BPA Alternatives May Not Be Safer

You feel good about your water bottles because they are "BPA Free." That is, they are manufactured without the chemical bisphenol-A. According to medical studies, exposure to BPA is a concern because of possible health effects on the brain, behavior and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children (Mayoclinic.org). Other studies have shown that some BPA does leach into food and drink from containers. Although the FDA has said that BPA is safe at very low levels contained in some foods, the  results from a recent study conducted at the University of Calgary showed that the supposedly "safer" alternative bisphenol-S also resulted in hormonal imbalances and hyperactivity in maturing zebra fish, even at very low levels of exposure. Obviously, further research should be conducted in order to assess impacts on humans, but consumers should be cautious when purchasing plastic containers for food or liquids. Particularly when labels frequently will state that they don't contain BPA, but do not identify what chemical components are used. Although heavier and subject to breakage, glass containers are both healthier and environmentally safer.