Is PET Plastic BPA Free?
Are PET plastic water bottled BPA-free? The short answer is yes, PET plastic bottles are BPA-free. Most consumers know to look for BPA-free plastic products, but is BPA really harmful to their health?
Let's take a look into why BPA is a cause for concern for the average consumer, and what you can do to cut BPA-laden consumer products from your diet. In this article, we'll look into what BPA is, why it is needed in creating hard plastics, and whether PET bottles are safer alternatives to plastic water bottles.
What is BPA?
BPA, or Bisphenol A, is a compound found in most plastic materials, including epoxy resins, polycarbonate plastic food containers, and even some plastic water bottles. It is a chemical additive that is used in the production of hard plastics, contributing to the rigidity of the material.
BPA has been under scrutiny for its negative health risks, and as such, is banned in multiple countries such as Canada, France, Sweden, and Denmark. However, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to ban the substance from use in food packaging, hence the chemical plasticizer is still in use in many plastic products today.
What are the Health Risks of BPA?
BPA is known for its adverse effects with prolonged use. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has declared BPA to be a safe substance to use in food products, as regular use does not pose a health risk in small amounts. However, prolonged use can cause a series of illnesses ranging from reproductive problems, to neurological issues, and birth defects in fetuses.
Baby bottles found to contain BPA can cause children to develop problems with the brain and prostate gland, while exposure to BPA in general may lead to cancer, type-2 diabetes, heart disease, and increased blood pressure.
Is PET Plastic BPA -free?
Yes, PET plastic bottles are BPA-free. In fact, Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is known to be one of the most common materials used in plastic water bottles, beverage containers, and food containers. While a non-biodegradable polymer, PET is a sustainable option as it is also 100% recyclable, and does not leach chemicals into food and beverage products.
Since PET bottles contain no BPA, they are considered generally safe to be in contact with food and beverages. PET bottles are recognized by the US FDA, Health Canada, and the European Food Safety Authority to be an approved product for food packaging, plastic utensils, and plastic water bottles.
Why Choose BPA-free Products?
BPA-free products reduce the amount of hazardous substances that leach into food and drink. Making a conscious effort to choose BPA-free products is to build a healthier lifestyle for yourself, and minimize any ill effects of toxic compounds in the future. It is an investment to your health, as it is the safer choice for you and your family.
Fortunately, a number of manufacturers are already creating food packaging, soft drink bottles, and plastic containers that are BPA-free, including My Own Water, where we take a pledge of concern for the health of our customers as we provide bottled water in PET bottles.
BPA-free Alternatives to Plastic Water Bottles
PET bottles and other plastics are not the only alternatives to BPA-laden plastics. Besides PET bottles, there are metal cans, glass bottles, and silicone packaging that does not contain BPA at all. At My Own Water, we provide the option to go with aluminum bottles, which have no BPA, no plastic liner, and are completely pure and safe to drink from.
You can opt to use glass bottles, but they are easy to break and shatter. Metal bottles made from stainless steel and aluminum work well to keep your water chilled, while staying portable. Silicone, collapsible bottles are great alternatives too, but some consumers may not like the softness of the bottle. The choice depends on your lifestyle and preferences.
Choose the Healthy Choice
When maintaining a healthy lifestyle, always go for the safer and more sustainable choice. My Own Water offers only food-safe water bottles, with eco-friendly alternatives like aluminum bottles and more. Choose the healthy choice, and keep hydrating with fresh, clean water on the go!
Check out our products at My Own Water for more information.
