Safety of Nalgene Bottles
Nalgene water bottles are a popular alternative to purchasing bottled water and throwing away the plastic bottle. But studies of bisphenol-A (BPA), a component of the polycarbonate plastic some Nalgene bottles are made of, have shown that it can have dangerous effects on hormone levels, says EarthEasy.com. These studies have caused concerns for consumers who use Nalgene bottles. But further studies have shown that small amounts of BPA are safe, according to PlasticsInfo.org.
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Identification
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Nalgene bottles are characterized by their bright colors and screw-top lids. They are labeled with the Nalgene logo on one side and a measuring scale on the other. They are heat- and cold-resistant, shatter-resistant and durable. Nalgene Lexan bottles are made of polycarbonate plastic. These bottles have the number 7 recycling symbol molded into the bottom, according to EarthEasy.com.
Benefits
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Nalgene bottles made with polycarbonate plastic that contains BPA have some benefits. They are reusable and allow consumers to reduce the plastic bottle waste from bottled water. Polycarbonate is very tough and resistant to heat. Polycarbonate also has a very high impact strength, which allows the bottle to be dropped repeatedly without breaking, according to Engineering Polymer Specialists.
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Misconceptions
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A study conducted in 2003 and published in the Environmental Health Perspectives magazine determined that baby bottles made with trace amounts of BPA leached a small amount for the first few uses but the amount decreased quickly. They also found, however, that after a number of washings the amount of BPA that was leached from the bottles increased again. This study aroused concerns of the health impact of BPA on the body. Studies have also found that low dosages of BPA have affected laboratory animals.
Further Research
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined a safe level of BPA exposure and scientists worldwide have found that the rate of BPA leaching into food is only five parts per billion. This finding means that a person would have to eat or drink more than 1,300 pounds of food or drink a day for his entire life to exceed the safe level of BPA exposure. The level of BPA studied in the “low dose” animal testing was 1,000 nanograms per kilogram of body weight, while the average daily exposure for humans is 20 to 30 nanograms, according to PlasticsInfo.org.
Prevention/Solution
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While these findings indicate that plastics made with BPA are safe, some people still feel that these plastics are not safe. To protect a Nalgene bottle from breaking down and possibly releasing BPA, wash a new bottle before use and only hand wash Nalgene bottles; do not put them in the dishwasher. Keep the bottles away from direct sunlight and other forms of heat. Avoid using harsh cleaning agents and replace the bottle if it appears worn or cracked. Another solution would be to use an alternative bottle. Nalgene now produces BPA-free bottles, made of both plastic and metal.
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References
- Photo Credit water facts image by Kimberly Reinick from Fotolia.com
