Answering your questions about potentially toxic plastics

Use glasses and glass bottles if you are concerned

Hello, it's Beth Daley, environment reporter from the Boston Globe in the newsroom to answer your questions. With me on the phone is Mia Davis, an expert on bisphenol A from Clean Water Action, a Boston-based advocacy group and author of Baby's Toxic Bottle.

BD: As the story said, the chemical bisphenol A is leaching out of plastic and into bodies bottles. Some animal studies have shown that to be harmful to the reproductive system, which could also cause cancer later in life.

Does Massachusetts have any laws banning BPA from children's products? On votingbloc.org I saw that other states are working to protect children from exposure to BPA and other potentially toxic substances.

MD: No. However, there is a bill pending called the Safer Alternatives Bill that has passed the Senate and is in the House and would address bisphenol A and other potentially dangerous common chemicals in household products.

how do you tell if the bottle contains BPA or not if the bottom is marked with the recycle number seven

BD: The recycling number seven is a catch all for many types of plastic. Just because it says number 7, doesn't mean it has BPA. But BPA plastics will have number 7 to the bottom.

MD: Most 7s are made with bisphenol A. For a quick test, if the plastic is shatter-proof, hard and transparent (they can still be tinted a color) it likely contains BPA. Sometimes they have no recycilng number. In that case, perform the test and let common sense rule.

What about basic canned goods? I am talking about soups, beans, kids pastas and things like that? Are those cans toxic also? And how about bottled juices?

MD: Bisphenol A is in the resin that lines a lot of canned goods, including canned tomatoes, corn, soups and soda cans. Juice bottles are not made with bisphenol A. I advise people to try to limit their exposure to BPA by using fresh or frozen ingredients over canned whenever possible.

BD: Scientists say many adults get the greatest BPA exposure from canned goods. BPA is used to help prevent corrosion in canned goods.

What about the large 5 gallon spring water jugs that are used in offices. For example, Poland Spring jugs are #7...do they contain Bisphenol

MD: I believe so.

Is the issue only with heated liquids/solids in Nalgene-like bottles or any substance at any temperature?

MD: Recent studies have shown when bottles are heated, the rate of bisphenol A leaching increases significantly. However, leaching can occur at room temperature. I advise people not to use bottles made with bisphenol A.
In our studies we found that fatty substances like milk or acidic substance like tomatoes can increase leaching.

Tervis tumblers, are they safe, yes no?

Why hasn't there been discussion about Poland Springs jugs... the ones that go in coolers.... they are number 7 plastic!!!!! So everyone is getting rid of the personal water bottles that have 7's, but most of us are still getting water from #7 poland springs jugs!! When is Poland Springs going to change their plastic?!? It infuriates me!!

I want to know if Dr. Brown's baby bottles use the compound.

MD: Yes, Dr. Brown's makes baby bottles with bisphenol A but they also make a bisphenol A free bottle.

Are the clear brita containers that are supposed to be filter out imputities in our water made from BPA and actually leaching in our drinking water?

MD: I believe they are made with bisphenol A, but the company has said they do not leach bisphenol A. I'm not comfortable saying yes or no all the way yet. But I advise consumers to use Britta or other filters that attach to the faucet to avoid the potential of using bisphenol A products.

What about canned goods like soups and spaghetti-o's? Can these also be packaged with bisphenol A? What about prepared toddler meals, like Gerber graduates? They are in plastic/styrofoam type containers.
Thank you.

All interesting information... but aside from the one manufacturer you mentioned, there's been no effort to help consumers identify which products contain BPA. Is it in bottled water bottles? Is it in hard bottles such as Gatorade and Vitamin Water and similar products?

We need more information on where BPA is being used if we are to be cautious about it.

BD: The story tried to explain that bisphenol A is in hard, shatter proof transparent bottles rather than single use, softer bottles.

MD: For more information about how to identify bisphenol A bottles go to babystoxicbottle.org

Sigh......
do I just add this to the growing list of products to avoid like tuna fish and baby powder? What should you use as a substitute besides glass?

Compare the risk to, say, nuking my lunch in a Glad Ware container.

Thanks!

BD: There is risk in everything we do. For example, when you take medicine there is a side affect but you weigh that against the benefit of the medicine. Bisphenol A doesn't have an obvious benefit, and there is a safer, easier alternative. So scientists say its prudent to use the safer alternative.

MD: Yes, add this to the list unfortunately. I would use glass or number 5 plastic or stainless steel. It's all about cumulative exposure. Can you avoid bisphenol A in all its appilcations? No. But can you switch to a safer water bottle? Yes.

I am confused about the bottles that should be of concern - is it only those with the number 7 in the recycling triangle on the bottom?

