Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Todd Orlando Florida — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:53:04 GMT

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Dan, Coventry, RI — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:53:19 GMT

Should I stop using these bottles?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

John Goehner, O'Fallon, Illinois — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:54:18 GMT

Is BPA only in plastic bottles, or is it present in other plastic products, i.e. Tupperware, Zip-Loc bags, etc.
Thanks

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Edmund de la Reynolds, Hartford, CT — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:56:04 GMT

Aww shucks. I've been drinking my water from a nalgene bottle for years now. It's in and out of the freezer daily, which I hope doesn't contribute to the leeching of this chemical. If I grow boobs or get cancer in my bowels, I know whose tushy I'll be looking to kick!

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Kate Curtis, NY, NY — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:56:27 GMT

As a mother of a 2 year old can you tell me where I can get sippy cups that have a rating of 1 or 2.

"If you want to avoid bottles with BPA look on the bottom for very tiny numbers enclosed in arrows that look like this. The number 7 indicates BPA. The numbers 3 and 6 indicates the presence of similar chemicals that some scientists and environmentalists believe could be cause for concern."

Now that would be some useful information for your viewers who are now frantic over the fact that their daughter has been drinking from a number 5 rated sippy cups for the pas 2 years. Your help and information would be greatly appreciated.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Miranda,Wisconsin — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:58:08 GMT

Wow! I just stopped drinking out of plastic bottles. I always thought water was good for me, but in this case it's bad. Well it's back to tap water for me. Thanks for bringing us the news.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Dawn Losito, Cary, NC — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:58:08 GMT

So should we only be wary of numbers 3,6, and 7. What is our alternative? I appreciate the warning, however, it seems worthless without a go to solution. My children bring bottled water to school everyday for lunch. Is there a safe plastic refillable water bottle or do I scout for ole tyme thermos bottles at yard sales??????

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Konnie Semonski, Fern Park, FL — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:58:20 GMT

About time. Makes you wonder if there aren't other effects. What is wrong with glass? Worked for years.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Tammy H — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:58:38 GMT

What about bottles that have no triangle indicator? I drink Propel 16.9 ounce vitamin water constantly and these are not marked with the triangle shape and number. I know that no one can give out direct names of products without a risk of lawsuit, but I just need to know about bottles "like these".

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Melanie, Bedford, NH — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:58:41 GMT

Not every bottle is marked. I have been looking at bottles recently due to all of the coverage on plastics -- several water and juice bottles are not marked at all. Are product manufacturers required to release the information?? If so, how does one confirm the plastic type?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Sharon Nonno North Canton, OH — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:58:44 GMT

Can you give an example of a type of bottle (brand) so that I can see what to look for.
You say hard plastic and my thought goes to sippy cups for babies and young children, are these types of containers also a problem?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

kate curtis, NY, NY — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:59:13 GMT

Another thing you might want to warn parents against is play sand for children. I have recently read that there are toxins in the dust from play sand you buy at home depot etc. Please do a story and provide more accurate information with alternatives to purchasing safe sand for children. What the hell is the FDA doing for us anyway?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Dean Ramineh — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:59:28 GMT

So, if congress does not respond, how many potential health problems in young adults will justify a change? 1,2, 5 million?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

carolyn deloach, hinesville georgia — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:00:50 GMT

important news report

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Stephen Warne, Sarasota, Florida — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:02:48 GMT

I have Sam's Choice Purified Drinking Water (with flavor enhancing minerals). Basically recycled tap water I think....

The bottom of the bottle has a 7, but the number inside arrows is a 1... Under the one the letters PETE. On another section of the bottle is the 7, but its actually a 07.... does that make it a BPA bottle? Where can I find out for sure?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Nancy Fields, Lexington, NC — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:05:15 GMT

What about the numbers 1-2-4-5? Are they safe? If not then why were they not mentioned in the article? I don't want to use those plastics if they are not safe. I can go to all glass if necessary.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

jackie shapiro — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:08:03 GMT

thanks for the info.I went to my pantry and found several bottles had the number 7 for the BPA.I had purchased them at Target for $1 thinking it was a bargain over the Nalgene sold at the EMS store.Well I'm tossing them all out now.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Marilyn Ferguson, Sunset Beach, NC — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:08:22 GMT

It seems to me that we Boomers were on the right track back in the 60's--You can't trust "Authority". Assurances from the "chemical industry" do nothing to inspire confidence in me given their track record. If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck....

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Ben Payne, Memphis, Tn — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:11:36 GMT

Before we go totally overboard with this, someone ask the question. What amount of exposure is necessary for a possibility BPA exposure to cause brain damage. I remember a few years ago the scare with cranberries causing cancer. Results was way out of line then.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Margie Pohl, Blairsville, GA — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:12:00 GMT

Recently I was shopping for baby food fruits and looked at the plastic bottle class and I was surprized to find they were class 7. I did not buy and wonder about the infants getting this food.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Betty — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:13:33 GMT

This is the article on nbc w/Brian Williams, that I was talking about...I checked the bottom of my water gallons from Walmart(distilled) has a 1. My single water bottle (Aquafina) has a 2....so that's good. On this article you can click on the blue line that says: Looks Like This

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

NINA DOYLESTOWN, PA 18901 — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:17:03 GMT

I drink about one gallon bottle a day and have been doing so for 6yrs. should I be concerned? I have breast concerned? I have not been feeling well.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Becky D., Arlington Heights, IL — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:22:25 GMT

So what kind of bottle can I safely use with my 4 monthold baby daughter? Glass only? This is scary?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Sally Thornley, Montville, Maine — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:25:14 GMT

Why is no mention being made of the fact that this is also in the plastic linings in 85% of the cans used to store food and also in the material used to seal the teeth of children?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Lia Wilson, Miramar, Florida — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:27:08 GMT

Mothers beware- Gerber uses this plastic. I found the 7 on the bottom of the organic individual juices and the organic baby food. I would assume they use the same plastics for all of their products.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Maureen Webster Dimondale, MI — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:27:11 GMT

So what kind of plastic bottles are safe?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Belinda M Ramirez, San Antonio,Tx — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:34:27 GMT

Is anything safe anymore? I'm a nursing mother and I also have a 3 year old and I've alreay stopped buying items made in China; including toys, drinking and eating utensils, and even bottles. Not to mention Organic foods. Now am I suppose start looking under every orange juice and milk jug, or is Organic Milk and Organic Orange juice in glass containers going to be a new item on my grocery list. Please give me some relief from all this new information. Is there a website about BPA free products?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Cheryl Adams, Battle Creek, Michigan — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:34:34 GMT

I have checked our bottles and the like and have thrown away the ones in question. However, I have noticed that some do not have a number on them. I was at the store the day I heard this story and checked bottles there, some did not have a number. I even peeled off the UPC code to check under it and still no number. At this point I would like congress to address this issue.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Don, Mason City, IA — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:45:45 GMT

Hello,
Interesting questions above. Will you do a follow-up article to answer some of those questions. i.e. What is an alternative? Can the others besides 3, 6 & 7, be washed to be re-used? How do you find the numbers on those with-out numbers? What about all the other foods coming in plastic (#1 on them mostly) such as catsup (acidic), jelly, peanut butter, etc?
Thanks!

