Ethan Clarke
There has been a lot of concern over BPA (bisphenol-a), especially regarding its use in food containers. BPA is commonly found in polycarbonate plastics, which are hard, clear (or clear-tinted), and unbreakable. While Rubbermaid has stated that they do not sell any products that contain BPA, some older Rubbermaid products may contain this chemical. If you have an old Rubbermaid plastic pitcher, it is important to check for certain indicators that suggest the presence of BPA.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do old Rubbermaid plastic pitchers contain BPA? | Only a fraction of Rubbermaid-branded food storage containers and water bottles contain BPA. |
| How to identify if a plastic product contains BPA? | Look for products that are labelled unbreakable or microwave-safe. If it is, that’s a good indicator that it contains BPA. If the container doesn’t have a recycling number and was bought before July 2012, it likely contains BPA. |
| How to identify BPA-free products? | Opaque plastics are usually BPA-free. For plastics that are hard, clear (or clear-tinted) and unbreakable, flip them over and look for a recycling number. |
| What are the concerns around BPA? | BPA (bisphenol-a) is found in polycarbonate plastics, which have been used since the 1960s to make products like reusable water bottles, food storage containers, drinking glasses, pitchers, baby bottles, and sippy cups. Exposure to BPA can affect the brain and the prostate gland of fetuses, infants, and children, and it might increase blood pressure. |
| What are some BPA-free alternatives? | SC Johnson’s food storage products, including Ziploc® brand bags and containers and Saran™ brand wraps do not contain BPA. Glass and stainless steel are also non-toxic alternatives for pitchers. |
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What You'll Learn
- Rubbermaid Commercial Products claims that none of its products contain BPA
- Only a fraction of Rubbermaid food storage containers and water bottles contain BPA
- Polycarbonate plastics containing BPA are labelled with the number 7 identification code
- BPA exposure may affect the brain and the prostate gland of fetuses, infants, and children
- Metal containers, especially aluminium water bottles, are sometimes lined with BPA
Rubbermaid Commercial Products claims that none of its products contain BPA
BPA, or bisphenol-a, is a chemical found in polycarbonate plastics, which are hard, clear (or clear-tinted), and unbreakable. It has been used since the 1960s in various products, including reusable water bottles, food storage containers, drinking glasses, pitchers, baby bottles, and sippy cups. While BPA exposure at low levels is considered safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there are still concerns about its potential effects on health.
In response to these concerns, many companies have transitioned to producing BPA-free products. Rubbermaid Commercial Products claims that none of its products contain BPA. On their website, they address this common question and state that they do not sell any products containing BPA. They acknowledge that concerns about BPA presence have been associated with their small food containers, but they assure customers that their products are safe.
The company's commitment to BPA-free products is evident, and they have provided transparency by creating an easy-to-read and comprehensive guide that clearly defines which products are BPA-free. This guide has been praised by customers for its accessibility and helpfulness in making informed purchasing decisions. It is important to note that Rubbermaid Commercial Products also emphasizes the recyclability of their items, encouraging customers to read the labels before disposing of any Rubbermaid products.
While Rubbermaid Commercial Products asserts the absence of BPA in their offerings, it is always advisable to remain vigilant. Some older Rubbermaid containers, such as the stain shield containers, are known to have contained BPA. If you own any Rubbermaid products purchased before July 2012 that do not have a recycling number, it is recommended to assume they contain BPA and dispose of them properly. Additionally, look out for labels indicating "unbreakable" or "microwavable," as these are indicators of potential BPA presence.
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Only a fraction of Rubbermaid food storage containers and water bottles contain BPA
It is important to understand the concerns surrounding BPA and its use in food containers and water bottles. BPA, or bisphenol-a, is a chemical found in polycarbonate plastics, which are hard, clear (or clear-tinted), and unbreakable. These plastics have been used for decades to create products like reusable water bottles, food storage containers, pitchers, and baby bottles.
While BPA exposure has been linked to potential health risks, such as possible effects on the brain and the prostate gland of fetuses, infants, and children, and a potential increase in blood pressure, it's important to note that regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have found BPA to be safe at low levels.
Regarding Rubbermaid products, it is important to note that only a fraction of their food storage containers and water bottles contain BPA. Rubbermaid Commercial Products have stated that they do not sell any products containing BPA. They acknowledge that concerns are often associated with their small food containers. Most Rubbermaid products are recyclable, and they encourage consumers to read the labels before disposing of any items.
To identify if a Rubbermaid product contains BPA, look for the recycling number. The majority of their food and beverage containers are assigned category number "5," while some non-BPA-containing products are in category "7" due to their unique plastic combinations. If a product is labeled as "unbreakable" or "microwavable," it may be an indicator of BPA presence, and it is recommended to be discarded. Handwash-only products are likely acrylic and safe to keep. For products purchased before July 2012 without a recycling number, it is advisable to assume they contain BPA and dispose of them properly.
