
Whether or not the levels of BPA found ordinarily in polycarbonate bottles and reusable containers is inherently dangerous, there are clearly alternatives. If you choose to use a reusable water bottle but prefer to avoid BPA so you don’t have to worry about how much exposure is harmful, consider seeking out one of the many “BPA free” products available from companies such as Klean Kanteen, Sigg, Nalgene (who makes both BPA free bottles and those that contain BPA), etc. Many of your favorite outdoor stores will carry BPA free bottles, and maybe able to help you select one that will suit your needs. Check back here, also, as we will be building the resources we identify on this blog, and may even offer some of the products or at least links to specific products here. If you are looking for BPA-free baby bottles, glass is always a good option, and depending on the age of your child, there are BPA free plastic infant bottles, cups for toddlers, and even mini Sigg and Klean Kanteen bottles in stainless steel or aluminum if you want the kids to use something the adults in your family have grown to love and trust. Some resources are in the links to the right.
In the meantime, remember that Sustainable Thinking involves a series of choices and decisions that impact ourselves, those around us, and the environment we all depend upon. If you are currently using disposable water bottles, now is clearly the time to think about the environmental impact of that choice, and to consider the alternatives (i.e., using a reusable water container and tap or even filtered water). If you have concern that your container may contain BPA, there are plenty of alternatives out there, and while you are out buying yourself one, buy one for a friend to help encourage another person to engage in Sustainable Thinking.
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