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Joanne Jackowski, Syracuse, NY — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:47:15 GMT

Dear NBC - and Mr. Bazell in particular... please KEEP ON THIS STORY. Without NBC's persistent investigation of this subject, this story could easily be "swept under the rug". Thank you for helping the public be aware of this possible problem.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Mom, Brooklyn, NY — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:48:22 GMT

Sure glad I've only used Born Free bottles and sippy cups for my little one! And everyone thought I was being paranoid!

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Mowahib Vermillion, Alexadria, VA — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:49:02 GMT

Does it matter where the plastic bottle are manufacured? Does the FDA approve certain bottles over another? I have one that reades PC and a "1" in the triangle. What does mean? The letters do not match those indicated in the report.
Thanks!

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Lou Couch Ronceverte WV — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:49:13 GMT

I see these comments with some of the same questions me and my family have, but, no examples. Should I finish the V8 or have a 7up?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Sheby, Richmond VA — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:54:24 GMT

After hearing about the #7 on bottles I began to check all my plastic and was very surprised to find that the baby food plastic containers are #7. This includes Gerber and the Walmart brand, and not sure how many others. I have switched to jarred food now, but am concerned and wonder how companies can produce baby products using this dangerous material.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Ian, Denver, Colorado — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:54:29 GMT

I just watched this report. I work for a outdoor retail company. First, Mr Bazell, the plastics companies are doing something about it. The new bottles we have been receiving are now
BPA free. They are using a polyester plastic that is completely different and BPA free.
Get your facts together before you come out and say " nothing is being done, about it" because the retail companies and the manufacturers are doing something about it. Oh and try mentioning that there are aluminum and stainless steel bottles out on the market. These can be used in place of the plastic. If any of you folks ever have a question ask your retail sales specialist and get the lowdown.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

J Bishop, Columbia, SC — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:03:32 GMT

I agree with Maureen- Brian spent a very few seconds on this subject which affects a great majority of us and then twice the time on the middle east embassy...
like we'll all be there... come on- get with reality of the "common folk".

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Janet Watson Cabool, Mo. — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:03:33 GMT

I can't believe the health and well being of the consumer is totally ignored for GREED of the almighty dollar. Products are marketed with no conscience or accountability. I think this is one of many hazardous products sold and this must be stopped.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Ex-lab assistant, Montana — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:06:43 GMT

Bad Brian! Not all Nalgene bottles are BPA. For you worriers: numbers on the bottom of a bottle that are NOT wrapped with the recycling-arrows-triangle are usually mold or model numbers from the manufacturing process. Molded soft plastic ware, such Tupperware, is not BPA-based; BPA is used in the hard-shiny plastic, especially seen in the neon-bright colors. There is more of a concern if the container is heated and not just used to store food. That's why the baby bottle point is being hyped.

Please don't overreact, this story actually isn't news. It's been around for at least 10 years.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Shirley Huver,Rice, mn. — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:12:12 GMT

Thank you for bringing awareness to this issue of the dangers of certain plastics.The FDA needs to get off their butts and start protecting people instead of approving another drug with all the potential deadly side effects and overdoses that happen each year.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Amber Stevens, Sycamore, Georgia — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:17:33 GMT

My son was born premature, and I have gone to extreme measures to safeguard his health for the past twenty-two months. After watching the BPA broadcast tonight, my husband and I found a "7" on the bottom of Gerber baby food containers, convenient single serving containers of Dole vegetables and fruits, and ketchup!! All this time, I thought I was doing the right thing by serving him organic baby food, and the whole time, I was putting his health at risk because Gerber saved money by using plastic containers that leak BPA! If you can't trust Gerber, who can you trust? In all of these broadcasts warning us of the dangers of BPA, I am sure there was a simulcast somewhere discussing the medical epidemic of autism and/or ADHD. How hard can it be to figure out that there is probably a correlation here? No more 7's at our house.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Amber Stevens, Sycamore, Georgia — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:18:03 GMT

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Frank St. Claire, Dallas, TX — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:18:09 GMT

While recycling (BPA or non-BPA) is commendable, I was surpised that none of the bottled products from Coca Cola have ANY recycling number (1-7) on them while bearing a label "Please Recycle". Is there BPA in every Coke product? Even my soap dispenser has a number.

Maybe the FDA considers it important enough to identify plastics on soap dispensers, but not on the containers that Americans consume every day.

BTW Coke's consumer line number is 800-438-2653.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Peggy Marvin — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:34:26 GMT

Seems everytime we open a newspaper, turn on the TV or flip on the radio we hear about toxins in our environment. I went looking for an alternative and found a neat wellness company that manufactures safely. What a relief for this Mom of three. How can I get in touch with others on your site to share this?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Lisa, Chicago, Illinois — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:35:32 GMT

Ok, I understand that glass baby bottles are the safest. What about the plastic ring that holds the silicone nipple onto the glass bottle. Is the plastic screw on ring safe and if not where can we purchase a safe alternative? Also where can we purchase a safe alternative to plastic water bottles, so that we can carry water with us?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

S. Kenney — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:49:14 GMT

Why not go green by not using plastic bottles & switch back to glass. Glass bottles are cleaner & safer & don't have that plastic smell or have BPA in them. Next time you go into the store. I challenge you to look at the bottom of the next gallon container of AriZona Green Tea with Ginsing & Honey. What number do you see? (#7 & #5) I won't be drinking the balance of my tea in the PBA plastic bottle. We'll be making own tea. Until the company's decides to make a change. Thanks Brian & Robert Bazell at NBC for informing the public.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Rahn Becker — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 01:01:13 GMT

In the car, we have been using glass Snapple bottles for water, and wash the bottles between uses. When the metal cap starts to show rust, we replace it with another Snapple bottle and cap.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Mom of newborn, Warren, Ohio — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 01:02:32 GMT

A note to the parent looking at the plastic baby food containers, I personally emailed Gerber foods about that and they told me their containers are lined. If you heat them, it separates. As for other brands, I don't know. But I totally agree! We're using this "garbage" to feed our children - OUR FUTURE. We are their parents and we're supposed to protect them but instead we're potentially poisoning them? What gives? Why can't all the plastic be made out of 1 or 2 since they are recyclable and better for the planet too?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Rebecca Gettings Yuma, Arizona — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 01:11:08 GMT

Gerber's (plastic, snap on lid) baby food containers have a number 7 with the word OTHER under it. What does OTHER mean. Does it still contain BPA? I'm going back to glass baby food jars. Glass is safe, Isn't it?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

T. Wright, Scott AFB, IL — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 01:11:13 GMT

Plastics with the number 7 is so widely used, it is used for yogurt, water, meat, just about everything we use. What are we suppose to do? I have a lot of cancer in my family history; therefore I am doing everything that I can to lower my risk. This news is not optimistic or helpful. Is there any advice?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Kimsa, Lake Oswego, Oregon — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 01:12:18 GMT

Yup, just looked at my pink Breast Cancer Awareness water bottle that I use every time I work out. (Of course, one of the reasons I work out is to lower my risks of getting breast cancer.) What do I find on the bottem of my pink bottle but a 7 enclosed in arrows. Ahhhh, the irony...

