Safer to drink and carry.

I just read that Nalgene are planning on discontinuing the use of the chemical bisphenol-A (BPA) in its plastic containers.  Bisphenol A has become controversial because it mimics estrogen and thus could induce hormonal responses. What is Estrogen?  According to sources compiled from Wikipedia and the FDA websites: there was research done in the 1930’s regarding the synthetic compound, the experiments then were conducted on ovariectomized rats! The term estrogen refers to a group of steroid compounds, and are named for their importance in the menstrual cycle (this hormone functions as the primary female sex hormone, in males the same hormone is testosterone). Do we really want to mess with this hormone inside our bodies, if Bisphenol A mimics estrogen what might that mean to our physiology?  Will our bodies become confused with the raised levels of estrogen, and what is the cancer risk associated with adding to the levels of estrogen in our body? Across the internet multiple references to increased estrogen and cancer are evident. Don’t assume just by avoiding plastic we can avoid the artificial hormone. Plastic isn’t the only form of synthetic estrogen. Amazingly there are some shampoos currently marketed which have estrogens and placental extracts in them; others contain phytoestrogens. Some products containing these extracts and marketed to African-Americans resulted in case reports of minor children developing breasts after exposure to the shampoos.

However, the FDA  has decided that not all topically-applied hormone-containing drug products for over the counter use are bad. The FDA seems to say that the general negative opinions some of us have regarding its use is inconsequential, although there is growing evidence to suggest otherwise. Just as a side note on estrogens again from Wikipedia: “The “first orally effective estrogen”, Emmenin, derived from the late-pregnancy urine of Canadian women, was introduced in 1930 by Collip and Ayerst Laboratories.” This information sure would have got me lined up to try it - I don’t think.

Anyway back to Nalgene.  We have written on this topic before , about plastic water bottles and the effects not just on the human body but also on the environment, and I see many, many people who switched to the Nalgene bottles because the deem them safer than the lighter plastic bottles. The MSN health the article reads: “Across the border, retailers throughout Canada have been releasing plans to remove BPA-containing sports and baby bottles from their shelves. On Wednesday, Wal-Mart Canada announced that it would immediately stop selling baby bottles, sippy cups, pacifiers, food containers, and water bottles that contain BPA. Many of these retail changes followed an anonymous media leak earlier this week that Health Canada would declare BPA to be toxic.” It also reiterates in this article that the US, although its realized by other countries that these toxins can cause early puberty and other developmental issues, will not be making any decisions to ban these chemicals!

Its about time that the public became informed about all the toxic chemicals being used in our everyday products, the FDA cannot be relied upon to notify you, the public, in a timely manner. It is well known that plastic has some nasty bi-products once it gets hot, and everyone seems to know that microwaving plastic is a big no-no - but put a plastic water bottle in your car on a 90 degree day and no one worries a jot.

If you still insist on using plastic, go for a bottle with a  #2, #4, or #5 on the bottom. These toxins are really unnecessary and can be detrimental to our health. If our last article failed to convince you, then I hope this one will ~ run, don’t walk, get that stainless steel bottle and use it, your body will thank you for it.

Make an adjustment, stay healthy ~ be happy: Call Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan at 303.674.1500 to schedule a consultation or email office@fontanachiro.com

* Update 04.27.08: Nalgene, Wal-Mart back away from bisphenol A

Bottle manufacturer Nalgene will stop using plastic containing bisphenol A in response to concerns from the National Toxicology Program and the Canadian health department that the chemical probably shouldn’t be sucked on by kids. Nalgene says it still believes its clear, hard plastic bottles “are safe for their intended use” but says it’s responding to customers who “indicated they preferred BPA-free alternatives.” Wal-Mart also announced it would pull all baby bottles made with BPA from its shelves by early next year.

*Update 10/15/08:

updated 5:36 p.m. ET, Mon., Oct. 13, 2008

11 Baby Product companies asked to avoid BPA’s in their products.

HARTFORD, Conn. - Attorneys general from Connecticut, New Jersey and Delaware sent letters Friday to 11 companies that make baby bottles and baby formula containers, asking they no longer use the chemical bisphenol A in their manufacturing because they said it was potentially harmful to infants.

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