E – The Environmental Magazine Looks at the Plastics Rumor

This is my review of an E (The Environmental Magazine) article in the January – February 2008 issue.  Per the article, “most plastic bottles are safe to reuse a few times IF properly wasked with hot soapy water.  However…

Lexan (#7 plastic) bottles, including Nalgene water bottles, show that food and fluids stored can contain trace amounts of Bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic chemical that interferes with the body’s hormonal messaging system.  The same studies found repeated re-use of #7 bottles increases the chance that chemicals will leak out of the tiny cracks and crevices that develop over time.  Per the Environment California Research and Policy Center (which reviewed 130 studies), BPA is linked to breast and uterine cancer, increased risk of miscarriage, and decreased testerone levels.  BPA can wreak havoc on children’s developing systems.  Beware that most baby bottles and sippy cups are made of plastics containing BPA (and I understand them to leach more chemicals when heated).  Most experts agree that the amount of BPA that could leach through normal handling is probably small but are concerned about cumulative effects.

Health advocates also recommend NOT using bottles made from plastics #1 (polyethylene terephthalate, a.k.a. PET or PETE), including most disposable bottles.  Studies indicate they may leach DEHP (another probable human carcinogen-after repeated use).  Another bad choice for water bottles is plastic #3 (polyvinyl chloride or PVC), which can leach hormone-disrupting chemicals.  Plastic #6 (polystyrene or PS) has been shown to leach styrene, a possible human carcinogen, into food and fluids as well. 

Safer choices include bottles made from HDPE (plastic #2), low-density polyethylene (LDPE or plastic #4), or polypropylene (PP or plastic #5).  Aluminum bottles, like those by SIGG, and stainless steel water bottles are also safe.

The article recommends these contacts:  www.TheGreenGuide.com and www.EnvironmentCalifornia.org.”

I, personally, believe that a stainless steel bottle is the best choice.  With #7 bottles being considered the safest choice several years ago and then to be suspected of increasing the risk for liver damage years later, I can’t help but wonder if #2, #4, #5 plastics will still be considered safe in 10 years.