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Marie Carlton Kennewick, Washington — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 01:14:57 GMT

So what will all those hikers and backpackers do now?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

J. Judd, NYC, NY — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 01:15:11 GMT

My friend's oncologist told her to avoid using anything in plastic bottles that had been subjected to heat because of leeching. For example, don't drink the water if the bottle has been sitting in the sun. Also don't put any plastic in the dishwasher as the leeched chemical will cling to the dishes and utensils.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Eric Baker, Albuquerque, New Mexico — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 01:24:03 GMT

Hello, I have read over the concerns posted and comments and I myself use the Nalgene product, but do not put it or ever store it in the refridgerator and was wondering if I to will be affected? I won't be as extreme as Edmund de la Reynolds, Hartford, CT, but I know I would not like to start growing a pair of women's breast before I get to turn 40, LOL.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Dolores Hughes St. Louis, MO — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 01:28:08 GMT

I read the questions. How do we find the answers?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

kellie C., NYC — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 01:37:00 GMT

bottles with a 7 are poly carbonate bottles like the nonbreakable nalgene bottles. You should stay away from bottles with a 3,6 or 7 on them.
#1 bottles are the disposable bottles like aquafina, poland spring, gatorade, etc. #2 are ziplock, tupperware containers and 5 are plastic bottles as well. Nalgene does make a bottle with a #2 if anyones interested just check the site. I just threw out my 10 old bottles and am replacing them one by one with the new ones.
As far as I know, all bottles by law have to have the plastic code on them for recycling purposes, BUT there is no restriction on how small they can make the number (ie. eddie bauer bottles at target are #7 but the triangle is so small I had to pull a magnifying glass out to see it!! in the trash they go)

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Dean Herman — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 01:37:29 GMT

Are Capri Sun pouches safe?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Mom of newborn, Warren, Ohio — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 01:39:39 GMT

Another note to concerned parents. I know some have expressed concern over baby bottles. If you don't want to use glass bottles, try using the Playtex Nursers with the disposable liners. A little more work but not made with BPA. And if you're nursing and pump and freeze breastmilk, look for Medela storage items. They are all labeled "BPA-free." My pediatrician recommended these to me.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

M. Osborne — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 01:44:49 GMT

For some of those looking for an alternative to plastic bottle or sippy cups, take a look at www.kleankanteen.com
They offer stainless steel bottle which are non-leaching (no BPA) and they offer sippy cups. I have a Klean Kanteen and love it.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

M. Osborne — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 01:48:45 GMT

Another alternative bottle which is great is the Camelbak brand BPA free water bottle. They are not polycarbonate (7). They contain a special leach-free copolymer called Tritan.
In a couple of months Nalgene is supposed to release some new BPA-free bottles as well.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

David, Rochester,NY — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 02:01:24 GMT

MSNBC... People need the whole story.

Number 7 plastic is labeled "Other" because if there is a plastic which does not fit into the category's of 1 through 6, it is known as Other. There are so many plastics that numbering each one would drive people crazy. Go to this link, it is only one site of many which state that some 7 plastics are safe to drink out of and some are very bad. Lexan is very bad, that would be the hard plastic nalgene bottles, however the softer white plastic nalgenes are not bad to drink out of. Get all of the facts before freaking out about the number 7 on the bottom.

http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/eco-friendly/plastic-bottles-toxins-water-bottles-460410

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Pam S., San Diego, CA — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 02:10:14 GMT

Your report on plastic bottles tonight (Thursday, April 17) was terrible! My husband and I kept saying to the tv - what are you talking about? - which bottles?, which ones are dangerous - aren't you going to show us some examples? What do you mean go to our website for more information? You owed it to all your viewers with no web access to give many more details on this alarming report instead of using the words prostrate cancer, breast cancer, birth defects....etc etc without a much longer explanation and examples. Shame on you for sensationalist reporting with no details.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Jean, Cin'ti, OH — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 02:24:17 GMT

I'm not sure that all bottles marked with a 7 have BPA. Mine says '7' and PC which means polycarbonate. So does that contain BPA or is it classified as 'other'?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

larry ,manson,wash — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 02:26:42 GMT

So what's the problem? Take your water to work in a glass bottle with a cork, make your own baby food from vegetables from your own garden, and (mothers) nurse your babies. That way everybody's happy.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Jean D., Cin'ti, OH — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 02:31:10 GMT

I'm right in there with the Snapple bottle user. Glass is considered safe and has been around forever. This size bottle nicely fits in backpack carrier.

As for an earlier post, "what are we doing to our children?", i agree!
What I'm doing for mine is feeding him as much as possible the Nourishing Traditions way. See Weston A Price Foundation for details.

I rarely use canned goods or packaged foods. No sugar in the house, no pop, etc. Raisins are snacks and seaweed is a treat. My 3 yr old eats steamed veggies, sushi and loves oatmeal. I'm not trying to make folks feel bad, but with some work you can do it too.

Put away the juice boxes, fruit rollups and pull out whole fruit.

I'm sure there's another forum to talk about this so off i go,
Thanks for listening,

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

C. Carter, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 02:53:41 GMT

Anyone who is concerned about the types of bottles that contain Bisphenol A should look up the Wikipedia page on the chemical. It lists polycarbonate as the worst plastic for BPA, and its used for some beverage and baby bottles.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Mom of newborn, Warren, Ohio — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 03:27:18 GMT

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Mom of newborn, Warren, Ohio — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 03:30:43 GMT

Another note. For those parents that are concerned about baby bottles - try using the playtex nursers;they have the disposable liners. A little extra work but BPA free. Also, for nursing moms like, if you pump and store/freeze like I do, look for Medela storage bottles - they are BPA free! My pediatrician recommended them to me.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

New Mom, Prior Lake, MN — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 03:54:08 GMT

I have a 2 month old baby and am very concerned about BPA. I found a lot of information at zrecs.blogspot.com . They have good information about BPA free bottles. It's not just in plastic bottles. It is also in the lining of baby formula cans! There are several brands that make BPA free bottles. I ended up buying Born Free bottles.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

K. Coleman, Minneapolis, MN — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 04:11:50 GMT

I have water delivered to my home and some of the 5 gallon water jugs have #7 on them and others have #1. Should I request only newer #1 jugs? Also they deliver them and leave them outside all day in the weather. Does that affect the leeching into the water?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Michael M., Arlington VA — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 04:40:51 GMT

I think you really should do a story not only on what is potentially dangerous - numbers 3,6 and 7 - but also what might be considered safe. There just seems to be a lack of information out there right now and obviously people are concerned.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Darcee, El Dorado Hills, CA — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 05:05:51 GMT

There are a few companies that manufacture baby bottles that are BPA free...Medela (the breast pump company), Born Free (also have sippy cups), Adiri, and Green to Grow. They are all phlalate free too! Sigg makes aluminum water bottles that are supposed to be safe.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Jean, Portland, OR — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 05:52:12 GMT

My concerns are: I have heard that #1 plastic water bottles, sent to areas of conflict, are exposed to extreme hot and cold temperatures. Are we putting our service men and women, in harms way? If so, don't they deserve better?

