From Wendy Bumgardner,
Your Guide to Walking.
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I have heard that Plastic #7 (Lexan and other clear polycarbonate water bottles) might leach toxic bisphenol A (BPA). Environmental sites claim this can cause cancer and even obesity. Where can I find BPA-free water bottles?

A.

While the bulk of the research shows that Plastic #7 (Lexan, Nalgene and other polycarbonate) bottles do not leach BPA in amounts proven to cause health concerns in humans, some governmental advisory bodies such as Health Canada are considering banning them. Water bottle manufacturers swiftly responded by changing their plastic recipe to eliminate BPA, or happily labeling "BPA-Free" the polyethylene plastic and aluminum bottles that never had the chemical.

Does Bisphenol A Leach from Bottles?

Studies subjected plastic BPA-containing bottles to brutal conditions to see whether they would actually leach BPA. The bulk of the research found zero to minimal leaching, far below safety standards. But many people prefer to avoid it altogether. I had several walkers at a walking festival question whether the free bottles the sponsor provided were "safe." The market responded fast to satisfy those customers, even if their fears ultimately are unfounded.

Are There BPA-Free Water Bottles?

Yes. Many water bottles were never made with polycarbonate. And companies such as Nalgene have reformulated their plastic without BPA. Look for prominent labeling of BPA-Free on water bottles as a marketing tool.
Reviews of BPA-Free Water Bottles

Reusable Water Bottles are Better for the Environment

Disposable bottled water bottles and other drink containers are a poor use of the earth's resources, even if recycled. Using a sturdy, refillable water bottle is a great way for walkers to be thrifty and be kind to the earth.
Ways Walkers Can Be Kind to the Planet

_Sources:

Studies of Bisphenol A Exposure in Mice:
vom Saal FS and others. A physiologically based approach to the study of bisphenol A and other estrogenic chemicals on the size of reproductive organs, daily sperm production, and behavior. Toxicology and Industrial Health 14:239-260, 1998.

Cagen SZ, Waechter JM Jr, Dimond SS, Breslin WJ, Butala JH, Jekat FW, Joiner RL, Shiotsuka RN, Veenstra GE, Harris LR. Normal reproductive organ development in Wistar rats exposed to bisphenol A in the drinking water..Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 1999 Oct;30(2 Pt 1):130-9.

Studies of Leaching of Bisphenol A:
Mountfort KA, Kelly J, Jickells SM, Castle L. Investigations into the potential degradation of polycarbonate baby bottles during sterilization with consequent release of bisphenol A.. Food Addit Contam. 1997 Aug-Oct;14(6-7):737-40.

Onn Wong K, Woon Leo L, Leng Seah H. Dietary exposure assessment of infants to bisphenol A from the use of polycarbonate baby milk bottles. Food Addit Contam. 2005 Mar;22(3):280-8.