The confusing part of the plastic bottle controversy is that on the Today show they listed types 3, 6 and 7 as bottles to stay away from. In the Globe article they just mention 7. So, what are the types of plastic bottles to stay away from ? How about 2,4,5,8 and on ? Can we get information about the other types of plastic bottles ? I guess 1 is ok as long as we don't re-use it. Should we stay away from plastic bottles all together ?

MD: Polycarbonate plastic contains bisphenol A and is a number 7 bottle. Containers with the recycling numbers 3 can contain lead, phtalates and can create dioxin, a human carcinogen. Number 6 is polystyrene and doesn't break down. Staying away from 3, 6 and 7 is a good idea. Should we stay away from plastic bottles altogether? I would say limit your exposure as much as you can.

Should I be worried if my baby used Dr. Brown's bottles that were washed in the dishwasher for the last 2 years?

MD: Unfortunately yes. I recommend that you stop using those bottles and find a safer alternative such as glass or bisphenol A-free plastic bottles.

BD: A word of caution here, there is science on animal studies but far more limited studies on humans. These suggestions by Canada and scientists are considered a precaution.

With all of the recent news regarding BPA, they only mention the hazards of plastics labeled with the recycling #7. I first looked into this issue 2 years ago, and was told to avoid plastic bottles and sippy cups marked with recycling numbers 3, 6, & 7. Are # 3 and 6 considered safe, and why so?
Phthalates, found in PVC, or vinyl, is also considered toxic but no mention is being made of this? These are usually labeled with the recycling #3.
Polystyrene is labeled # 6 and found in styrofoam.

Why is this just getting publicity now when we have known about the dangers of BPA for years?

Is it because the plastics industry lobbies to hide it? I think so.

Sounds like the tobacco industry.

BD: Good data on the dangers of bisphenol A began in the early 1990s, but the science really came together in the last five or seven years. Now, that is a long time. I do think industry played a role because they funded their own studies which not surprisingly found nothing. But these studies muddied the waters and continue to do so.

MD: Currently there is a Congressional investigation into industry's influence in this issue.

If we are not to use plastic for carrying water, what are we suppose to use? I have not come across any made of glass that have a protective cushion that I can carry?

BD: Stainless steel is a great option.

MD: People tend to think of glass as more fragile than it is. I have friends and family who have been given glass bottles to their toddlers and only one broke - on ceramic tile. Glass is quite durable.

I have a 21-month old boy. I have been using various Nalgene and plactic bottles to mix his formulas during his first year. He drinks milk from sippy cups now, but they are mostly some form of hard plastic/polymer. Some says "2" or "5" on the bottom, while some has no indicators at all.

Should I consult the pediatrician?? He may have had high expsoure to PBA for the first 12 months of his life. Please help!

Thanks!
Peter

MD: Unfortunately, the CDC estimates 95 percent of the American population has bisphenol A in their bodies. Children tend to have greater exposure because of polycarbonate bottles (which are made with bisphenol A), sippy cups and some infant formula cans lined with bisphenol. I don't think you need to call your doctor but I would advise you to discontinue using number 7 plastic. Lastly, bisphenol A is not biocumulative, meaning it flushes itself from the body. That's why we need to limit exposure as much as we can.

BD: People always call me about sippy cups. The ones with bisphenol A are the hard, shatterproof kind, not the ones you can squeeze. Companies are now making BPA-free hard plastic sippy cups and they'll be advertised as such.

Is bisphenol A in Dunkin Donut/starbucks cups. They are hot when served and I heat them in the microwavwe when they cool before I finish them. I want to know if they use that chemical in their recycled cups. I called DD and they did not answer me. I went to Dart who makes DD cups they have a #6 on the bottomof the cup, but I could not confirm the chemical was in the cup. I want to know if I should worry about heating my coffee in those cups.
Thanks,
Patrick Gill

MD: It is highly unlikely bisphenol A (BPA) is in these cups. However, number 6 is a container I would avoid whenever possible. I would use a stainless steel coffee mug and using that whenever you go to Dunkin Donuts.

My children were born in the 90's and we used plastic baby bottles every day. Should I be worried about potential health problems?

BD: From the scientists I talked to, the answer is not clear. David Ozonoff of Boston University, a respected environmental health professor, said no one knows for sure but since animal studies point to a problem, it's prudent to avoid bisphenol A.

MD: No one knows what the straw that breaks the camel's back is. It's all about cumulative exposure. What is done is done and moving forward for your health and children, I'd advise you to keep away from bisphenol A.

What brand names of baby bottles are involved?]

BD: Its almost every single one. But be optimistic: Retailers I talked to yesterday said they would soon replace bisphenol A baby and hiking bottles with bisphenol A-free products. Of course, many are waiting until they finish selling what's on the shelves. Ask and ask again.