I'd like to know what kind of containers the ACC members and their families are drinking out of???

My mama told me to always tell the truth; don't we the people deserve to know? #1, 2, 3, 5, 6 & 7???
What's the real scoop?

It would seem paramount that the scientific/pharma communities of the world always keep the good health and welfare of the world and its people, a priority with respect and a caring heart and work togehter to find healthy solutions to challenges.

Please keep in mind that my comments are NOT directed at good, conscientious companies who are dedicated to producing products that are safe for use and consumption. BRAVO to them! :o)

When all is said 'n done and we're in our twilight years, our actions in life, motivated by sincere TLC and NOT the "bottom" line will have molded our character and thereby defined our life's legacy for future generations. Quality of life is priceless!

Respectfully submitted...to all. :o)

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Matt Lavine, Las Vegas, NV — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 06:40:52 GMT

Please clarify on the details of the issue. Is just using the plastic introducing the chemical, or does the plastic have to be heated in order to release the chemical?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

C. Nursery. Tulare, Ca — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 06:59:23 GMT

Dear All Common Sense People,
To me the plastic bottle health risk is one of many, however, extra hormone is not the worst potential health risk I fear from everyday containers. I have found that people do things that scare me to death but they seem to fair alright. For instance, leaving plastic soda bottles in the back of a pick up for hours or even days in the sun before putting them in the refrigerator.
How about using plastic with plastic wrap to microwave in and I kid you not, microwaving meat in the original foam plastic containers you buy them in.
Would this scare anyone or am I the only overly cautious person who wants to spend their life some other place then the doctor's office?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

concerned citizen — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 09:11:49 GMT

just when will the f.d.a. ,congress, the senate, and especially MR.BUSH GET OFF THIER BUTT; AND START DOING SOMETHING ABOUT THIS, instead of pouring billions every week into a worthless& un-called for war.this will start causing more ill health effect"s that we are not even not aware of yet.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Jeff, Bellevue, WA — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 09:23:46 GMT

And what happens after all the different plastics have been recycled? Wouldn't 7 be mixed in with all the others?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Gordy Iverson, Tacoma, WA — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 10:33:31 GMT

The triangle symbol means that the item is 'plastic/recyclable'. The number indicates what it's made of for the recycling companies to sort. So, the triangle doesn't necessarily mean it's bad. "No triangle: NOT RECYCLABLE"

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Mary Adcock , Scottsville ,VA. — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 10:50:08 GMT

I buy Pure Life bottle water all the time. Found on the bottles 036 is this safe or have simiclar chemicals. Have one with a triangle and inside that is 1Pete . What does that stand for? Like more information on this. Thanks

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Janice, Liberty SC — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:04:46 GMT

What about plastic water pipes?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Kate Laroche — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:27:26 GMT

Schools don't like glass bottles due to safety issues like inadvertant cuts or deliberate shanks. The word safety is so innaccurate anymore. Plastic is safer, unless it is unsafe. Glass is not allowed because it is unsafe, even though it can be safer. I'm dizzy.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

KJ, Traverse City, MI — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:29:57 GMT

What are we to do with our expsive Nalgene bottles? Just throught them out, we cant recycle them. Could you please give a more indepth report on this subject. There are many concerns and questions from the general public. Ok there is a responce from one person stating that the new bottles from Nalgene do not have BPA in them, how do we know if the ones we have do or dont? Please Help us out.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Mary Horn — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:54:26 GMT

I would like to know the responses to all the other comments. I am very concerned about this problem. The plastic bottles I have now are labeled 7, and I would like to replace them with something safe. Please stay on top of this; something is causing a lot of cancer and this might be a contributing factor. Why take chances.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

blueskies, South Park, CO — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:22:29 GMT

I saw a report which stated nalgene bottles and the like should not be washed in harsh chemicals. Since I use those bottle on occassion, I wonder what exactly that means. I generally wash them on occasion in the dishwasher with a biodegradable product made by Seventh Generation. Do you know if this is considered harsh? I also make a point of rinsing out the bottles when removing from dishwasher. Does that make a difference. Would regular dishwashing detergen (also made by Seventh Generation) be preferable or do they all create problems with these plastics?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Rae Johnston — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:26:36 GMT

Please and Thank you. Thank you for bringing this information to the public. And please get us more! There are many plastic items not labeled with these numbers, any more research you can do would be greatly appreciated.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

R. Addams Loveland, Colorado — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:38:45 GMT

I've been listening to these reports and have come to this conclusion. There is reason for concern because as for "nothing being done about it" means some of us would like to see certain bottles taken off the shelf that is sold. They should be packaged saying the bottle is "chemical-free". And last but not least it is to my understanding the the "1" in the triangle is the safest and can be reused if only using water in it and rinsing it out. The number "2" bottle should be used onced and only once and thrown away. People, it all boils down to this, do what YOU think is right for you and your family. I think all news is worthy, to others it may not. Again, do what YOU think is necessary for you and your family and don't shoot the messenger!

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Mike, WPB FL — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:46:07 GMT

The reporters need to do more homework and try again.

7 means "other plastics" not just polycarbonate.

Fear mongering on all plastics is a tremendous disservice and causing many people to panic for no reason. Plastics save lives, keep food protected and are affordable. Plastics 3 and 6 do not have BPA in them - polycarbonate however, may.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Joe McCard,Portland, Ct. — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:47:09 GMT

Remember, the scientists who said BPA's are bad were trained using the same scientific model as the scientists who said BPA's were good. Together, they have both created a wave of psychological anxiety, post plastic stress disorder. I suggest BPA's, in and of themselves are neither good nor bad. Your body, child or adult, is wise enough to use BPA's in the way that you desire. I suggest one make the higher choice. That's free will!!

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Paula Martinez, Pueblo, CO — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:01:29 GMT

I am a mother of a toddler and I try to avoid plastic with all of his food. I feed him from wooden plates and bowls, and never store his food in plastic containers, but when it comes to his drinks the only things available are plastic sippy cups. What do I do to make sure that he is not getting dangerous toxins? Parents have enough to worry about now this too!

