Column 25, February, 2010

How safe is your waterbottle?

Most runners keep a water bottle with them constantly; in our car, our gym bags, and on our desk at work.

We often hold onto them for days or weeks, refilling straight from the tap or a water purifier. But how safe are these bottles? And what about re-use, putting them in the dishwasher, or leaving them to perspire in a sweltering car?

It’s a very controversial topic, but I’d like to present the information I have collected for you to use at your own discretion.

What are the concerns with using or re-using plastic drink bottles?

There are 2 main concerns;

The potential for bacterial and fungal growth (which can easily be minimized by rinsing and washing bottles with hot soapy water immediately after using, then allowing to completely dry).

The break-down of plastic and leaching of chemicals.

It is the latter potential that I want to focus on in this article.

What is Bisphenol A?

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical found in polycarbonate bottles (a hard plastic bottle), which acts in a similar way to hormones, and has been linked to cancer, r eproductive issues and hormonal issues in animals.

Although the NZ Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) considers it safe, Ian Shaw – Professor of Toxicology at Canterbury University – says it has the potential to reduce sperm count, cause premature puberty in girls, and increase breast and testicular cancer in humans.

Interestingly, in Oct 2008 Canada banned the sale of baby’s bottles containing BPA, and last month the head of the US federal agency studying BPA safety said pregnant women, infants and children should avoid ingesting the chemical.

Do NZ drink bottles contain BPA?

Most NZ water and sports drinks bottles are made from Polyet hylene Terephthalate, identified by the plastics code.

Examples include; Signature Range, Kiwi Blue, NZ Natural, Water for Every One, Pump, H²Go, Mizone and Powerade. These DO NOT contain BPA.

What about the large water cooler I use at work?

Polycarbonate is used to make the large water cooler bottles, and therefore will contain BPA.

Is it safe to re-use my water bottle?

Research presented in 2001 by an environmental engineering student from Idaho stated 4 chemicals, including DEHA (a cancer causing substance) were found in water of re-used PET bottles exposed to certain conditions like sunlight, heat, storage and time.

Higher concentrations were detected the more the bottle was re-used. In this study non-PET water bottles also showed levels of the chemicals. The American Plastics council however stated that “DEHA is not inherent in PET plastic as a raw material, by-product or decomposition product”. So controversy abounds!

Guidelines

As runners need to stay hydrated on the go, we need to have something to drink out of! So I’ve compiled some guidelines for you based on the information available currently.

Plastic bottles to avoid:

Old Nalgene bottles

Were previously made of polycarbonate, which contains BPA. BPA can leach into water, especially when the plastic is heated.
Expert ' s take; Federal regulators consider these bottles safe, but many experts recommend BPA-free versions.

Unidentified Plastic bottles

This symbol is used in NZ for many types of plastic; unfortunately this may include polycarbonate (PC) which contains BPA.
Expert’s take; Best avoided unless made from PLA (see below*)

Polystyrene bottles

May leach styrene, a possible hormonal disruptor and cancer causing substance.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) bottles

Commonly contains the plastic softener di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) which is a hormonal disruptor.

Plastic bottles considered safe for single use:

Bottled water

These bottles do not contain BPA, however when scratched or heated, other chemicals could be released into your water, says Kathleen Schuler, author of the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy ' s Smart Plastics Guide.
Expert ' s take: Use just once.

Plastic bottles considered safe for re-use:

Water bottles (PLA*)

Polylactic bottles do not contain BPA or DEHA . They are yet to be given their own identification code so come into the “ 7” category. However you will see “PLA” below the 7 so that you don’t confuse them with bottles containing BPA!.

Soft plastic bottles

Low-density and high-density polyethylene bottles are BPA-free, but the plastic degrades with heat and harsh soaps.
Expert ' s take: A good choice, but hand wash and rinse regularly. Water that sits too long develops a plastic like taste.

Polypropylene Bottles

A cloudy plastic, PP is often used in microwave dishes as it softens at a much higher temperature. They transmit no known chemicals into water and food.

More research needed:

BPA-free plastic bottles

Nalgene and CamelBak are making BPA-free bottles with Tritan copolyester, a polymer with the same look and feel as polycarbonate – ie tough, with hi gh-heat and chemical resistance, which sounds good on paper.
Expert ' s take: Safer than the older version, but these are too new for experts to recommend without reservations.

Non-plastic alternatives:

Stainless-Steel bottles

Stainless-steel bottles, such as Klean Kanteens, are dishwasher safe, scrubable, and free of plastic.
Expert's take: This is your BEST CHOICE , says Theo Colborn, Ph.D., president of the nonprofit organization The Endocrine Disruption Exchange.

Lined aluminum bottles

The most popular brand, Sigg, offers bottles that are stylish and light. Bottles made before Aug 2008 have a bronze coloured liner that may contain traces of BPA, however post Aug 2008 a new dull pale yellow ‘ecocare’ liner has been used and certified 100% BPA free.
Expert ' s take: Probably safe, but Colborn prefers stainless steel.

Glass bottles

A safe and environmentally friendly alternative which does not flavour or taint water. Not as practical as plastic or stainless steel, but THE BEST CHOICE for safety.

Expert’s take; Caroline Gunn, director of Food Safety Services Ltd in Napier suggests having an insulation sleeve around these bottles to keep drinks cold and prevent breakage.

Marnie Oberer