MD: Please visit babystoxicbottle.org for baby bottle brands recently tested and for more information.

Do bottle liners also contain bisphenol A?

MD: I assume you are talking about baby bottle liners. The answer is no, but I am concerned they contain phthalates, which have been linked to reproductive harm.

Can we still drink out of them ? What do they do to us? and How dangerous are they really ?

BD: You can, but independent scientists who study the issue say if you can avoid them - and many people can - then do so. Bisphenol A has been shown in animal studies to cause reproductive harm and other neural and behavioral problems.

Which recycling numbers are to be considered toxic?

I heard that Nalgenes were only bad if you put them in the dishwasher, i.e. heated them up. Is there any truth to this? Which is more dangerous to the user -- reusing a disposable water bottle (such as refilling a half liter poland springs bottle) or using a Nalgene for water on the go?

MD: The question is good but it implies there are no safer alternatives. Stainless steel or glass bottles or even number 5 plastic bottles are better choices.

I'm just hearing about this for the first time. My wife and daughter began telling me in March that I'm going to get cancer because I re-fill my water bottles (in order to save money) considering the number that they have on the bottom.

NOW, my wife tells me that the brand new sleeve of plastic cups I bought (my teenaged son drinks 20 cups of milk per day) will kill us as well.

WHAT? I can understand problems with re-filling something twenty times that was intended to be used once. But these cups are intended to be filled up.

I'm confused!

dls

MD: I understand your confusion but it is hard for the consumer to make safe choices. I'm not say a plastic water bottle will kill you - but it is about cumulative exposure. So I recommend switching to glass, steel or ceramic.

BD: Make your son who drinks so much wash some dishes!

Ridiculous....imagine our surprise when we realized we were spending extra money on Gerber Organic Baby Food and realized it was in a Number 7 Plastic container. I believe it is the heating thats the problem but what effect does the dishwasher have on the bottle?

MD: Companies need to hear from you. They respond to consumers. Let Gerber know that you will purchase a safer product but want the packaging to be safer as well. And yes, dishwashing and heating plastic have been shown to increase the rate of leaching.

I don't know what took me so long, but last summer a friend tipped me to stainless steel reusable water bottles. I use the Klean Kanteen model. The only plastic is on the caps and drinking stems, and it is plastic that does not leach out toxins.
It's a little pricey to buy at first, but if you just keep refilling, as you can do safely (but not with hot liquids), you save tons over constantly buying plastic bottles of water. Plus water tastes great in a metal container!

The other issue people mention is buying jugs of Poland Spring. That too is a complete waste over time. Far better and more economic to install a good-quality water filter on your home tap. (And lots of bottled water is just tap water anyway!)

BD: All good points, thanks.

Use this link for a comprehensive review of which brands to avoid and which ones are safe:

http://zrecs.blogspot.com/2008/02/z-report-on-bpa-in-infant-care-products.html

BD: Interesting, thanks. Also think babystoxicbottle.org is a good place.

People should check on whether their products are BPA free before getting too worked up about the #7 on their water containers etc. It may not be easy in the case of every product, but some are. CamelBak has "The Truth About #7" front and center on their website, so I learned that my re-usable water bottle is "safe". Perhaps the Poland Springs bottles are, too, though Poland Spring's PR folks have not addressed the issue. They should.

I'm wondering about the mother who uses aluminum bottles. I want to look into that. I thought aluminum was "bad" in the '90's and was linked to alzhiemer's. This is an opportunity to learn and perhaps change course, but I don't see the point in panicking.

MD: Good points. Yes, aluminum has some links to health problems but that is why they lined aluminum cans with a resin that has, unfortunately, bisphenol A in it. Aluminum bottles other people are referring to are Sigg bottles, also lined with a resin that the company will not disclose. They say the bottles do not leach bisphenol A but until I know what the resin is I hesitate to recommend the bottles until the company discloses what is in the resin. Customers should call them. I do feel comfortable recommend stainless steel containers.

Thanks, Globe, for giving everyone just enough information to be terrified and not enough information to know what to do to take action.

Anyhow, I really hope that questions here get answered. I've been drinking out a Nalgene on a regular basis for about 10 years now and just switched to a Sigg bottle after all of this, but Siggs are lined with some kind of material to prevent corrosion/repel odors, etc. - when am I going to find out if that has BPA in it, too?
And here we all were thinking we were doing the right things for ourselves and the enviroment with our reusable Nalgene bottles - I can't even imagine if I had children and had been giving the bottles to them. What's a parent to do?

Great points here about Brita pitchers and Poland Spring containers, too. The chance of the risk alone is enough to stop drinking from all of these containers, but seriously, what's a person to do? Weave baskets to carry my water around in?

