#7 Plastic

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/22/health/22well.html?_r=1&ref=health&oref=slogin

Lately, I've been researching BPA, Bispehnol-A, which is used in making polycarbonate, which in turn is the hard, shatterproof plastic often used in making water bottles and containers. The most popular brand of these water bottles in Nalgene. Studies have shown that BPA is hazardous to our health (for a more in depth explanation, click on the link above). BPA is also used in many baby bottles and containers. It is also used in dental sealant. How do you know if your water bottle/container/baby bottle is made with BPA? Apparently, there are numbers assigned to plastics. Turn your bottle over..is there a 7 with a recycle symbol around it? If so, chances are, it was made with BPA.

Am I saying that we are all being poisoned slowly while we are drinking our water? No. A lot of studies show that these specific plastics, #7's, have to be exposed to high heat. Most of us don't boil water, put it into our water bottles and then drink out of it. However, some people heat up their baby bottles and leftovers. I obviously am NOT an expert here, I am just stating what has been said.

So what does that mean for me? It means I have traded in my Nalgene bottle for a friendlier Sigg bottle, which is made from aluminum. And no, my water does not taste like metal. I also have a Camelback bottle, which is BPA free. It is still made from plastic, but it does not use a BPA polymer. Check out their website: http://www.camelbak.com/betterbottle/

I obviously have a lot more research to do. I'll keep you posted. If you have any more information, let me know. I'd love to learn more.