Study Finds Hard Plastic Water Bottles Leach Potentially Harmful Chemical When Heated
Published: 4 February 2008
Category: Bisphenol A (BPA), Cancer, Packaging CONCERNS, Reproductive/Hormonal Changes, Studies/State & Federal Regulations
“The Cincinnati Enquirer” reports new research from the University of Cincinnati found that polycarbonate water bottles, including those used by some climbers, cyclists and other fitness fans, “release a potentially harmful chemical when exposed to boiling water.” Notably, the study found that both old and new bottles released more bisphenol A (BPA)—a manmade chemical that mimics estrogen and has been found to affect brain development and reproduction in animals and possibly cancers in humans—when boiling water was poured into the bottles. New and old bottles reportedly released BPA 15 to 55 times faster when exposed to boiling water than cool or warm water.