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

James Hudson, Tampa, Florida — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:37:01 GMT

This story sincerely makes the issue sound much worse than it is. If one actually reads the report one finds "The NTP concurs with the conclusion of the CERHR Expert Panel on Bisphenol A that there is negligible concern that exposure to bisphenol A causes reproductive effects in non-occupationally exposed adults and minimal concern for workers exposed to higher levels in occupational settings." There is basically no risk to adults.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Kathy, Mukwonago, WI — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:11:32 GMT

There are stainless steel water bottles available for sale on the internet and certain sites sell BPA free bottles for infants. If you're interested and you spend some time looking - there are options out there to help avoid exposure to these chemicals.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Heather — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:14:54 GMT

I use a Nalgene bottle on a daily basis to decrease the use of plastic bottles. When I clean my bottle, I use warm water and a mild detergent and do not place it in the dishwasher. Am I still at risk of being exposed to BPA?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Rob MacIntosh-Boston — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:00:01 GMT

Where can I get an analysis of the risks/non-risks associated with all the numbers and to what extent reuse, heat, cold may factor in the safe use of plastic bottles.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

diane lipscomb — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:29:13 GMT

R We going to answers to these questions or where can we find answers to these questions; What about the re-use of water bottles with number 1 on the bottom, which it seems all bottled water companies use. Is it considered safe to re-use these bottles since they arn't made with the same materials as 3, 6, and 7?
Is BPA only in plastic bottles, or is it present in other plastic products, i.e. Tupperware, Zip-Loc bags, etc.
Thanks

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

J. Kjeld, Tacoma, Washington — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:51:45 GMT

Has anyone looked on the bottom of the 5 gallon bottles that are delivered for the water cooler? The 5 gallon bottles at my work have a number 7 on them.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Bridget, Villa Rica, GA — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 17:12:26 GMT

What does that mean that when you heat the Gerber containers the lining seperates - meaning it is safe or not safe? I have a 5 month old who eats about3 to 4 containers a day and uses Avent bottles! I would really appreciate a report on the news that gives specifics from company's that we use - especially baby products.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Dawn Weatherly, NY, NY — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 18:58:03 GMT

Camelbak bottles are marked with the #7 but are BPA-free. According to their website, the #7 is a recycling code which is used for all plastics that do not fit into a #1-#6 designation. The #7 includes many different types of plastics, but does not mean it contains BPA.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Kathy, Old Bridge, New Jersey — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 19:16:40 GMT

I read somewhere that if you want to reuse a plastic bottle, don't wash it with soap and hot water--just rinse it. This seems to go along with the advice on the Report site not to heat a plastic bottle--in the microwave, etc.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Janet Watson Cabool, Mo. 65689 — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 20:09:21 GMT

What do the numbers 1 and 2 indicate?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Kathleen Conaway, Escanaba,MI — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 20:24:03 GMT

This came at a good time as one of my twins is planning to get pregnant in July. After I informed her of this study, she threw all her "yuppy" pricey water bottles out, and will return to metal thermoses.She won't use hard plastic bottles on the rare times she has to pump and leave. I used small,cheap glass bottles that my twins had great fun trading with each other by lofting his/her bottle accross the room to the other twins crib,. This became even more fun when they realized, with timing, the bottles could hit mid-air and shatter to bits. This game helped them later in sports.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Janet Watson — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 21:06:33 GMT

Will our questions be answered? If so, when and where will they be posted?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

K. Rowinsky, Pasadena, CA — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 21:12:56 GMT

For concerns over plastic bottles and your kids- try the Klean Kanteen. It is made from stainless steel and totally safe to drink from. You can find it in 4 different sizes, and even get a sippy top for the kids. I made the switch to these for my kids water bottles at school and I'm glad I made the investment.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Davester, Plano, TX — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 21:30:43 GMT

Just because *some* #7 plastic bottles contain BPA does not mean that all of them are bad. After 1-6, #7 is just a "catch-all" number for "OTHER" plastics. Probably #3 is worse, because all #3s are made of the same stuff; likewise #6.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Boyd, Salt Lake City, UT — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 21:37:16 GMT

Regarding Camelbak's water bottles, which I use:

Camelbak's also releasing new BPA-free bottles, but if you have one already, it probably is a BPA-manufactured bottle. Mine is, so I may replace it once the new BPA-free bottles are released. I have been using my Camelbak bottle for quite a few months now. Scary! And how do you dispose of these bottles properly? They can not be recycled and throwing them away just means a landfill full of these hard plastic bottles.

What is so humorous (in a dark sort of way) is that the studies mention that traces of the chemical do not show adverse effects. How do they determine what constitutes safe levels? It's an organic compound, but mimics estrogen. Maybe that explains my reduced libido? It would be nice to know if that cessation of use reverses the damage done or not. I'm thinking not, but I'd like to maintain an optimistic outlook.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Charles Peck, Lake Panasoffkee, FL — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 22:12:53 GMT

I have found the 7 on the bottom of 2 Reeses Shell bottles for hard coating ice cream. All my water bottles are supposedly safe. All Tupperware is a 5.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Janet Watson Cabool, Mo. — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 22:15:11 GMT

What do the numbers 1,2,4 and 5 indicate?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

mabradford — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 22:15:57 GMT

I think it is time to start tracking these chemist and other peoples that are liable for the issuance of these chemicals into our presence and give them a big experimental dose of lead poisoning and then tell them - Ooops - we didn't mean to. Maybe then they will get the message that they have "No" right to kill the population at large - no matter how big they think their brain is.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Janet Watson Cabool, Mo. — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 22:16:23 GMT

What do the numbers 1,2,4 and 5 indicate?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Pat in Cranford NJ — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 22:47:44 GMT

We have been buying Target's "Archer Farms" brand spring water for years because it tastes BETTER than the name brands to us. I just looked under the bottle and it has a number 1 inside the triangle and the word PETE underneath. So if you are looking for a good alternative give it a try.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Rick Thomas, Austin, Texas — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 23:03:41 GMT

I thought the broadcast version did a great disservice to the public. They showed the bottles in question only a couple of times but showed non-BPA bottles over and over. Here's the deal. The hard plastic baby bottles are made from polycarbonate, which can contain small amounts of BPA, which may be released during heating by a microwave. Similar hard drinking bottles are also made with polycarbonate. The clear juice, soda and water bottles are made from polyethylene terephthalate or PET. They have a number 1 code. The colored or opaque softer bottles (bicycle drinking bottles) are made from high density polyethylene and have a number 3 code. The society of plastic engineers (SPI) code is voluntary so every bottle is not labeled. The HDPE bottles are extremely safe but the PET bottles theoretically can release phthalate esters if used for a long time, heated in a microwave, or left out in the sun. So, the message is HDPE and PET bottles are safe when used properly. The hard baby bottles may not be although all the studies say they are.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

D.Jones, Dayton, OH — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 23:04:52 GMT

Please advise us all on this issue. Those symbols at the bottom of plastic bottles is not what I thought that they stood for -- thought they were for recycling purposes only. UGH! Why isn't the FDA on this stuff sooner to protect the public?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Monica Rojas — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 23:09:31 GMT

I just checked all of my baby bottles, they have the arrow symbol on the bottom but do not have a number within. They are "Parents Choice" brand purchased from Walmart. Can you give me any more information?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Rick Thomas, Austin, Texas — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 23:15:24 GMT

I named the incorrect association for the recycling. SPI is the Society of the Plastics Industry. Information about the different plastics and the recycling codes can be found there.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Judy Sutherland, Richmond, VA — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 23:34:57 GMT

Thanks for the great reporting about the danger of plastic bottles. Research at some major universities supports this report. A year or so ago Lisa Myers of NBC did a report on "In the Bag" where food is packed in plastic bags and then shipped to restaurants to heat quickly and then serve. I wondered then if this,too, could be a danger.Thanks for all the good work you do.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

