How to Tell If a Bottle Is BPA Free?

From chairs to bottles and wide range of other containers, plastic is ever present in our society. Yet some think it has its consequences. BPA, or Bisphenol-A, is a key building block of the popular lightweight durable plastic, polycarbonate. In lab testing on rodents, this chemical has been shown to cause cancer, obesity, behavioral and other health problems. Some are concerned that BPA poses similar health consequences for humans. Consumers today have options when purchasing plastic containers. Plastic bottles are labeled with a code, so learn which may contain BPA before buying your next bottle.

Instructions

• 1

  Turn your bottle over to view the number printed on the recycling symbol on the bottom.

• 2

  Determine if it is one of the plastics that could leach BPA. Bottles with a code number of 1 to 6 do not contain BPA; plastic water bottles usually are made from Code 1 PET/PETE plastic. A bottle with the code number 7 indicates that it is made from another type of plastic and could contain BPA unless it states it is BPA-free.

• 3

  Check the rest of the bottle for a sticker or symbol that says "BPA-free." If it contains this stamp of approval you can be fairly certain the bottle does not contain BPA.