So we've all heard about how 'dangerous' BPA is, right? But do we know why? Do we know just how dangerous? (You know, is it a oh-my-goodness-your-health-will-suffer dangerous or an ok-people-are-probably-overreacting-but-i'll-play-along dangerous?) And what can we do about it? What solutions are available and which ones are worth pursuing?
BPA, or Bisphenol A, is a compound found in hard, clear polycarbonate plastics. Recently, the U.S. government's National Toxicology Program supported the claims of a scientific panel who expressed concern about physiological changes that occur in people when they ingest BPA. Ingestion of BPA occurs when the chemical is leached from the plastic into the food.
The Canadian government has even considered declaring the chemical toxic,as reported in an artcile in the New York Times. An artcile highlighting the chemicals found in plastic bottles from US News and World Report notes "this could set the stage for banning it from plastic baby bottles, water bottles, and food containers. At the very least, some people will be even more eager to buy foods and beverages in BPA-free containers."
According to a similar article from US News and World report, "several dozen scientists issued a review of 700 studies on BPA warning that the levels most people are exposed to put them at elevated risk of uterine fibroids, endometriosis, breast cancer, decreased sperm counts, and prostate cancer. Infants, the report said, are most vulnerable to BPA."
I don't know about any of you, but I used to be one of those people who would drink one bottle of water and then refill it throughout the workday, using it as my water bottle. Apparently this is like, the. worst. thing. ever. Read; don't do this!
Side note: this is the part where we realize that BPA is, in fact, an "oh-my-goodness-your-health-will-suffer dangerous," just in case some of the above didn't register. So this is pretty serious. OK. Noted. What now?
Well, the good news is that there are several safe products on the market that are BPA-free. One of them being the ever popular SIGG. Yes, they are a bit pricey, but I ultimately bit the bullet and purchased one. It helped that the SIGG already had a shining endorsement from from my husband, but I want you all to know I did my due diligence and looked into other options, as well.
But after reading some reviews on SustainLane.com (such a great site, by the way!) and reading some information on the SIGG Web site, I was confident in my decision.
From mysigg.com:
Many people think that they are helping the environment by refilling their plastic PET water bottles. But are you helping yourself?
"Disposable PET bottles are designed for one time use," states Simran Sethi of The Discovery Channel. «Refilling them can release harmful toxins from the packaging - especially when it gets heated. If you're tasting plastic, you're ingesting plastic.
In 2008, many major North American retailers discontinued selling reusable plastic bottles made from polycarbonate #7 (brands such as Nalgene) due to concerns that these bottles were leaching Bisphynol-A. A report by Health Canada called this chemical (BPA) dangerous.
And not all metal water bottles are alike. Very recently there have been major recalls of Chinese-made aluminium water bottles for lead in the paint. Tests have shown that Chinese-made aluminium water bottles, like many polycarbonate #7 plastic bottles, also leach the chemical BPA.
A SIGG Bottle is your healthy and safe choice for your body. The baked-on, crack resistant bottle liner makes sure that you drink what you want to drink - and not unwanted chemicals. The SIGG bottle liner is leach-proof and resistant even to energy drinks, fruit acids and carbonation.
SIGG bottles are manufactured in Switzerland with no BPA, no lead, no phthalates - in other word, no risk to you! Look for the SIGG brand name to ensure you are getting the healthiest & safest reusable water bottle in the world!
OK, I admit it. The adorable, stylish design options certainly only helped me settle on my decision to go SIGG. They have so many to choose from. I couldn't decide!
Reasons why I love my SIGG:
1.) I feel super cool carrying it around
2.) It's good for the environment
3.) It keeps my water cold
4.) I've already saved a ton of money not buying bottled water anymore
5.) It's a good ice-breaker (in meetings, etc.).
6.) It's HEALTHY
7.) I match my husband and we can tote our SIGGs around together like the dorks we are! - don't worry, we don't have matching track suits...yet.
All in all, I love this product and it really has made a difference. The water tastes like...water. Cool, crisp and refreshing - no funny aftertaste or nasty chemical-like plastic taste. Just...water.
Other BPA-free bottles I've run across:
Nalgene
CamelBak
Klean Kanteen
Do you drink from a SIGG (or similar BPA-free bottle)? Which model/design do you have?
Shannon is the founder and creator of thedailybalance.com, a Web site updated daily with advice, tips and personal stories to help others find balance in their lives. From food to fashion, fitness, inspiration and reciepes, The Daily Balance is the perfect tool for those who "want it all."
[photo credit: Getty Images]
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