MD: I would like the user to know I used a Nalgene bottle from age 16 to 26. Basically, all of my reproductive years. I thought I was making a decision for the environment but I was very upset to learn I was exposing myself to harm. I started a website called detoxnalgene.org (its not up to date). But you are not alone. I switched two years ago to a stainless steel bottle which I believe is good for my health and the environment.

If I want to toss my water bottle can I include it in my recycle plastics bin or will that simply keep toxins in the recycling loop. How should I dispose?

BD: A great question. It totally depends on where you live. You should call your local government and ask the department of public works how to properly dispose of it.

MD: Bisphenol A should not be in food or beverages. If we were able to recycle it into some other use - eyeglasses for example - that would be a good recycling effort.

What about dentures.....do they contain bisphenol and can it leach from them?

MD: I don't know about dentures but bisphenol A is used in dental sealants. There is little data on whether it leaches. But the absence of data does not meant its safe.

How should one dispose of Nalgene and other products with BPA in them? It seems adding them to landfills will only increase the amount of the chemical in the soil and eventually the water..?

Everyone is concerned over what to put your coffee in, but what about the actual coffee makers? I would assume a standard automatic drip coffee maker has BPA somewhere within it?

MD: Great question! I am concerned with the pitchers used in auto coffee makers. They sit on a hot plate all day and contain a hot acidic liquid. I am interested in conducting leaching studies but we do not have data yet.

BD: In cases where you aren't sure - try to avoid it to be safe, scientists say.

Some really good guidance on bottles and sippy cup safety on a few parenting blogs:

Z Recommends - http://zrecs.blogspot.com/
Metadad - http://www.metadad.com

BD: Thanks!

So what do we do with all this BPA plastic we are no longer supposed to use? It seems to me that if this stuff sits in a landfill, and the BPA leaches into the ground water we'll still have a problem.

Mia Davis, an expert on bisphenol A from Clean Water Action, a Boston-based advocacy group and author of Baby's Toxic Bottle is answering questions.

MD: MD: I’d love to see a halt to BPA manufacturing so that there is no source pollution, no body burden, and no groundwater contamination after use, and I hope that happens sooner than later. In the meantime, we can’t pollute ourselves rather than recycling or tossing these bottles out. So if you can be creative about using the bottles (pencil holders?) go for it, otherwise, recycle or toss them.

We recently contacted Similac (a manufacturer of infant formula) and found out that their liquid formula bottles have BPA in the safety seal on the top, contrary to some websites that said they were safe.

So basically we realized that anyone who feeds their child with formula has been exposing their child to BPA since all baby formula brands use BPA plastics.


MD: Yes, I believe too many infants are getting a BPA double dose from polycarbonate bottles and from the linings in infant formula cans. The Environmental Working Group has a good report on this. http://www.ewg.org/node/25570
We need to work to get BPA out of all food and beverage applications, ASAP.

I am 8 months pregnant and have been staying hydrated with liquids from my Naglene big mouth bottle and Camelbak better bottle during my pregnancy. I have had water and juices from the bottles, all cold or room temperature. Have I just made an 8 months of mistakes that will make my child sick? What is the impact on pre-natal development?


MD: Jennifer, you’re not alone, and I am genuinely very sorry that this is something that you’re left worrying about.
It is a great idea to stop using the polycarbonate bottles and switch to glass or stainless steel right away. For more info please check out www.babystoxicbottle.org. You’ll find a few different resources, like the full report which highlights effects of exposure, tips on how to reduce your exposure, and my contact info as well.

How should we safely dispose of hard plastic bottles containing BPA?


MD: Please see above Q & As.

I've always used stainless water/coffee containers throughout my pregnancy, and with my son. I "think" it is safe.

What I find shocking is that the organic baby food sold by Gerber in the store I shop at is in #7 plastic. I'm sure they didn't do it on purpose but I'm wondering, is it cheaper?

Why would they choose #7 when #5 is out there?


MD: Yes, stainless steel (not lined with plastic!) is the way to go. Actually, I’ve heard that #7 is often pricer than #5 plastics. Companies might choose polycarbonate because it might look nicer, and is more shatter-proof for transportation. It is still a great question and I think you should pose it to Gerber!

I've read that all bottles with #7, usually polycarbonate, with a "PC" on their bottom indicate they have Bisphenol A (BPA) which is the PRIMARY BUILDING BLOCK FOR POLYCARBONATES (PC). That BPA is a HORMONE DISRUPTER and acts much like estrogen when released into liquid and food and that BPA exposure, well below the range the EPA sets, can raise the risk of high blood pressure , high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes - which is rising significantly in the U.S.