DOSUMU GBENGA,LAGOS,LAGOS — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 23:36:57 GMT

Anybody with basic chemistry knowledge will expect leaching of polymers by hot drinks and even very chilled drinks.Besides there has been e-mails about the danger posed by the use of these bottles for months now.But what can we do?Especially in Africa when we rely on what the developed world gives us.
I still continue to drink from plastic conntainers anyway.We can only pray decomposible,non toxic plastic-type materials are developed quickly to stop these body and environmental pollution.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

L. Johnson, Buffalo, MO — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 00:32:03 GMT

I finished a Master's Thesis on BPA about 2 years ago. PC stands for polycarbonate plastics which are made using BPA. 1's and 2's appear to be safe for now, 5's have a chemical similar to BPA that leaches out of them. If there's no number, you can often get the information from the company's websites. This problem has been known for some time, but it's hard to make headway when most of the large studies have been done by the plastics companies (showing no effects of course.)New evidence is mounting rapidly as new, non-plastics council research is conducted.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Tom Roberts, Los Angeles — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 00:56:20 GMT

Well, 3 is PVC, 6 is Polystyrene and 7 is Other (7 includes acrylic, nylon and polycarbonate).
The plastic originally causing all the fuss was 7 polycarbonate.
I was actually surprised that anyone is even drinking out of polycarbonate glasses, it does not make the most desireable drinking container to my mind. Polycarbonate is chiefly used to make vandal proof windows because it is very hard to break.
6 Polystyrene, on the other hand, is often made into cheap disposable drinking cups. Better disposable drinking cups are made out of 1 PETE, as are almost all soda and water bottles. PETE is used for these bottles because 1 PETE does not leach a plastic odor into beverages that are stored in it, like other plastics do.
If you give any 3 PVC or 6 PS product the smell test, a word to the wise, the noxious odor may instantly sicken you. For this reason, I avoid 6 PS drinking cups, and I give ANY plastic the smell test.
I do not need expensive chemical tests or erudite scientists to explain the toxicity of plastics to me, when my own nose does the job just as well if not better.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Tom Roberts, Los Angeles — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 00:57:43 GMT

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Marc, Kingsport, TN — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 01:31:24 GMT

I believe NBC confused the issue. While they were talking about polycarbonate bottles (PC) they kept showing polyethylene terephthalate bottles (PETE recycle code #1) on their program. PC and PETE are different chemically. PETE #1 bottles, the ones most often shown on the program, are the ones that are normally used for single use bottled water. PC plastic bottles are the type use for reusable plastic bottles with the recycle code of #7. However, the #7 only indicates that the plastic is classified as "other" and it can be a variety of plastics chemically, many of which do not contain BPA. The reporting is confusing and it would be good to have someone familiar with the plastic coding system to ensure that what is shown and the message are consistent.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Dawn — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 01:35:35 GMT

Not all #7 bottles contain BPA. Camelbak is a brand that does not contain BPA, but they have a #7 on the bottle of their bottle

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

C Smith, Washington, DC — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 01:42:45 GMT

This bottle hazard and the fact that it mimics female estrogen begs the question--- why is there this sudden influx of gay/homosexuality? The bottle leaches female hormones, the kids drink the stuff in their sippy cups for the past 20+ years, and we wonder why everyone is so feminized. It's related, really. Here in MD we have a similar problem with intersex fish being created because of the chemicals. Thanks for giving air time to an important story, and not Paris or Britney.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Jinger De, Beloit, Wi — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 02:24:00 GMT

All the paranoid parents out there that are dropping the plastics they've given their kids, but I bet you will all still give them the artificial sweeteners instead of real sugar... (my kids drank tap water in glass glasses). Look up aspartame and see what you've been giving your kids in these unhealthy plastic bottles and cups!

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Ikie Doe Louisville, KY — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 02:58:11 GMT

I'd say that it's plastic bottles, plastic diapers etc that have caused maladies like autism in children, rather than innoculations. The world has had innoculations since WWII and autism wasn't even heard of until the last twenty years. Look at all of the fertilizers etc that have appeared in our water supply! We have poisoned ourselves.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Marla, Las Vegas, Nevada — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 03:03:07 GMT

Here's a clue to the bad ones: they are made of HARD plastic, not flexible plastic like the ones Propel or bottled water comes in.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

B. Quinn , Houston, TX — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 03:47:54 GMT

this is outrageous that this wolrd is so ridiculous to make products that are so harmfull. and to make baby bottles not tell anyone that there
is a danger to their health. what are the alternatives????? besides glass??? this country needs to STOP and think about humankind instead of how they can make more money! PLEASE TELL US HOW TO AVOID THESE TOXINS!! why cant we be more like Canada?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Brandon, Rockville, Maryland — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 04:26:17 GMT

The numbers on the bottoms of bottles do not indicate whether or not the bottles contain BPA. Polycarbonate (number 7) bottles do not leach chemicals into the water unless they are exposed to extreme heat, or other corrosive chemicals. I work for a purified water company, and polycarbonate bottles are safe, and this safety is backed by decades of research. Here are some scientific sites that are useful: www.americanchemistry.com/newsroom www.bisphenol-a.org Please don't discontinue use of plastic bottles without considering both sides of the argument.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Brandon — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 04:27:54 GMT

And, on a side note, the chemicals in the air we breath and the tap water we cook with are far more hazardous than BPA in decimal parts per billion. Think about it.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Kimberly & Michael Kanouff — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 04:36:23 GMT

Brian Williams ended this piece with a comment about families throwing out these bottles en masse.

Here is where he can lead the country in changing the way we think. He could have said 'please RECYCLE all of these bottles.' It's a small step, but our knee-jerk reaction has to change from throwing away to recycling.

We need examples from our leadership to change the way we think about the earth's resources. Recycling water bottles is one footstep less in our daily carbon trail.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Lana, Vancouver, Canada — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 04:52:04 GMT

Canada is looking at banning all #7 plastic. I say error on caution and ditch every one of them. Another interesting study is Teflon cookware. Hopefully that one will be next!

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Billy Crumb, Zainesville, Ohio — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 09:21:52 GMT

The expensive orange juices, Simply Orange and Enhanced Minute Maid come in #1 bottles. I would not drink out of the regular gallon plastics used for milk, water, & OJ. I heard a long time ago to avoid the opaque plastic containers. Stick with clear. If you are buying drinking water in bottles I strongly suggest buying a system like Aquawizard, although it's made out of plastic too, sigh.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

jacques, TorC, NM — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 12:05:16 GMT

it is interesting to note that #7 is commonly used for PC (polycarbonate) this is the generic name for an invention by GE: Lexan.
would a GENUINE GE Lexan bottle give off chemicals?
plastic headlamps on cars are made of PC. what about those broken on city streets.
Nalgene does not use "other". they have the PC on the recycle symbol.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

R.Tracy ,Flat Rock IL — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 12:48:25 GMT

We buy and then re-use glass bottles with screw on lids . There is a water company we found that sells its water in 5 gallon GLASS bottles for water coolers. It is more expensive , about 2.20 cents a gallon and the deposit on the bottle is a little more but it's worth it and much cheaper than the hospital bills associated with the diseases the plastics could cause.

