Alexei Volkov
Bisphenol A, or BPA, is an industrial chemical used to make certain plastics and resins, including containers that store food and beverages. While it's impossible to completely eliminate BPA from your life, switching to BPA-free alternatives can help minimize your exposure to this chemical. Some plastic products, such as baby bottles and sippy cups, have been banned from containing BPA due to potential health concerns. Waterwise, a company that manufactures water jugs, claims that their 3-gallon water jug is BPA-free. However, it's important to note that BPA-free doesn't always guarantee safety, as some products may still contain other potentially harmful chemicals or bisphenols. To ensure the safety of your family, it's recommended to choose food storage containers and water bottles made from materials like steel and borosilicate glass.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| BPA-free | Yes |
| Capacity | 3 gallons |
| Handle | Yes |
| Safety | Safe for storing and transporting purified water |
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What You'll Learn
The dangers of BPA
Bisphenol-A (BPA) is an industrial chemical widely used to manufacture certain plastics and epoxy resins. It has been used since the 1950s or 1960s to harden plastics and make them clear and tough. BPA is so prevalent that over 90% of sampled Americans had it in their urine in 2004, and this number rose to 92% in a 2008 CDC study.
BPA has been linked to numerous health problems. Due to its hormone-like properties, it can interfere with the body's hormones, binding to estrogen receptors and affecting testosterone. This can cause reduced fertility, changes in puberty timing, increased body fat, and behavioural problems in children. BPA has also been linked to diabetes, obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, and cancer.
BPA can enter the body through ingestion, vertical transmission, inhalation, or skin and eye contact. It can contaminate food and beverages, especially when stored in containers made with BPA, and leaches more when the plastic is heated or scratched. It can also be passed on through breast milk.
While some products have started advertising themselves as ""BPA-free", this does not necessarily mean they are safe. BPA-free products may still contain other types of bisphenols, such as BPS or BPF, which have similar effects as BPA. These substitutes are less well-known and may also carry health risks.
To minimise exposure to BPA, it is recommended to use storage containers and drinkware that are made from materials other than plastic, such as stainless steel or borosilicate glass.
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BPA-free substitutes
Bisphenol A, or BPA, is an industrial chemical used to manufacture certain plastics and epoxy resins. It has been linked to a number of health problems, including reduced fertility, changes in the timing of puberty, behavioural problems in children, and increased body fat. Due to these concerns, many companies have switched to using BPA-free plastics. However, it's important to note that ""BPA-free" does not necessarily mean that a product is safe.
To reduce exposure to BPA and its substitutes, it is recommended to use alternatives to plastic, such as glass or stainless steel, when possible. Glass is a safe and non-toxic option that does not absorb odors or leach chemicals. High-quality stainless steel is usually durable, corrosion-resistant, and does not leach chemicals.
While it is impossible to completely eliminate BPA from your life, you can make a significant difference by switching to BPA-free storage containers and drinkware. It is also advisable to avoid damaged plastics, as they are more likely to leach chemicals, and to reduce the consumption of processed foods, as BPA can leach from the lining of canned foods and other food packaging.
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Identifying BPA-free plastics
Bisphenol-A, or BPA, is an industrial chemical used to manufacture certain plastics and epoxy resins. It is often found in containers meant to store food and beverages, as well as bottle tops and food cans. While BPA-free substitutes exist, they may not be completely safe, as they can still leach chemicals. Therefore, it is important to identify and choose plastics that are truly BPA-free. Here are some ways to do that:
Check the Recycling Codes
One convenient way to identify if a plastic product contains BPA is to look for the recycling codes, often called resin identification numbers. These recycling triangles are usually printed on the backside of plastic items and contain ID numbers. Each number corresponds to a specific plastic type and provides information about the material content and the presence of BPA. Look for numbers 1 (PET), 2 (HDPE), 4 (LDPE), and 5 (PP or polypropylene), as these are generally considered BPA-free. Code 3 (PVC) products may contain BPA, and while Code 6 (PS) is generally safe, excessive heat can cause issues. Code 7 is a "catch-all" category, so it is unclear if these products contain BPA.
Choose Glass or Stainless Steel
When in doubt, opt for containers made of glass or stainless steel. Glass is considered safe and non-toxic, and it can withstand temperature changes better than regular glass. High-quality stainless steel is usually durable, corrosion-resistant, and does not leach chemicals.