That BPA has been linked to changes in Male and Female reproductive systems, impaired immune function and learning disabilities.

According to the a 2005 report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention that up to 95% of Americans showed at least 100 parts per trillion of BPA in their urine.

If this is all true is sounds as if BPA toxins does not easily wash out through the human system before it begins to cause harm with possible absorption into various parts/organs of our body and could be cumulative ?


MD: Yes, I’d agree that all of the above is true, but there is still not good evidence that BPA builds up in the body like some other problematic chemicals or metals.
The reason that BPA is in the blood and urine of pretty much everyone who has bothered to look into it is that BPA is so widespread. As we’ve said, it is in food and beverage cans, baby and water bottles, it is in eyeglasses, compact discs and is very common in industrial applications, including the linings of some pipes that carry water to and from residences… The take home here is this: today and tomorrow we cannot fully, completely dodge BPA. But we can lessen our exposure, which is very important, by choosing safer consumer goods and demanding that manufacturers provide safe products, especially for pregnant women and babies. The really important bigger message is that we need to pass legislation that makes sure that chemicals are safe BEFORE they hit the market in order to avoid this unfortunate case study of BPA everywhere.

I just wanted to thank you guys so much! This has been very informative and helpful.

Thank you again!

Peter

I think people are overreacting to the usual "scary" media hype about this topic. Is it a good idea to avoid BPA in products when possible? Sure, but the fact is, we live in an environment loaded with contaminants that can be harmful and freaking out about it doesn't really help. Ultimately stress has more direct impact on our health than most of these environmental contaminants. Relax, don't overly stress over what has already happened and just live your life.

Being born leads to death 100% of the time, but aren't you still glad that happened?]

MD: Indeed, I am glad we were all born. And I agree that stress is no good for long term health. However, most of us would like to live a life free of preventable illness, like many cancers (for example, 9 in 10 cases of breast cancer now occur in women with no family history) and reproductive and behavioral problems while we’re enjoying our time here, so I definitely think that we should be precautionary about toxic chemicals in consumer products.

1. Have any studies been done to examine the PEX tubing used in new construction to carry both hot/cold water? what chemicals are used to create this type of tubing?

2. If there is concern with PEX tubing- can BPA and/or other chemicals (leaching from plastic) be removed using water filter/purifier system?

3. From a drinking water perspective it seems the concern is when the plastic is heated. So is there less concern on leaching if the water is cold or room temperature?

I have been wearing invisalign aliners for the past six months - have I been exposing myself to BPA? I am not finished with my treatment, and I will have to wear the last aligner at night for the rest of my life - what do I do?

I, too, am concerned about the safety of my invisalign braces. My dentist recommended them ... this method worked well for his wife. Neither he nor the orthodontist revealed the biomedical risks. Is their cause for concern?

Does PEX tubing have BPA? I am concerned because PEX is used to carry hot water not just cold in my new home addition. Thanks.

Hi, my name is Georgeanna and I work with Edelman on behalf of Brita. I want to assure you that Brita pitchers do not contain bisphenol A (BPA). In fact, the main body of Brita pitchers are not made with polycarbonate, but with another type of plastic that does not contain BPA.

If you have further questions about Brita products, please visit http://www.brita.com or call Brita at 1-800-24-BRITA.

Please see my next message for more information about #7 plastics.

Hi, this is Georgeanna again (see my post above). I’d also like to clear up some confusion about #7 plastics. The numbers on the bottom of plastic containers are placed there voluntarily by manufacturers and indicate a product’s recyclability, not its chemical content. Because BPA makes plastics extremely hard, almost all products that contain BPA fall in to the #7 category, but not all products in that category contain BPA. Number 7 is a catch-all for a variety of plastics that could be a mixture of many other types of plastic, some of which fall in to other number categories. These plastics are not included in most recycling programs but meant to last years, so you shouldn’t need to recycle #7 plastic products until they show wear and tear. For more information about recycling symbols, check out this guide from thedailygreen.com: http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/latest/recycling-symbols-plastics-460321.

"Bisphenol A is not biocumulative, meaning it flushes itself from the body." How long does this take to flush the bisphenol A from your body? Days, weeks, months? Thanks.

There was a question asked about Dr. Brown bottles it was I want to know if Dr. Brown's baby bottles us the compound? your answer was Yes, Dr. Brown's makes baby bottles with Bisphenol a BUT THEY ALSOE MAKE A BISPHENOL A FREE BOTTLE.

MY question is which Dr. Brown bottle is bisphenol a free. How do Know. What should I be looking for? What is the sign for Free Bisphenol A. Please answer me. Thank you.

