Taking a look into why the new BPA-free bottle is one of the hottest environmental and health topics on the internet and whether buying one could be a wise health investment
Concerns about Bisphenol A being a human health hazard have existed since the 1950's. In recent years, however, the BPA discussion has been rising to a fever pitch on the internet.
BPA is a chemical present in plastic that will readily dissolve out of the plastic and into the fluids contained within the plastic vessel. As such, many parents will naturally want to make absolutely sure that their kids are using safe drinking bottles, for example. Young mothers especially, with concerns about the potential exposure of their children to harmful effects of BPA, are joining forums and discussion groups and voicing their concerns with increasing frequency.
Many major stores are removing products that contain BPA from their shelves. Growing public concern, is causing a number of retailers to pull many types of plastic bottles from their stock, and to seek new relationships with manufacturers that can supply a BPA-free bottle. In some countries, laws have been passed banning BPA from all consumer products. Indications are that many major economies may follow suit, and completely outlaw the production of BPA altogether.
The greatest factor in the increased BPA awareness is the availability of fast, free information almost at any point in the world. For the oil industry, which benefits the most from BPA production, the mass education of ordinary people is like a double-edged sword. First there is increased environmental awareness casting a large shadow on the ethics of oil production and forcing future demand downwards. Secondly there is increased health and fitness education.
This not only means that many parents are now aware of the many health dangers that they may not have been aware of in the past, but also that they are more empowered to make healthier choices in the way they buy things. A mother who wants to make sure that her school-going child takes plenty of fluids during the day will more than likely opt to buy a BPA-free bottle than a plastic one.
In order to eliminate exposure to BPA for you and your family, you need to look closely at the type of vessels that you use to carry fluids. This is where the greatest danger lies. BPA will seep out of the container into the drink even at room temperature, and even the smallest amounts have been known to have many harmful effects on health.
Since almost everyone needs to carry some type of drink with them nowadays, the solution is to shop for a BPA-free bottle, especially of the types made from 18/8 food grade stainless steel. These are made from food grade material, are lightweight and come in very stylish designs. They are not lined with plastic on the inside, thus eliminating any risk of exposure to BPA.
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