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I'm a blog editor, illustrator/designer, writer, mom, dispenser of unsolicited advice, slave to three dogs, and an Etsy artist at two shops: LunaBlue...
 
 
 
 

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Are Plastic Water Bottles Dangerous?

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I’ve heard for years that clear plastic bottles are likely to include bisphenol A (BPA) and this harmful hormone-mimicking chemical can leach into the water inside. Recently I stopped reusing the “single-use” plastic water bottles with the “1.” Unfortunately if you try to be eco friendly, you end up with more chemicals leaching into your water the more you reuse the bottle. Even more chemicals can leach into your water if you microwave the bottle or wash it in the dishwasher. The FDA says “1” plastic bottles are safe for a single use. Thinking I’d be green, I bought a bunch of reusable plastic bottles, but even some of those sturdy water bottles and baby bottles designed for reusing could cause potential problems. Reusable bottles with number “7” have  BPA--a chemical linked to reproductive and fertility problems. Evidently the greatest concerns involve dangers to children and fetuses. According to Matt Lauer’s interview today with Dr. Leo Trasande of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine on the Today Show, plastic reusable bottles with a number  3, 6, or 7 are potentially unsafe because they can release BPA. You can watch the TODAY Show interview in the show link above. If you want to read more about the safety of plastic baby bottles, download this PDF  from BabysToxicBottle.org that discusses the dangers of BPA. If you want more info on plastic bottle safety, check out the article on ConsumerReports.org to help you find safer baby bottles. Back in January I wrote a Momathon Blog post about finding safe baby and toddler plastic bottles and cups. Here’s some links from my post for BPA-free baby bottles: 

BornFree Bottles made of a BPA-free plastic (Whole Foods).

Foogo Cup from Thermos (Target) 

The Safe Sippy ™ from Kid Basix

Evenflo glass bottles from (Target)

TheSoftLanding.com features a variety of non-toxic baby feeding gear

 

You can read my Momathon Blog at http://www.MomathonBlog.com. 


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Chris--MomathonBlog.com 5 pts

Good point. That's why I'm glad you are part of the BlogHer community.

--Chris

 MomathonBlog.com ( http://web.mac.com/chriscocomedia/Momathon/Momatho... )

Vered 5 pts

I agree that it's scary, and that it's highly frustrating that no one seems to know for sure.

Sometimes it seems as if everything we use in modern life is a potential carcinogenic. I'm just trying to weed out the rumors from the facts. Not easy. 

Vered DeLeeuw
www.momgrind.com ( http://www.momgrind.com )

Chris--MomathonBlog.com 5 pts

I think what concerns me most is the fact that so many scientists offer differing opinions on this topic. I wonder if anyone really knows what level of BPA is safe for people. We do know that BPA caused health problems in lab rats given doses thousands of times higher than what exists in the bottles. Will even a very small amount of BPA hurt kids? Some experts say there is concern that even low levels can cause neural and behavioral effects in children and fetuses. According to Dr. Leo Trasande, a professor at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, in an interview with TODAY co-host Matt Lauer, “Unfortunately, there’s no level of exposure that's been identified as being safe. And, children and women of child-bearing age are especially susceptible.” 

I realize it can be a bad idea to rely on only one expert to make a decision. However since finding an alternative to plastic water bottles is so easy, I think making the switch works for me. Plus buying all those plastic water bottles isn't helping the environment.

According to a news report released today, April 10th, at NBC10.com ( http://www.nbc10.com/health/15843834/detail.html ): "In a few weeks, the government will release a large-scale study about certain plastic bottles after animal tests showed that Bisphenol A affects hormones."

Until we learn more about BPA, I'll switch over to glass and other alternatives.