Is there any way to tell, from the appearance of the inside surface of a canned good, if it has BPA? For example, if it appears to be bare metal, rather than being lined with plastic, would that indicate it doesn't have BPA?

whats the safety of the GATORADE bottles???

I’ve been using a water bottle from Fit & Fresh. This bottle is really cheap, just under $10, and it has a filter. I fill it with tap water from home and work and it tastes just like bottled water – only I’m not wasting any plastic. I just found out that this bottle is also BPA free so there’s more of a reason to keep using it!

I am concerned about my plastic coffee maker. Hot water rests in the filter area and the hot coffee passes through plastic before going into the glass pot. The coffee maker is about 5 years old. Have we been drinking toxins all this time?

Thank you for the informative site and information. This is important stuff.

-KM

I just read all this and more off the SIGG site. We are a very active family of 6 and ever time I change a drinking container-from plastic not reusing to Naglene to stainless coffee mugs i find out I just did the wrong thing. Are the SIGG containers safe? they've been around the longest. I am so glad I breast fed my kids.
Help,
CBK
SIGG has perfected the formula of its proprietary inner liner over decades of scientific research and Swiss engineering. The ingredients (like the formula for Coca-Cola) remain secret and unavailable to 3rd parties so as to ensure SIGG retains its competitive advantage. The key of course is that the SIGG liner is FDA approved and independently tested to be taste and scent inert – and resistant to any leaching (0.0%) so 100% safe

FAQs
Environmental Advantages:

Is Using a reusable water bottle good for the environment?

Does using a reusable water bottle make sense financially?

Why should I spend $15-$20 on a Sigg when I could buy a $10 Lexan plastic bottle?

SIGG Safety/Lining:

I have heard stories about the safety of aluminum. Should I be concerned about drinking from an aluminum SIGG bottle?

Is the paint on the SIGG bottles safe?

Do all metal bottles use a liner?

What exactly is the SIGG liner make of?

Can dents in the bottle damage the SIGG bottle's inner coating?

Can I place my SIGG in the freezer?

Cleaning:

What is the best way to clean my SIGG? Click Here to Buy cleaning tablets and brushes

Are SIGG's dishwasher safe?

I have noticed that my bottle's inner coating has darkened, and there are dark spots on the base. What can I do about this?

Tops:

Why does SIGG make so many tops? How do they work?

I dropped my bottle and the top broke off. How can that happen?

Drinks:

Can I fill SIGG bottles with apple juice?

Can I use my SIGG bottle for carbonated drinks too?

Can I use my SIGG bottle for consuming alcohol?

Make A SIGGnificant Difference (MASD):

Does SIGG offer any discounted programs to schools and organizations to buy large quantity of products?

How can I be SIGGnificant?

Dimensions:

What are the dimensions of the SIGG water bottles?

Other:

The paint is flaking off the outside of my bottle. Why?

Will you SIGG ship to CANADA?

Is using a reusable water bottle good for the environment?

Yes, of course, for several reasons:

Most disposable water bottles (e.g. – Evian, Dasani, Aquafina, etc.) are made of PET plastic. According to the American Recycling Institute, only 14% of these bottles are recycled. Most of the PET bottles end up in litter or trash where they can take up to 1,000 years to biodegrade, filling our landfills and injuring wildlife.
Americans are currently adding 30 million PET water bottles to our nation's landfills – everyday!
Even if PET bottles are sent to the recycling center, they are really being "down-cycled", converted to a lower form of plastic, much of which goes unused.
PET is a petroleum-based plastic. Manufacturing and transporting bottled water (especially from distant countries such as France and Fiji) unnecessarily burns fossil fuels – approximately 1.5 million barrels per year according to the NRDC.
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"Dear SIGG,
Thought you might enjoy this! After nearly 20 years of use/abuse, it finally sprung a leak. Enjoy!"
– Jim from Chicago
Does using a reusable water bottle make sense financially?

Yes, dollars and sense! The EPA strictly regulates the quality of tap water and according to the NRDC, bottled water is neither purer nor safer than tap water in most communities. In fact, many of the leading bottled water brands (Aquafina, Dasani, etc.) are sourced from municipal tap water. Assuming you drink 1 liter per day, you'd spend $500-$1,000 in bottled water a year. Many SIGG bottles are still being used 10-20 years after they are purchased – so you get good bang for your buck! Consider a home water purification system and a SIGG to save money – and the Earth.

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Why should I spend $15-$20 on a SIGG when I could buy a $10 Lexan plastic bottle?

