There is a controversy over whether all plastic food containers are safe for consumer use. Many consumers want to find BPA free bottled water brands, as well as products for use by small children. Others are reassured by claims that chemical leaching is not a significant problem in modern food, beverages, and plastic goods.
The abbreviation BPA stands for bisphenol A, a chemical found in some (although not all) polycarbonate plastics. It is also found in epoxy resins used to line metal cans, water pipes, and bottle tops. Although the epoxy keeps metals from reacting with food, it may contribute its own chemical taint. Polycarbonates were routinely used for baby bottles and food containers until research showed that there might be risks, especially for young and still developing children.
The FDA, America's regulatory body for the food and pharmaceutical industry, says that the low levels of bisphenol A found in foods and beverages does not pose a significant health risk. For this reason, the chemical has not been restricted. However, consumer concerns over research that shows possible danger to children in the womb and up to three years of age have caused many manufacturers of infant and toddler products to produce BPA-free goods.
The FDA is continuing its investigation of this chemical in relation to food contamination. In the meantime, the agency recommends that plastic containers not be put in the microwave or in the dishwasher. High heat can degrade plastic and increase leaching. They also advise limiting canned food use to avoid over-exposure to epoxies. Many European countries have banned this chemical in products intended for children under three.
Bisphenol A is an estrogen mimic which can be retained in the human body, where it may increase cancer risks. Researchers have found links to brain and prostate gland development problems in unborn children and infants. For this reason, many people want to avoid this chemical altogether.
This has caused manufacturers to create many bisphenol A-free products for concerned parents. Look for the designation on labels for such things as teething rings, pacifiers, 'sippy cups', and formula bottles. When looking at beverage containers, the recycle code on the bottom is one way to identify containers that may contain this chemical. If the number is a 7, any bottle or container so marked is made of polycarbonate plastic.
It's relatively easy to find drinking bottles that are free of this chemical. These include glass or glass-lined bottles, metal ones, or plastic ones that aren't polycarbonates. However, getting information on particular brands of bottled water that comes in BPA-free bottles is more difficult. It does help to check the number on the bottom of the bottle. A number 2, 4, or 5 means that the container is made from a safer form of plastic.
The best way to be absolutely sure about a brand of water that has no assurance on the label is to call the manufacturer and ask customer service about the chemical make-up of the bottle. Representatives will be glad to tell you if their plastic bottles are BPA free. Of course, using glass, porcelain, or stainless steel for food storage or travel cups will eliminate the problem.
The abbreviation BPA stands for bisphenol A, a chemical found in some (although not all) polycarbonate plastics. It is also found in epoxy resins used to line metal cans, water pipes, and bottle tops. Although the epoxy keeps metals from reacting with food, it may contribute its own chemical taint. Polycarbonates were routinely used for baby bottles and food containers until research showed that there might be risks, especially for young and still developing children.
The FDA, America's regulatory body for the food and pharmaceutical industry, says that the low levels of bisphenol A found in foods and beverages does not pose a significant health risk. For this reason, the chemical has not been restricted. However, consumer concerns over research that shows possible danger to children in the womb and up to three years of age have caused many manufacturers of infant and toddler products to produce BPA-free goods.
The FDA is continuing its investigation of this chemical in relation to food contamination. In the meantime, the agency recommends that plastic containers not be put in the microwave or in the dishwasher. High heat can degrade plastic and increase leaching. They also advise limiting canned food use to avoid over-exposure to epoxies. Many European countries have banned this chemical in products intended for children under three.
Bisphenol A is an estrogen mimic which can be retained in the human body, where it may increase cancer risks. Researchers have found links to brain and prostate gland development problems in unborn children and infants. For this reason, many people want to avoid this chemical altogether.
This has caused manufacturers to create many bisphenol A-free products for concerned parents. Look for the designation on labels for such things as teething rings, pacifiers, 'sippy cups', and formula bottles. When looking at beverage containers, the recycle code on the bottom is one way to identify containers that may contain this chemical. If the number is a 7, any bottle or container so marked is made of polycarbonate plastic.
It's relatively easy to find drinking bottles that are free of this chemical. These include glass or glass-lined bottles, metal ones, or plastic ones that aren't polycarbonates. However, getting information on particular brands of bottled water that comes in BPA-free bottles is more difficult. It does help to check the number on the bottom of the bottle. A number 2, 4, or 5 means that the container is made from a safer form of plastic.
The best way to be absolutely sure about a brand of water that has no assurance on the label is to call the manufacturer and ask customer service about the chemical make-up of the bottle. Representatives will be glad to tell you if their plastic bottles are BPA free. Of course, using glass, porcelain, or stainless steel for food storage or travel cups will eliminate the problem.
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You can visit www.caribbeanbluewater.com for more helpful information about Finding BPA Free Bottled Water Brands.
