How to Tell If a Nalgene Bottle Is BPA Free

Bisphenol A, most commonly known as BPA, is a chemical used with plastic products and metals that come into contact with food. BPA itself is controversial, notes nutritionist Katherine Zeratsky, since it can seep into food or beverages, and even into your body; however, it hasn't been proven to adversely affect human health. If you are concerned that your Nalgene bottle contains BPA, rest easy; as of mid 2008 Nalgene only manufactures BPA-free bottles. If you are unsure of the manufacturer of your bottle, unsure of the manufactured date of your Nalgene bottle, or want to ensure your bottle doesn't contain BPA, you can check a few things.

Instructions

• 1

  Locate the recycling symbol on the bottom of your bottle. Polycarbonate-containing BPA, along with other types of plastics, carries a recycling code of seven. Safe, non-BPA plastic bottles made from HDPE, PP, LDPE, PET and carry recycling codes of 1, 2, 4 and 5.

• 2

  Inspect metal bottles for an inner plastic lining. If there is no lining, your bottle is made from stainless steel and is BPA-free. Aluminum bottles feature liners, which frequently contain BPA.

• 3

  Check the product packaging. Many manufacturer's note when products are BPA-free.