Information on Polycarbonate Water Bottles, BPA, and Safety

Ever since the Today show began running segments on the safety of water bottles, many of us – Prime employees included – have been trying to understand this issue. And as you know from the Eco-Promise we introduced in 2008, Prime believes that our role is to provide the facts to you, our valued distributors, so that you can make informed decisions about what’s best for you and your customers. So here is what we have learned. Polycarbonate is a lightweight shatterproof stain resistant plastic with glass-like clarity that has been used for more than 50 years to make thousands of everyday items including dental sealants, liners of food cans, CDs, cell phones, safety glasses, and food containers such as baby bottles, water bottles and food storage containers. Polycarbonate is manufactured from a chemical called bisphenol A or BPA. During these past 50 years polycarbonate and BPA have been studied extensively for health and safety by the government, by private researchers and by industry. Most agree that BPA can disrupt the hormonal system but there is a wide divergence of opinion between scientists as to whether or not a health risk is posed by the small amount of BPA that might migrate from a polycarbonate container into whatever food or liquid the polycarbonate contains. The government regulatory agencies in the US, Canada, Europe and Japan, among others, still contend, even today, that polycarbonate containers are safe. So why has the controversy resurfaced now? The Today segments were spurred by a new study on BPA by the National Toxicology Program (NTP), an agency within the US Department of Health and Human Services. On April 14, 2008 NTP released a draft report of a new study they conducted. In contrast to previous studies that have concluded that that low exposure to BPA did not pose a health risk, this report concluded that there was “some concern” – particularly during development – and that further study is warranted. Click here to download a pdf of the entire draft brief report. Here is a key excerpt: The scientific evidence that supports a conclusion of some concern for exposures in fetuses, infants, and children comes from a number of laboratory animal studies reporting that "low" level exposure to bisphenol A during development can cause changes in behavior and the brain, prostate gland, mammary gland, and the age at which females attain puberty. These studies only provide limited evidence for adverse effects on development and more research is needed to better understand their implications for human health. However, because these effects in animals occur at bisphenol A exposure levels similar to those experienced by humans, the possibility that bisphenol A may alter human development cannot be dismissed. Then, a week or so later, Health Canada, the regulatory body in Canada, announced that it was initiating a 60 day public comment period on whether to ban the importation, sale and advertising of baby bottles which contain bisphenol A. What is Prime Doing? Prime recognizes that many consumers agree with the FDA and the studies supporting the safety of polycarbonate water bottles. Accordingly, as long as the FDA and Health Canada continue to maintain that polycarbonate water bottles are safe, we will continue to sell our current stock. However, unless the health risks raised in the draft brief are studied further and determined to be of no concern, Prime will phase out polycarbonate bottles during 2008 in favor of alternative materials. Related links for further information: New! 2/9/2009 Update from FDA and Health Canada affirming previous position on BPA, announcing new studies FDA Advisory Panel says agency erred in its assessment of BPA as safe. Advises it to redo studies. Consumer Union: “FDA’s Assessment of BPA is Inadequate…” FDA says BPA is OK despite concerns raised in new study FDA defends plastic linked with health risks Mixed messages over plastic chemical safety BPA poses disease risk for adults, study says Full text of new study showing potential BPA risks for adults. Published 9-16-08 in JAMA - the Journal of the American Medical Association Commissioner of FDA on BPA: “With regard to BPA thus far, the science FDA has reviewed does not justify recommending that anyone discontinue using these products” FDA releases draft assessment of BPA for use in food contact applications Concludes “Adequate margin of safety exists for BPA at current levels of exposure from food contact uses.” Download full report FDA: BPA in Plastic Bottles Isn’t a Health Hazard – article in Wall Street Journal 8/18/2008 Clash Arises on Safety of BPA in Plastic Items NYTimes Issues Correction: Not all bottles labeled with “7” contain BPA! Testimony before Senate Subcommittee: FDA defends safety of baby bottle chemical FDA Commissioner Andrew C. von Eschenbach letter on Bisphenol A controversy Message for Consumers from FDA National Toxicology Program – Full Text on Draft Brief on Bisphenol A National Institutes of Health Q&A on Bisphenol A (BPA) and the Draft Brief Health Canada Press Release FDA interview 4/29/08 updating its poistion on BPA in light of the NTP draft brief CPSC agrees with FDA that BPA is safe. Bill introduced to ban BPA in children’s products up to 7 years old. San Diego Union-Tribune: Studies Stir Confusion on Safety of Plastics Statement from Cool Gear about the safety of their bottles Bisphenol-A Website Policy of European Food Safety Authority< STATS website FDA Statement on Nalgene Website Polycarbonate Safety Studies Legislation to Ban Children’s Products with Bisphenol A Defeated FDA Reaffirms the Safety of Plastic Baby Bottles The Today show created a misconception that recycling code 7 always mean “Polycarbonate”.  Code 7 means “Other”.  All polycarbonate bottles are labeled “7” but not all “7’s” are polycarbonate.  Click here to download a “Smart Plastics Guide” published by The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) explains what codes 1-7 really mean Back to Product Safety