It may be an 10 yr old story, but it has mostly been ignored and swept under the rug due to reassurances that they are safe by our good old FDA.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Tom — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 14:39:01 GMT

Yesterday the Canadian Minister for health announced that Canada will ban the advertising, importation and sale of plastic bottles containing BPA used for infants. The Minister said the ban will start in 60 days unless the industry can PROVE NO DANGER from this chemical in the face of over 150 studies saying it is dangerous.

I wish I lived in Canada, where responsible adults run the country instead corporate stooges, like the US

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Melissa Mantha — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 15:27:02 GMT

You can find stainless steel bottles at several places. This is most likely the safest alternative until we get people to really make all of our plastic safe.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Vhen, Pingtung taiwan — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 16:07:54 GMT

My 27 month & 3 month old son's are using NUK feeding Bottle (From GERMANY ) with triangle & #7!!! I'll be throwing them out in the garbage can & these bottles dont come cheap & all i am getting is DISEASE!!!!!!!!!!!! Bfree Bottle is mark with #2 & PIGEON baby bottle no # at all even a triangle mark what does it mean??? why it doesnt have anything on it??? even i want to give my son a glass bottle i cant cause its dangerous for him now he will be tossing it in the air & it will break.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Ruel Francis — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 16:12:38 GMT

thanks for the info on plastic,now when you burned plastics the kind of corbon-(smoke) that its gives off is bad for your health and the environment,what is the alternative to plastic and why fda does not banned plastic?i am sure fda can do the research and development for the alternative to plastic.please dont let a catastrophe occur before attention is given,lets hear from you on such an important matter as the world over uses plastic on a daily basis,God bless you.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Darlene, Clover S.C. — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 16:26:38 GMT

Has not any one realized that it's not only the containers we drink and eat out of? Our shampoo's, our food, our deoderants, our makeup, our air we breath, our everything is LOADED with CHEMICALS that are killing us!!! Our government wants to take control of our lives, but they don't want to take CARE of us. We have to be detectives in this world and find out for ourselves what is doing us harm. The greedy certainly arn't looking out for our welfare! In the end they are going to have to answer to God!

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Suzanne, Los Angeles — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 16:36:23 GMT

Get a SIGG bottle (or equivalent). It's stainless steel, refillable from filtered tap (which is more regulated than bottled water).

You can get them for about 20 bucks and never buy another bottle of water again.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

mary ann mack. Roselle,.Ill — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 17:08:35 GMT

There is no mention about the 5 gallon bottles used by Hinckley for distribution for home water serving hot or refrigerated. Where can I call to verify that these bottles with "7" on them are OK..I return the used bottles when I purchase a new water.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

mary ann mack. Roselle,.Ill — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 17:08:36 GMT

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Nick Demendoza, Roswell, GA. — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 18:37:48 GMT

What country does all of the plastic and bottles come from mostly now? We bash Iran, but yet they produce plastic and invest about $100 M in Iraq's electrical energy grid in over 2 years! Maybe this is Why they dropped off plastic bottles at the side of the US Navy ship near their coast. Those little boat crews can attempt to wreak havoc; and have tried to take on US Battleships in the Persian Gulf in the earlier 90's. Many of my hair cutters are from Iran in N. ATL., GA., too. They are Americanized, and want the best life has to offer... The World is Global and integrated finance is very important:Country A can produce product C for Country B and they then can help A and others. Remember Bin Laden built Saudi palaces. Saddam Hussein came from Egypt, NE Africa; and so did some of the 9/11 attackers, but they do not represent their country in their organizations. Maybe we should put the US Coast Guard in more combat operations with Dept. of Navy and SEAL teams, etc. I earn $under $24k/yr. and pay at least $5k in payroll & income taxes to the USA and GA. GA. is a ripped off producer State, by the Fed. gov't. and deserves more income money... It is the home of Coke; Pepsi is competing & cooperating; W*M is everywhere; and Publix is rapid growth dominating over Kroger, etc. Aisles and aisles of beverages and food products. Rivers of milk and honey... The Promise Land is for all; especially Christians. The Jews and Arabs tend to ignore that part of the Holy Bible and God's Word!

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Lois, Alberta — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 19:07:05 GMT

you know all the fuss about drinking Goji juice b/c it is so healthy for you....maybe very well be BUT it is processed in a number 7 bottle...how ironic is that.....and I am drinking the juice b/c it is so could "for healing cancer"...hmmm wonder how the plastic contributes to the cancer I have now?? You certainly learn how fast you can trust people in politics, FDA, and even those who are out to make a freaking buck by saying what they are selling is so healthy and then they put it in a #7 plastic...bunch of freak jobs...anything for $$$$$!! Makes me crazy!!

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Jane Doe New York, New York — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 19:22:37 GMT

Everyone needs to open their eyes and start making our government responsible for our health and safety instead of just going with the flow. There is so much cancer and immune system disorders, it is really scary. Why do we allow imports from countries that hate us? Also, why do we not check everything that comes in from those countries before they go on the market? We just continue to let everyone walk all over us while we sit back and do nothing!

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Aaron, Bozeman, MT — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 21:14:36 GMT

Aluminum cans (soda, beer) also have the same problem.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Rebecca, Atlanta, Georgia — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 21:18:22 GMT

Now will all of you people that are disgusted by natural breastfeeding, the way God intended it, shut up now! Bottle feeding is poisoning out children. Not even the formula, but the bottle itself. Why is it also that the same people that complain about breastfeeding mothers are the same ones that say "aw, how cute" when a calf feeds at it's mother udder? Funnier still is that these tend to be Christian Fundamentalist that complain about breastfeeding. What do they think Jesus ate his first few years of his life? Certainly it wasn't from a bottle.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Peter Karl, Fargo, North Dakota — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 21:19:42 GMT

Your studies are nice but you also failed to examine the actual diseases that are subsequent with all the "new" innovations - such as plastic. There is also the fact of how the removal of metal and replacement of aluminum cans also resulted with an outbreak of cancer cases; just coincedence or is it a reality of the cause and effect. Now we have an excessive number of plastic items and we have new diseases flooding the population at the same time; is it coincendence again or, is it something that should be examined. Perhaps, this is why our frontiersmen had no such flu, cold and disease epidemics that we have today, they just used what we had and not something we made up to replace our reusable resources. It is sad when it is not our ignorance that out weighs our ability to use the knowledge we already have...

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Roland — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 21:25:10 GMT

Don't worry the Corporations are looking out for you, they wouldn't do anything to hurt you in the name of greed.....LOL. The FDA will protect you as well once they find out it is turning males into transexuals....Unbelievable, and all because it is cheaper to manufacture, this way the CEO's bonus can stay right around 100 million......Fascism = Government and Corporate collusion for profit and control....Do not beleive anything they tell you, double and triple check it yourself......

