Living BPA free with the right Water Bottle

We all know the importance of keeping hydrated and drinking enough water. In order to do so, we carry around water bottles, unknowing what they are made of. Lately, we have heard of the dangers of BPA, raising awareness of the composition of water bottles.

So what is BPA exactly and why does it have such a bad name? Bisphenol A (or BPA) is an industrial chemical that disrupts hormone messages to your body. It has been used since 1960 to make certain plastics- baby bottles, water bottles, toys, and several consumer goods. BPA containing resin is used in canned foods. Unfortunately, it can seep into your food and beverages, increasing estrogen, decreasing testosterone, and can have huge negative effects on babies and young children. BPA has been linked to several cancers and even Type 2 diabetes. As expected, this is widely controversial. Some people argue the contrary that no such facts have been found. Ask yourself: do you want to take that chance?

Before 2006, most baby bottles and drinking cups were made with BPA plastics. Slowly, concern and awareness started growing about the effects of BPA. Laws were passed, protecting people from plastic that leak BPA. Shortly thereafter, all the major baby brands- Gerber, Playtex, Avent, and more were in a billion dollar class action lawsuit in 2007 about BPA in their baby bottles. This brought on the surge of new baby bottles, portable water bottles, and so on with proper labeling.

One way to know if you are choosing the right water bottle, look at the label. Does that sound familiar? Oh yeah, we check labels for food because, like water, it goes into our bodies. If you see the recycling symbol, check for its density. #2 HDPE (high density polyethylene), #4 LDPE (low density polyethylene) or #5 PP (polypropylene) are safe bottles. They normally do not leak out chemicals. However, most water bottles are made out of #1. They are intended for a single usage, but who hasn’t refilled a water bottle? It is certainly time to stop refilling disposable water bottles. If you see a water bottle with the #7 recycling symbol, RUN! Although reports have said that these water bottles “may” leak BPA, again ask yourself: do you really want to take that risk?

To be safe, it is good to practice alternatives methods of drinking water and storing food. Try using more glass, porcelain, and stainless steel products. The best solution for your water consumption is to buy a good water bottle and refill it from your whole house water filtration system.

Ultimately, isn’t your health worth it?

For more on Filtercon products, visit http://www.filtercon.com/ or call 1-800-550-1995