Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical pervasive in plastics. When ingested, it acts as an estrogen and an endocrine-disruptor. However, avoiding it has been difficult, especially when it kept showing up in reusable water bottles. A new study tested manufacturer’s claims of BPA-free materials.
The study published in the July 8 edition of Chemosphere checked BPA leaching in reusable water bottles made of polycarbonate, co-polyester, stainless steel (unlined), aluminum with a co-polyester lining, aluminum with an epoxy resin lining.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that BPA leached into both room temperature water and boiling water poured into the reusable water bottle then cooled to room temperature when the bottle was made of polycarbonate or aluminum lined with epoxy resin. Co-polyester plastic (usually labeled BPA-free plastic), uncoated stainless steel, or aluminum lined with EcoCare(TM) showed no leaching of BPA in either test.
Hot water caused more BPA to leach than room temperature water. Interestingly, the aluminum water bottles lined with epoxy resin showed variable amounts of leaching. The cheaper bottles leached more than the pricier ones.
Image by Rubbermaid Products, used with Creative Commons license.
So are the Rubbermade bottles shown safe?
I believe they are BPA-free.
I’ve been trying to get my friends and family to switch over to steel. As this article shows, plastic bottles that are marketed as “re-usable” leach BPA. The public awareness about BPA is growing, but I hope sooner rather than later, more people learn about it.
As this article shows, not all plastic bottles give off BPA. It depends on the kind of plastic.
Glass bottles leach lead, by the way. And steel bottles nickel. How come no one’s upset about that?
Leaching lead is a pretty hefty claim! I’d love to read more about that. Do you have a source you can share?