Facts About BPA-Free Plastic Water Bottles
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Origins
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BPA-free bottles became popular in the early-2000s because of several studies that found that the effects of BPA on the body could be harmful. The main study that triggered public interest in BPA-free bottles was released by the National Toxicology Program in 2008. After this and other studies, a plethora of BPA-free bottles began production.
Types
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There are several different kinds of plastics used to make BPA-free bottles. One of the most well-known versions of plastic uses a copolyester compound known as Tritan. Other plastics that replace BPA plastics include plastic items made from acrylic, polypropylene, styrene acrylonitrile (SAN) and melamine. None of these plastics contain BPA.
Benefits
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There are many benefits to using BPA-free plastics. BPA is under close scrutiny, and there are many studies that show the adverse effects of ingesting that plastic in large quantities. BPA-free plastics are healthier and are unlikely to leech chemicals into food stored inside them. BPA-free plastic is also better for the environment, because the chemical will not leech into the ground or other nearby products under heated conditions.
Considerations
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Some companies have not released what compositions make up their BPA-free bottles, which has caused some people to question the safety of these plastics as well. Just because a product is BPA-free does not mean that it is safe. For example, plastics containing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics have also come under scrutiny for their potentially harmful effects.
Effects
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BPA added to plastics to makes them more flexible, smooth and strong. Consequently, most BPA-free plastics are weaker, more brittle and porous. BPA-free bottles are likely to break much sooner than their BPA-containing counterparts. The bottles may also absorb the smell or color of any liquid used in the bottle that is not pure water. For this reason, use BPA-free bottles for water only.
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