While only a fraction of Rubbermaid products contain BPA, it is always beneficial for consumers to make informed choices and stay updated with the latest information and recommendations regarding BPA and its alternatives.
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Polycarbonate plastics containing BPA are labelled with the number 7 identification code
Bisphenol-A (BPA) is an industrial chemical used to make certain plastics and resins since the 1960s. It is often found in polycarbonate plastics, which are typically hard, clear or clear-tinted, and unbreakable. While BPA has been phased out of most plastic manufacturing, it is still used in some products.
To determine whether a plastic product contains BPA, you can look for recycling codes or resin identification numbers, usually found on the bottom of the product inside a triangle made of three arrows. In addition to code 7, codes 3 and 6 are also associated with the presence of BPA. Opaque plastics are generally BPA-free, whereas hard, clear or clear-tinted, unbreakable plastics may contain BPA.
Products labelled as "unbreakable" or "microwave-safe" are also indicators that they likely contain BPA and should be avoided. On the other hand, if a product is labelled as handwash only, it is probably made of acrylic and is BPA-free.
Regarding Rubbermaid products specifically, they state that they do not sell any products that contain BPA. However, it is always good to check the labels on your specific Rubbermaid products to ensure they are BPA-free.
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BPA exposure may affect the brain and the prostate gland of fetuses, infants, and children
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical commonly used in the manufacture of plastics and epoxy resins. It has been detected in maternal circulation, amniotic and placental fluids, breast milk, and the urine of infants. BPA exposure may affect the brain and the prostate gland of fetuses, infants, and children.
The National Toxicology Program (NTP) has expressed concern about the potential harm BPA may cause to human reproduction and development. The NTP's report is based on a broad body of research, including laboratory animal studies. It concludes that there is "some concern" for effects on the brain, behaviour, and prostate gland in fetuses, infants, and children.
Human epidemiological studies have reported adverse behavioral outcomes with BPA exposure in children. However, the corresponding effects of BPA exposure on children's brain structure have not yet been conclusively established. One study examined the association between prenatal maternal and childhood BPA exposure and white matter microstructure in children aged 2 to 5 years. The study also investigated whether brain structure mediated the association between BPA exposure and child behavior.
Additionally, the high sensitivity of developing organs in fetuses and infants makes them more vulnerable to the effects of BPA exposure. The fetal brain, in particular, is at risk due to its immature xenobiotic-metabolizing system and permeable blood-brain barrier. Urinary BPA concentrations in premature infants undergoing intensive therapeutic medical intervention have been found to be significantly higher than in the general population. This elevated exposure may be attributed to the use of medical equipment, including tubes and bottles.
While the exact implications for human health are still being researched, the potential risks associated with BPA exposure during critical periods of development cannot be dismissed.
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Metal containers, especially aluminium water bottles, are sometimes lined with BPA
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a common industrial chemical used in the production of polycarbonate plastics. These plastics are hard, clear or clear-tinted, and unbreakable. BPA has been used since the 1960s to create products like reusable water bottles, food storage containers, drinking glasses, pitchers, baby bottles, and sippy cups.
While BPA exposure is potentially harmful to human health, especially during pregnancy and early childhood, it is important to note that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found BPA to be safe at low levels occasionally found in foods. Opaque plastics are typically BPA-free, and recycling numbers can also help identify BPA-free plastics.
Metal containers, especially aluminium water bottles, have been marketed as a sustainable and healthy alternative to plastic bottles. However, it is important to be aware that some metal containers are lined with BPA. Aluminium bottles may be lined with epoxy resins, which are made with BPA, to improve the taste of the water by preventing the aluminium taste. The epoxy molecule is unstable and can release BPA into the water, especially when exposed to extreme conditions, such as temperatures above the manufacturer's recommendations.
While there are "`BPA-free` alternatives available, there is consumer uncertainty about the validity of these marketing claims due to a lack of independent testing. It is recommended to contact the manufacturer to inquire about BPA leaching and look for bottles with specific linings that have been shown not to emit BPA, such as EcoCare™-lined aluminium bottles. Stainless steel bottles, which are typically unlined, are also an option as they are generally free of BPA.
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Frequently asked questions
Rubbermaid Commercial Products claim that they do not sell any products that contain BPA. However, they acknowledge that there have been concerns about BPA in their small food containers. A blog post from 2009 suggests that only a fraction of Rubbermaid-branded food storage containers and water bottles contain BPA.
BPA stands for bisphenol-a, a chemical found in polycarbonate plastics. These plastics are hard, clear (or clear-tinted), and unbreakable. They have been used since the 1960s to make products like reusable water bottles, food storage containers, drinking glasses, pitchers, baby bottles, and sippy cups.
Look for products labelled as \"unbreakable\" or \"microwave-safe\", as these are indicators that the product likely contains BPA. Products with a recycling number "7" may also contain BPA, although not all plastics labelled with this number contain BPA.
