Scary new plastics study (and the safest bottle options)

Posted Friday, November 14, 2008 7:32 PM

There’s a distressing new study out that strengthens the link between breast cancer and exposure to the chemical BPA.  As you’ve probably heard by now, BPA is found in many hard plastics (like re-usable water bottles, baby bottles, and most plastics marked #7). There’s mucho evidence that BPA can cause brain, behavior and reproductive system damage, even at very low doses (though the FDA has repeatedly claimed that the chemical is safe, multiple groups—including its own advisory board!—vehemently disagree, and the FDA is basing its assessment on studies funded by the chemical industry).
    Although most warnings related to it usually have to do with little kids (because BPA is found in many baby bottles and the linings of formula containers), this study is a reminder that we adults should be vigilant about avoiding it too. Scientists exposed breast cancer cells to low levels of BPA and found that the chemical affected the cells in much the way estrogen does, and that it protected them from chemotherapy agents. Seems to indicate that the chem could increase breast cancer risk, or help any existing breast cancer tumors to grow.
    These days there are a number of plastic water bottle options that don’t contain BPA, but I figure why not minimize your exposure to all plastics, when safer and more eco-friendly options exist?  I am all about my Kleen Kanteen stainless steel bottle, and there’s a new brand of stainless steel bottles called Bilt, which has some cool designs. (Btw, I used to use Sigg bottles but have moved on because the Siggs, which are aluminum, are lined with some kind of resin lining and the makers won’t reveal what it’s made of—again, why risk it?)
    And in addition to avoiding hard plastic bottles, you should try to limit your consumption of canned food and sodas, since most tin and aluminum cans apparently are lined with BPA (even though aluminum cans are easier on the planet than plastic soda bottles, in this case the bottles are safer for your bod—they’re made with #1 plastic, which is BPA free).  I’m sure I’ve written about avoiding BPA before, so please forgive the broken record thing, but I found this study so interesting/scary that I thought it was worth mentioning again.