Plastic Water Bottles - Are They Safe?

Jordan Woo: a junior in public relations, drinks out of his Nalgene bottle. Recent studies have shown plastic water bottles might have more side effects than once thought. JD Schein / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

Nalgene, a brand of water bottles, announced April 18 it would phase out production of bottles containing a chemical called bisphenol A over the next several months.

“Nalgene’s existing product mix, including the recently launched Everyday line, already features a number of containers made from materials that do not contain BPA,” according to the company’s Web site.

BPA is a chemical used to make polycarbonate, a type of plastic found in water bottles, baby bottles and other plastic products.

CamelBak, another brand of water bottles, began shipping the CamelBak Better Bottle, made without BPA, to its stores April 15.

“CamelBak is proud to introduce BPA-free bottles with the same great properties customers have come to expect from polycarbonate: vibrant color, clarity, durability, dishwasher safe and with no residual taste,” according to the company’s Web site.

At the end of April, the entire line of BPA-free CamelBak bottles will be available..

Wal-Mart announced Monday it was removing baby bottles and other products containing BPA from its Canadian stores, according to an article in the Washington Post.

Next year, Wal-Mart will remove bottles containing BPA from its U.S. stores.

These actions come as a response to the draft of a report released Monday by the U.S. National Toxicology Program. The report said BPA may cause behavioral changes in infants and children and trigger the early onset of puberty in females. The report also said the effects of BPA need further investigation.

The U.S. National Institute of Health announced evidence of links of BPA to cancer April 15.

Smita Mohanty, associate professor in the department of chemistry and biochemistry, said the chemical mimics the steroid hormone, estrogen, and users of products containing BPA might have reason for concern.

“It is known that this chemical does leak out of plastics, and more so when warmed or heated,” Mohanty said. “Since the chemical mimics a hormone which controls the reproductive system and brain development, it is certainly worrisome.”

Mohanty said she avoids using products that contain BPA, especially when they are heated.    

“I think pregnant women and infants are most vulnerable from this chemical due to developing brain and reproductive system,” she said.
Eduardus C. Duin, assistant professor in the department of chemistry and biochemistry, said he thinks problems as a result of BPA are unlikely from short-term exposure because the levels of the chemical are low.

“Personally, I think it would be best if we provide a warning on bottles that contain this compound,” he said. “Then the people can decide for themselves if they want to expose themselves.”

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration holds that BPA-based products are not a risk.

More than 6 million pounds of BPA are produced in the United States each year.

The chemical has been in use for more than 50 years.

However, many still believe the chemical should be removed from plastic bottles.

Patagonia, Inc., an outdoor apparel and gear company, removed bottles containing BPA from its stores in 2005.

It is one of many companies who have stopped selling products with BPA.

---

• Add new comment