Bisphenol A is an “estrogen-like” chemical used in the manufacture of polycarbonate bottles–otherwise known as your typical hard-plastic Nalgene bottle. Look for the number ‘7′ labeled inside the “recycle” logo on the bottom of your water bottle to find out if it is made of polycarbonate (pictured above). The chemical has been on the watch list of environmentalists for years and has recently been classified as a dangerous chemical by Health Canada.
The Globe and Mail writes:
“Independent researchers in dozens of studies have linked trace BPA exposures in animal and test-tube experiments to conditions involving hormone imbalances, including breast and prostate cancer, early puberty and changes in brain structure, particularly for exposures during key points of fetal or early neonatal development. Until now, regulators in other countries have accepted the industry’s assertion that BPA is harmless at the tiny, parts-per-billion type exposures from canned food and plastic beverage containers. A part per billion is roughly equal to one blade of grass on a football field, although natural hormones such as estrogen are active at far lower concentrations, around a part per trillion.”
Following the Health Canada statement, Wal-Mart has recently announced that it will pull bottles made with this chemical from their shelves while Nalgene, in response, has said that it will no longer make polycarbonate bottles with Bisphenol A. Nalgene claims, “Based on all available scientific evidence, we continue to believe that Nalgene products containing BPA are safe for their intended use. However, our customers indicated they preferred BPA-free alternatives, and we acted in response to those concerns.” Typical; wait until your profit is threatened before removing a hazardous product then try to say they’re still ok “for their intended purpose” because you know that saying they’re ok to drink out of is a lie.
In any case, this is a perfect example of consumer activism, which I have been wanting to write about for a while (keep an eye open for a post on this topic). As for what to do with your cancer-inducing water bottle, you can put it to good use as a portable first-aid case for your car, an organizer for loose nuts and bolts, a change container, or many other uses rather that would save it from the land fill.
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5 Comments
You’ve got to be kidding me! I have been drinking from one of these bottles every day for the past 5 years. What should I do now? Obviously I’m going to throw mine away!
Well, thats just ducky! how many years have we been drinking out of these bottles in The U.S.?
I will be look forward to your post on becoming an activist.
(Everyone , really, doesn’t this kind of stuff make you just a little angry?) Dave
There are millions of people out there with these bottles. I’m sure you can find something to do with it. Give it more life rather than sending it to the dump :).
Your comment “Mom don’t wait for the Government to ban them, take the information and make the right decision” has sat in my mind all weekend. My fantastic green water bottle that I take to work everyday now sits on the counter at home waiting for a new use.
I have learned so much from you about our environment. Don’t ever give up, even if you feel you’re not being heard. Eventually the little reminders become reality to us.
Keep up the good work Son!
totally good 4rum it’s like you were reading my mind with this last one
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[...] Nalgene Bottles Linked to CancerBisphenol A is an �estrogen-like� chemical used in the manufacture of polycarbonate bottles�otherwise known as your typical hard-plastic Nalgene bottle. Look for the number �7′ labeled inside the �recycle� logo on the bottom of your …PBriscoe.com - http://pbriscoe.com [...]