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Check the number on the bottom of your plastic bottle before you drink. Clear, hard plastic bottles with a # 7 recycling code on the bottom and the letters PC are polycarbonate and contain Bisphenol-A (BPA). Research has shown that this potentially harmful chemical can leach into food and drink and has been linked to elevated levels of estrogen in the body. Both water and baby bottles have been made of this type of plastic. Some beverage cans also contain BPA
Since 2007 when a report by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences said a chemical in polycarbonate plastic bottles, called BPA, caused reproductive abnormalities in mice, various reports have linked BPA to a range of problems including diabetes, liver problems and even reduced sperm production. Some studies have shown that BPA can cause health problems such as infertility and cancer.
The best way to avoid BPA is to switch to a reusable water bottle. Very good stainless steel bottles are available at kleankanteen.com or the Newark Natural Foods Cooperative on Main St. in Newark.
If you have polycarbonate bottles now, don't reuse them, especially with hot liquids. A study published by the Environmental News Network found that drastically higher levels of BPA were released once these bottles were briefly exposed to boiling water. In fact, many experts recommend that to keep food safe from the chemicals used to make plastic you should never heat food in plastic, rather, in glass or ceramic containers only.
What can you do with # 7 bottles you already have? Since polycarbonate plastic is not recyclable, it will become landfill waste if you discard it in the trash. Instead, be environmentally conscious and observe the Reuse concept in Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Consider using it to store loose change, craft accessories like glitter or beads or other small items such as tacks, screws or nails.
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