Busting BPA Dangers: Your Plastic Bottle Alternatives

Whether we like it or not, we live within a world defined by plastic. Plastic helps to preserve our foods and it provides a convenient drinking container. While the quality of such products might have just reached a basic level of acceptance, cheap and recyclable plastic is here to stay. We think little when we take a drink from a bottle or when reusing these containers over and over. The main problem here is that such habits can be dangerous and unhealthy. This arises from the fact that many hard and clear plastic bottles are made from a substance known as BPA (Bisphenol-A). Some of the items which are comprised of this chemical compound include (but are not limited to) food storage containers, water bottles, modern contact lenses, electronic devices and even drinking bottles for children. You might also be surprised to learn that this chemical is found within other objects such a tin cans and dental sealants. One of the best ways to tell if is it present is to examine the associated label. Should you notice the number “7” stamped into a plastic item, this signifies that the substance is included. The letters “PC” are also indicators.

What is the Danger?

One of the main issues with Bisphenol-A is that a growing body of research has linked this substance to a host of health problems. Some of the most concerning results include conditions such as:

Birth defects
Diabetes
Reduced fertility rates
Certain types of cancers
Birth defects

Let’s look at an example to cement these observations. According to data compiled as late as 2005, 94 out of 115 peer-reviewed studies confirmed the toxicity of BPA. One disturbing example is that one project found that frequent miscarriages are associated with levels of Bisphenol-A three times as high when compared to women who have successful pregnancies. If this does not shock you, it should.

The Truth Behind “Convenient” Plastic

The main question involves whether or not the facts and figures mentioned above are true and unfortunately, they are. How did I first come across such disturbing information? One of the main reasons was due to my habit of placing plastic bottles of drinking water in my car for emergency purposes. I was unaware of the danger until a friend informed me that I could literally be drinking poison if those very same bottles were exposed to heat or excessive levels of sunlight. It is therefore ironic that I felt I was doing the planet a favour by reusing old bottles. What were my options and were there any ways to avoid the potentially devastating health effects associated with Biphenol-A?

Newer, Smarter and Safer

The good news is that my friend was there to save me from a potentially dangerous mistake. He introduced me to a bottle from Home Bargains which cost a mere four pounds. It was able to hold two litres of water when completely full. While I was a bit hesitant due to its strange appearance (I had seen such bottles in the gym before), I have to admit that this hesitance was completely unfounded. This bottle is amazing. Not only can I avoid being poisoned by BPA, but I can now remain hydrated at all times. Let’s also not forget that no waste is produced; this bottle can be used over and over. This is why I recommend such a bottle. Not only is it a matter of convenience, but it involves your health as well.