Obviously, it's your call. Many people are satisfied with a Lexan plastic bottle (like a Nalgene). We feel there are some distinct advantages to a SIGG, both in function and in fashion:

Weight – typically, SIGG bottles are 10-20% lighter-weight than Lexan, allowing you to lighten that load a bit in your backpack.
Great Taste – SIGGs are truly taste neutral. Lexan brands may claim this but go ahead and put them to the test. Leave your filled plastic bottle out in the sun for a couple hours and see how your water tastes the next day – a bit like plastic we've been told.
Durability – Check out Backpacker magazine's June 2006 issue where SIGG was put to the test against all the leading water bottle brands. When the smoke from the 100 pound cannon cleared, Backpacker declared SIGG "The World's Toughest Water Bottle" (See complete article under SIGG News).
Style – SIGG's have been described as "works of art". For the extra few dollars, why not express yourself?
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I have heard stories about the safety of aluminum. Should I be concerned about drinking from an aluminum SIGG bottle?

No, not at all. SIGG bottles have been thoroughly tested both in Europe and in the USA to ensure 0.0% leaching – so absolutely no migration of either the liner or the container into the beverage. Having been in this business for nearly 100 years, you can trust SIGG Switzerland to produce products of the highest quality and safety standards in the world.

"According to the results of our evaluation, use of a SIGG bottle does not add to the beverage any particles and/or components which are harmful to human health."

– Dr. Ulrich Nehring, European Institute Nehring

When it comes to safety concerns, most people today are more concerned about plastics. Check out the article here from Fitness Plus.

For more information on liner tests performed on the SIGG bottles, check out this report for more information!

Find out all about our liner, click here.

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Is the paint on the SIGG bottles safe?

On October 4th, the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission announced the recall of thousands of aluminum water bottles manufactured in China. The Commission took this action because these Chinese-made water bottles (deceptively branded as “Alpine Design”) contained excessive amounts of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard. Since then, a few consumers have contacted SIGG Switzerland to ensure the safety of SIGG water bottles. I am pleased to report that SIGG Switzerland utilizes only foodgrade, 100% safe paint in the manufacturing of our water bottles.

SIGG bottles absolutely do not contain any of the following harmful ingredients: antimony, arsenic, soluble barium, lead, cadmium, mercury and selenium. The paints used to decorate SIGG products are completely safe and in compliance with ASTM F963-2007.
I have heard stories about the safety of aluminum. Should I be concerned about drinking from an aluminum SIGG bottle?

No, not at all. SIGG bottles have been thoroughly tested both in Europe and in the USA to ensure 0.0% leaching – so absolutely no migration of either the liner or the container into the beverage. Having been in this business for nearly 100 years, you can trust SIGG Switzerland to produce products of the highest quality and safety standards in the world.

"According to the results of our evaluation, use of a SIGG bottle does not add to the beverage any particles and/or components which are harmful to human health."

– Dr. Ulrich Nehring, European Institute Nehring

As products like SIGG gain national media attention and increased sales, it's very typical that lower priced, lower quality imitations hit the market. To assure that you are getting the finest quality and safest water bottle on the market, our best advice for consumers is:

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Do all metal water bottles use a liner?

Some stainless steel bottles do not require a liner. In the past, there had been some low-priced, low-quality aluminum bottles manufactured in Asia and distributed in Europe and parts of the USA which did not use a quality liner. We recommend you look for the SIGG logo to ensure you are getting the best bottle on the planet, backed by 100 years of Swiss engineering.

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What exactly is the SIGG liner made of?

SIGG has perfected the formula of its proprietary inner liner over decades of scientific research and Swiss engineering. The ingredients (like the formula for Coca-Cola) remain secret and unavailable to 3rd parties so as to ensure SIGG retains its competitive advantage. The key of course is that the SIGG liner is FDA approved and independently tested to be taste and scent inert – and resistant to any leaching (0.0%) so 100% safe.

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Can dents in the bottle damage the SIGG bottle's inner coating?

No, the SIGG inner coating is highly elastic. Dents cannot crack or chip the internal lining and the SIGG bottle remains perfectly usable. In fact, many hikers and climbers consider the dents in their SIGG to be badges of honor, illustrating their toughness as well as the bottle's. See 20 year old "trophy SIGG" above.

I see that you guys are discussing potentially dangerous plastics . The Pitch newspaper out of Kansas City recently did a story on MU scientists research on toxic plastics and the chemical companies trying to shut them up . Check it out and tell us what you think at the http://www.pitch.com

Do you know of any stainless steel open cups that are currently on the market for adults to use as an alternative to plastic drinking cups?

Why is it that BPA has made its way onto the market in the first place? Shouldn't there have been some safety testing required before this compound was used so readily in the open market? Drug manufacturers are required to submit substantial safety data to the FDA prior to being allowed to test their compounds on humans [ in the majority of cases]- shouldn't other manufacturers be held to the same regard if they are products are leeching molecules with unknown toxic effects into our drinking water/baby formula/ canned goods etc. I say ban it until demonstrated to be safe, not wait until it has been shown to be toxic then ban it. Who's protecting us?

