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Watermatters has terminated business with Berkey Water Systems

March 14th, 2023

Watermatters has been selling Berkeys since 2010. Berkey systems have been well loved by our customers for years. It is now time to end our relationship with Berkey due to ongoing ... More »

Bisphenol A: Plastic Toxin in Bottled Water

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic chemical compound used in a wide range of consumer products including plastic water bottles, baby bottles and to line food cans. BPA can be ingested after leaching from a plastic bottle or food container into its contents.

Low doses disrupt hormonal system

Bisphenol A is a hormone disruptor that alters the normal functioning of the endocrine system in both humans and wildlife. Studies have linked very low levels of exposure to BPA to a wide range of adverse effects including reproductive, developmental and behavioural problems. These include hyperactivity and permanent changes to the genital tract, increased prostate weight, decline in testosterone, and breast and prostrate cells predisposed to cancer.

Polycarbonate plastic and baby bottles

BPA is primarily used to make polycarbonate plastic water bottles and other food and beverage containers. Many baby bottles are polycarbonate but not labeled as such. They can only be identified by calling the manufacturer. All bottles containing BPA should be (but may not be) labelled #7 plastic. However, not all #7 plastic containers are made with BPA.

Pregnant women and children most at risk

Fetuses, infants and children around puberty are most at risk because their endocrine systems are undergoing development and especially sensitive to hormone disruptors. Other species are affected by exposure to chemical toxins produced by humans. Genetic mutations are occurring in many other species at an alarming rate.

Canadian Health Measures Survey

The Canadian government has recently launched a study of BPA (and approximately 200 other chemicals) due to mounting concern about risks to human health and the environment. Currently there is no legislation in Canada regarding Bisphenol A leaching from water bottles and food containers.

Stainless steel water bottles are a non-toxic alternative to plastic bottles.

Studies show that virtually everyone is exposed to BPA.
Environmental Defence is inviting support to urge the Canadian government to ban Bisphenol A.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, September 18th, 2007 at 11:44 pm and is filed under Water and Health. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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