NADD - An association for persons with developmental disabilities and mental health needs

To the Editor:

A new danger is lurking at the sporting goods store. Manufacturers of sports bottles are now proudly proclaiming that their wares are “BPA Free”. BPA, or Bisphenol A, is an endocrine disruptor which has been linked to breast and prostate cancer, early onset puberty, obesity (Whittelsey, 2003), reproductive disorders including fibroids, endometriosis, cystic ovaries, and cancer (Geehr, 2007), and several other disorders. It is considered especially dangerous to infant development (“When Recycling is Dangerous”, 20007). One would do well to avoid BPA. To my surprise, when inspecting about 40 of these bottles in various major brands, 38 of them were made of #3 plastic, which is known to leak out DEHP into the fluid stored in the bottle. DEHP is classified as a “probably human carcinogen” by the EPA (2000). If incinerated, #3 plastic releases dioxins (synthetic carcinogens) into the environment. A wise shopper should remember that the safer choice in plastic bottles is #2, 4, or 5 plastic, unlined aluminum, stainless steel, or glass. Buyer beware!

Larry Livingston Ph.D.

Geehr, E.C. (2007). Are plastic bottles bad for you? You may be swilling more than water. Lifescript. Retrieved January 2, 2008 from: http://www.lifescript.com/channels/healthy_living/Health_Conditions/are_plastic_bottles_bad_for_you.asp?page=1

When recycling is dangerous. (2007, November 21). Illinois Times. Retrieved December 21, 2007 from: http://www.illinoistimes.com/gryobase/PrintFriendly?oid=oid%3A7058

Whittelsey, F.C. (2003, November-December). Hazards of hydration: Choose your plastic water bottles carefully. Sierra Magazine. Retrieved January 2, 2008 from Sierra Magazine. Web site: http://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/200311/lol5_printable.asp