None of this would be a problem if we were re-using bottles like other more civilized countries. Does anyone know if there's a bill out there to legislate such a thing? We try never to buy anything in a plastic bottle... but glass is a terrible waste to recycle and a wonderful thing to use over and over again. Short of falling deeper into depression I would like to see if we can get a re-use campaign going; recycling is just to make some people feel good about themselves while others get off easy not worrying about what waste they have created. Let's get congress to pass a law! www.yerbamateteagourd.com

This is my first time visiting www.boston.com and i must say i like it alot.
Your article was an interesting read.
I will surely check back here more often!



hooka

I noticed the kraft handy snacks single serving pudding have a 7 in a triangle on the bottom of the container. Does this mean it is #7 plastic?

I need to know if the mug, I'm drinking my hot coffee from, is safe. I have a clear green plastic mug, with the writing on the bottom reads; TT within a triangle (not arrows), made in USA, the word Keystone (could be the manufacture)

I've also been using the Klean Kanteen cups-- I would change from their sippy (avent) top to the sport top after not too long. The cups are great-- but they do get very cold to hold- I always have ours in a cozy sleeve thing-- and now some places are selling ones with the actual cup (like a package deal). I'm about to go order some more.

To those who are concerned about PEX (polyethylene cross- linked) plumbing pipes: PEX pipes do not contain bisphenol-A. PEX pipes are made from HDPE (High- density polyethylene) plastic (also known as #2 plastic that has been treated to cause a reaction that links the polyethylene molecules together. Bisphenol- A tends to be used in rigid, shatterproof plastics as a plasticizer that basically helps to make the product rigid. PEX is a flexible pipe, and can be quickly identified by the absence of fittings where it bends, and where fittings are used, such as for tees and other connections, the fittings will be inserted into the pipe and will have a metal clamp. PEX pipes are USUALLY colored red (for hot) blue (for cold) or they may be white or other colors. Note that some houses may still have polybutylene pipe in them- this is another flexible pipe, and a PB installation will look similar to PEX, however, the pipes are usually gray in color and will be stamped "PB" somewhere on them. PB pipe is currently banned because it can fail catastrophically (it corrodes from the inside and eventually bursts. Most PB installations have been replaced with something else, but it's still out there and should be replaced with PEX or copper. PVC pipes (#3 plastic), which MAY contain BPA, is usually off- white or cream colored, and will have fitting anywhere it bends or between sections of pipe, as it is not flexible and is sold in 8 to 10- foot lengths instead of in rolls like PEX.

Jason -

It makes a lot of sense that BPA would not be in PEX since PEX is a flexible material. However, where would one find documentation of this?

I just got a nalgene bottle that is hard, clear plastic and has the number 7 on the bottom, but it also says BPA Free right beneath that. Is there anything to be concerned about with this bottle?

What about standard water bottles like 8oz Poland Spring single use bottles. Are they dangerous?

Thanks,

Michael

Most coffee makers are plastic and have neither a number, nor a triangle. Certainly, this is plastic under the worst conditions. How should one make Bisphenol A free coffee?

If I have plastic with no recycle symbol at all (older Tupperware, etc) how can I tell if it is BPA Free?

I've been trying to find out if the epoxy linings used in pipes contain Bisphenol A. One company reported their formula does contain it but others won't disclose who manufacturers their epoxy so you can't really find out any solid documentation. Then they hide behind "Trade Secret" in regards to their ingredients for the epoxy. This is a ridiculous argument, as knowing one ingredient will not give you the ability to make the product. I say if there's nothing to hide, then show me the documentation. The more these companies stall and keep the facts from the consumer, the more wary I become.

I am also concerned about Invisalign braces which I wear every night. I am supposed to wear them for the rest of my life therefore I would like to know if they contain harmful chemicals as well. Please let me know.

I've noticed that Dunkin Donuts large plastic cups for iced lattes have a number 1 on the bottom. In our town, we recycle everything under 5. Are these safe to keep and reuse? I've been doing so for about six months. My doctor's receptionist told me yesterday that it's dangerous to do this. Is that true?? Thank you.

My husband favors old Texaco and BP covered travel mugs for coffee, using them almost exclusively. He also puts them in the microwave to reheat his coffee. How can I find out if this practice is harmful? I do not see numbers on the bottom of the mugs, and they are several years old. Is it likely that they contain Bisphenol A?
Thanks!

I guess it is time to go back to making coffee in a percolator made with all Stainless steel as this is the only way to aviod the PBA from what I am reading on this site as the water is heated in plastic even if it has a glass caraffe