Avoid Damaged Plastics
Damaged plastics, such as those with scratches or signs of wear, are more likely to leach chemicals. Therefore, it is recommended to recycle these plastics and opt for fresh, whole foods. Frozen foods are also preferable to canned ones, as colder temperatures reduce the risk of leaching.
Be Wary of BPA-Free Substitutes
While "BPA-Free" labels are becoming more common, it is important to note that these products may still contain other types of bisphenols, such as BPS, BPF, BPB, and BPZ, which can have similar effects as BPA. Recent studies have found that some "BPA-Free" resins leached chemicals with measurable impacts on hormone-sensitive cells. Therefore, it is important to be cautious and choose alternatives when possible.
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BPA-free alternatives
While it is impossible to completely eliminate Bisphenol-A (BPA) from your life, switching to BPA-free products can significantly reduce your exposure. However, it's important to note that ""BPA-free" products may still contain other potentially harmful chemicals. BPA is often replaced with other bisphenols, such as BPS, BPF, BPB, and BPZ, which may have similar effects on the body. Therefore, it is recommended to choose alternatives to plastic whenever possible. Here are some BPA-free alternatives to consider:
Glass
Glass is a safe and non-toxic alternative to plastic. It does not absorb odours or leach chemicals, making it ideal for food and beverage storage. Borosilicate glass, in particular, is known for its durability and ability to withstand temperature changes. It is important to note that plain glass bottles without enamel and paint decorations are preferable as they are safer.
Stainless Steel
High-quality stainless steel containers and bottles are durable, corrosion-resistant, and do not leach chemicals. Food-grade stainless steel, often referred to as "Series 304", 18/8, or 18/10, indicates the chromium and nickel content. Stainless steel is a safer alternative to plastic, especially for storing food and beverages.
Silicone
Silicone is another BPA-free alternative that is commonly used for food storage containers, plates, and reusable bags. It is flexible, durable, and does not leach chemicals, making it a safe option for storing food and beverages.
Bamboo
Bamboo is a natural and eco-friendly alternative to plastic. It is a sustainable and renewable resource that can be used for utensils, disposable ware, and other household items. Bamboo products are biodegradable and do not contain harmful chemicals, making them a safer option for the environment and human health.
TMBPF
TMBPF is a new BPA alternative that shows promise. Its phenol groups have been modified to not bind to estrogen receptors, which is a concern with BPA and other bisphenols. However, it is always recommended to consult peer-reviewed research and take a cautious approach when it comes to the safety of new compounds.
While the burden of reducing exposure to BPA and its alternatives often falls on consumers, it is important to stay informed and make conscious choices to protect your health and the environment.
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Waterwise's BPA-free water jug
The Waterwise 3-gallon water jug is a convenient and safe option for storing and transporting purified water. Its key feature is that it is BPA-free, which is an important distinction for any product that comes into contact with food or beverages.
BPA, or Bisphenol-A, is an industrial chemical widely used to manufacture certain plastics and resins. It has been used since the 1950s-1960s and can be found in containers meant to store food and beverages, including water bottles, baby bottles, and food containers. It has also been used to coat the insides of bottle tops and food cans.
The concern with BPA is that it has been linked to a number of health problems. When BPA enters the body, it mimics the estrogen hormone and may disrupt the normal regulation of vital processes. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, potential effects include changes to the timing of puberty, decreased fertility, increased body fat, and impacts on the nervous and immune systems.
While BPA-free products are generally considered safer, it is important to note that "BPA-free" does not necessarily mean a product is completely safe. Some BPA-free products may still contain other types of bisphenols, such as BPS or BPF, which have similar potential risks as BPA. Therefore, it is recommended to use alternatives to plastic, such as glass or stainless steel, when possible.
The Waterwise 3-gallon water jug is a great option for those seeking a BPA-free product to store and transport water safely. However, users should be aware that it is made of plastic, which may still contain other chemical compounds, and consider the available alternatives.
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Frequently asked questions
BPA stands for Bisphenol A, a synthetic compound used to make polycarbonate plastic containers.
BPA has been linked to a number of health problems, including reduced fertility, changes to the timing of puberty, and behavioural problems in children.
You can check the recycling number at the bottom of the container. Containers labelled with a 1, 2, or 5 are considered BPA-free, while those stamped with a 7 indicate the possible presence of BPA.
