Monday, May 26, 2008

Toxic water bottles?

In addition to the sites published in my previous blog, I found this information. Basically, the article I took this from said that it's good to be wary of plastics, but that nothing has been proven in humans. Personally, I think precaution is a good thing... and there are greener alternatives to plastic bottles:

Safeguards for the plastic-wary

  • Don't microwave; use glass or microwavable ceramic.
  • Avoid fatty and acidic foods and hot foods/drink.
  • Don't wash in dishwasher or in extremely hot water.
  • Don't clean with bleaches or harsh detergents.
  • Don't reuse single-use plastic products (i.e., No. 1 water bottles, plastic ware).
  • Discard products with visible wear (i.e., scratches, cracks, opaque tint).
  • Don't use plastic wrap in the microwave.

Why polycarbonate?
The main attribute of polycarbonate plastic is its toughness (i.e. sports, toddlers, etc.)

Dangers:
If the plastic bond begins to break down, the BPA in the cup can leach into the contents of the bottle, possibly leaching at a higher rate if the juice is highly acidic. Whether the chemicals in Junior's next swig can have a long-term effect on him is not certain, but some studies suggest a possible connection with behavior and neurological problems, including hyperactivity.

Precautions:
Although the polycarbonate bond is extremely strong, some studies suggest exposure to high-heat (dishwashers, hot drinks, microwaves) can dramatically increase leaching. Regulatory agencies still assure that the increased BPA levels seen in such studies are safe.

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