New Nalgene Safety Concern
Nalgene bottles and other durable polycarbonates may leak harmful levels of BPA when filled with boiling liquid.
The Nalgene bottle safety debate continues.
According to a study by Scott Belcher, PhD, when boiling liquid was added to a Nalgene-type bottle made of Lexan, the liquid became toxic. After being exposed to the boiling liquid, bisphenol A leaked out of the bottle. Neurons from the cerebellum of a rat self-destructed upon exposure to the toxic liquid. BPA (bisphenol A) is used in food can linings, water pipes and dental sealants, too. Because the plastics are so widespread, the findings are troubling. Many hikers use Nalgenes and other polycarbonate bottles to store tea, coffee, and other liquids.
According to a post on sciencefriday.com, Scott Belcher of the University of Cincinnati found heated liquid from Nalgene bottles and other durable polycarbonate bottles contained 55 times the normal amount of BPA. The professor of pharmacology and cell biophysics focuses on the effects of estrogen on brain development. UC published a news release about the study on its health news website.
Belcher squashed the rumor that the age or usage of the bottles determined its toxicity. Belcher and his team tested both new and used bottles. Both released BPA at the same amount and rate in cool water. Andrew Engelson posted previously in the Signpost Blog on Nalgenes and BPA here.
If you're looking to replace your stylish colorful Nalgene, try going retro. The HDPE (high density polyethylene) bottles are still considered safe. Or check out aluminum/steel designs.
Despite the findings, Belcher states that the effects on humans are still unclear. According to Belcher, because there are several estrogen-like chemicals people are exposed to, it's difficult to determine one culprit.
Stay alert to the reports and avoid adding boiling liquids to Nalgene bottles and other durable bottles such as baby bottles. The most concerning affects of BPA are on developing cells in fetuses or young children.
Despite the possible threat of some water bottles, taking a water bottle while hiking is essential. Boiling the liquid within, is not.
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