Bo_Beck
11-20-2007, 07:31 AM
Recently a friend alerted me to some health concerns
related to using plastic water bottles. For years I
have been using Nalgene type water bottles for hiking
and backpacking.
Plastic water bottles are made from Petroleum-based
chemicals and some of these chemicals can leach out
into food and drinks and can impact human health.
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical that mimics the action
of the human hormone estrogen and can leach from
polycarbonate plastic. BPA has been found to stimulate
prostate cancer cells.
I consulted the Institute for Agriculture and Trade
Policy's "Smart Plastics Guide", on line at
www.healthobservatory.org/library.cfm?refid=77083
and studied the information carefully.
The bottom of plastic containers are labeled and most
carry the recycling symbol although not all are
recyclable. The study and recommendation is to use
only #1, 2, 4 and 5 for food and drink containers and
to stay away from #3, 6 and 7.
I looked at my seven different plastic water bottles
(some old and some new) and they were all labeled #7.
For my last backpacking trip I purchased two stainless
steel 'Klean Kanteen' water bottles and found them
quite satisfactory.
Take a moment and look up the website and make your
own judgment, especially if you have young children or
grandchildren.
Sincerely, JP
related to using plastic water bottles. For years I
have been using Nalgene type water bottles for hiking
and backpacking.
Plastic water bottles are made from Petroleum-based
chemicals and some of these chemicals can leach out
into food and drinks and can impact human health.
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical that mimics the action
of the human hormone estrogen and can leach from
polycarbonate plastic. BPA has been found to stimulate
prostate cancer cells.
I consulted the Institute for Agriculture and Trade
Policy's "Smart Plastics Guide", on line at
www.healthobservatory.org/library.cfm?refid=77083
and studied the information carefully.
The bottom of plastic containers are labeled and most
carry the recycling symbol although not all are
recyclable. The study and recommendation is to use
only #1, 2, 4 and 5 for food and drink containers and
to stay away from #3, 6 and 7.
I looked at my seven different plastic water bottles
(some old and some new) and they were all labeled #7.
For my last backpacking trip I purchased two stainless
steel 'Klean Kanteen' water bottles and found them
quite satisfactory.
Take a moment and look up the website and make your
own judgment, especially if you have young children or
grandchildren.
Sincerely, JP