Aluminum Vs. Stainless Water Bottle

In today's fast paced work and recreational environments, water bottles can be important tools to help you drink your daily water requirements; however some studies have shown that polycarbonate plastic water bottles, which have been a mainstay for decades, contain dangerous chemicals which can leach into your water. In the wake of those findings, debate has shifted to the comparative advantages of two popular water bottle alternatives to plastic: aluminum and stainless steel.

BPA

• Biospenol-A, commonly referred to as "BPA," is a chemical that "mimics the female hormone estrogen" according to the Labor Environmental Alliance Society. The chemical has been shown to cause defective cell divisions which have been linked to reproductive and developmental damage, breast cancer in women, prostate cancer in men, as well as the development of Alzheimer's disease. A 2008 Canadian federal assessment declared BPA to be a danger both to human health and the environment.The chemical is found in polycarbonate plastics and among other manufactured materials.

Safety

• Stainless steel water bottles are safer than most aluminum bottles because many aluminum models are manufactured with epoxy resin liners that contain BPA, and it is possible that the chemical could leach into the contents of the bottle over time. That said, large aluminum water bottle manufacturers such as SIGG and Laken employ proprietary designs which they say contain no BPA; the safety of their bottles has been confirmed by independent tests. Stainless steel water bottles require no interior lining and the safety of the material is demonstrated by the fact that stainless steel has been used to make cutlery and cookery for hundreds of years.

Environmental impact

• The production of both aluminum and stainless steel bottles requires mining for raw materials, which is harmful to the environment. That said, some bottles are manufactured in factories that are more environmentally friendly than others; they use less energy and produce less waste.

Cost

• Most aluminum water bottles are more expensive than stainless steel bottles; however size and style affect the price. Water bottles are often cheaper when you buy them online, though shipping costs are a consideration. Large sporting goods and fitness stores have large selections in stock, and water bottles found in those stores are cheaper than those bought at specialty shops, gyms or fitness studios.

Tips

• No matter what bottle you decide to purchase, be sure to wash it out with soap and water before you drink from it; if you want to be more thorough, use baking soda and vinegar. Stainless steel bottles can be put in the dishwasher; SIGG doesn't recommend you put its aluminum bottles in the dishwasher. If you decide to go ahead with an aluminum bottle, be careful not to scratch or puncture the bottle's inner lining.