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Dave in Chicago — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 02:58:01 GMT

There is a TON of misinformation about plastic recycling code numbers here! The mumber 7 indicates any number of "other" possible polymers are present in the container - most notably EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol) which is used as a barrier against oxygen in most of the products you are all worrying about. Nearly all baby food containers made of plastic will have EVOH to maintain freshness of the contents, but NOT BPA. MSNBC and Robert Bazell are both creating alarm in situations where none exists. The number 7 on a container DOES NOT GUARANTEE that the polymer used has BPA, and by blindly putting that thought out there they are dooing a disservice to all of us. PLEASE GET YOUR FACTS RIGHT MSNBC AND CORRECT THIS STORY!!!

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Mike, Olathe, Kansas — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 03:07:00 GMT

You folks need to get educated a bit about what you are actually saying and stop relying on soundbites. The triangles and numbers on the bottom is the recycle classification and describes what type of plastic the bottle or container is made from. For instance, 1 means PETE (polyester), 2 means HDPE (high density polyethylene), etc. The "7" on the bottle DOES NOT mean the bottle is made with BPA - it means that the bottle is made either with two or more of the other materials (like if you have both HDPE and PETE it can't be called both a 2 and a 1)OR it's made with a material other than the other 6 materials. Bob's article is very misleading, in that he states that having the "7" means it has BPA. That is completely inaccurate. What is more accurate is that some of the materials in the "other" catagory are the ones that may have BPA. Be careful when you start looking at your food packaging - just about everything in the refrigerated meat and cheese department in the grocery store is packaged in a plastic package that would be classified as a "7". Saying that you will not buy anything in a "7" is not only impracticle, it is impossible.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Doris, New York City, NY — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 03:19:23 GMT

I use Hummas by Cedar's Mediterranean FOODS Inc. with the number 7 on it and Other underneath it, i eat a box of Hummas every day, I am vegan. What the heck is there to eat anymore, who can you trust, nothing is safe anymore, so now I have to stop eating Hummas or make it myself. The world is a greedly world.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Janet, Seattle WA — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 03:50:26 GMT

Nalgene bottles are also not safe; I cannot remember which chemical they leach into water, but they do leach chemicals, especially when heated (ie cleaning with a dishwasher or putting hot water to kill germs). The safe alternative? Metal. Sorry, but it is true. It is like hormone free milk - sure, the cows were not fed RBHG, but that does not mean they cows were fed a healthy diet, and the milk is not full of pesticide residue from the genetically modified corn that is a main stay in the average (read, every except organic cow's) diet.

Plastic bottles, containers, tupperware, Glad, Nalgene - these are not safe. Why do you think there are all those warnings not to use them in the microwave? Sure, some people may use them forever and never get sick, but when there are 300 million Americans using them for our entire lives, especially when they combined with all the chemicals in shampoo, lotions (when was the last time you actually looked in the ingredients in your lotion?!), food, etc, they are the reason there are so many diseases. Even if *only* 0.01% of people fall sick to something, that is still THIRTY THOUSAND people.

Side note: check your shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, etc for methylparaben, ethylparaben, or anything that ends in parabens. Tests have shown parabens in EVERY sample of breast cancer tissue. Coincidence? I think not. Google it for more information.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Mike, Rochester, NY — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 05:16:54 GMT

Thank you Mike from Olathe!! I have worked for a large plastic bottle mfgr for years, and when I saw the report stating we should stay away from any plastic bottle with a #7 in the recycle code, I cringed. This is usually the code one finds on a Lexan or other PC (polycarbonate) bottle, but it is also used for other plastics that can't be classified under the other recycling codes (ie, ETFE, PVC, etc) Many bottle mfgrs are removing PC bottles from their shelves as I type and replacing them with an Eastman brand (Tritan) which is a copolyester that exhibits many of the same properties as PC, but is BPA-free. Although I believe this is in response to fear-mongering articles and television reports filled with inaccuracies, I still believe that it is best for the consumers and our industry.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Joseph L. Bishop — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 05:41:19 GMT

Dear Sir:

Considering that many of the largest selling Bottled Water Products are acidic which is like Osteoporosis and Cancer in a Plastic Bottle, especially those made of soft plastic, I think you should look into this area. Millions of persons are drinking the acidic Bottled Water. I have heard the pH of Bottled Water is around 5.5-5.8, the Body needs Calcium to maintain a pH of 7.4 , and Cancer Cells are dormant at 7.2. If you are required to drink 0.5 ounces of your Body Weight in water each day and if you weigh 130 pounds, that is 60 ounces (0.5 gallons) of acidic Bottled Water a day. Again, the Blood needs more Calcium to negate the acidic Water, and that Calcium has to come from the Bones. If you take out more Calcium from the Bones than you put into the Bones, this can lead to Osteoporosis compounded by the possibility that the phH of the Body is being lowered to the extent where the dormant Cancer Cells wakeup. Why isn’t more being written to alert the public about the dangers of drinking acidic Bottled Water where additionally the plastic Bottles are also filling up the landfills.

Thank you, Joe Bishop

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Amber, denver, co — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 06:13:15 GMT

As a concerned mother I have found that ALL plastic baby bottles are either do not have any indication what rating of plastic they are ir that they are all 7. We are poisoning our children with these bottles, in the case of sippy cups there are very few 5 or 4 ratings but most dont say or say 7. WHY ARE THEY NOT RECALLING THESE BOTTLES?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

mom of 2 — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 08:08:43 GMT

I am having a hard time with this. I knew about water bottles when heated there are problems, now PLASTIC itself? Oh what are we coming to? I have children and really cannnot afford to make the life style change that will possibly be required to make. We drink water and we eat leftovers, I quess I will have to look at the old butter containers as well. Seems like the only place to go now is the goodwill for those funky old glass containers. Please stay on this story.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

James Bryce — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 08:45:30 GMT

Toxins in plastic bottles are only the tip of the iceberg. We are being pioisoned constantly. The biggest poison in most poeeples lives is perfume and air fresheners, but people are completely unaware of this. It gets no publicity. Women with breast cancer try to be healthy and then slather themselves with toxic perfumes, totally unaware of the dangers. We need to clean up everything. Breast cancer rates in America are 10 TIMES the rate of countries that do not have toxins everywhere.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Brenda Baitzel, Pa — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 09:03:21 GMT

Where can we find the answers for all of the questions that are being ask in this comments section???? Or is it just wasted time trying to find out?

< I went looking for an alternative and found a neat wellness company that manufactures safely. What a relief for this Mom of three. How can I get in touch with others on your site to share this? >
< All this time, I thought I was doing the right thing by serving him organic baby food, and the whole time, I was putting his health at risk because Gerber saved money by using plastic containers that leak BPA! If you can't trust Gerber, who can you trust? >
< Why is no mention being made of the fact that this is also in the plastic linings in 85% of the cans used to store food and also in the material used to seal the teeth of children? >

ETC....

Thanks for making the public aware of this issue, it may have been around for the last 10 years, but I wasn't aware. I will be looking for 3, 6 & 7 now.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Ryan, Montreat, North Carolina — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 16:35:57 GMT

Instead of just "tossing them out" maybe you could find other uses for the container...they are water tight! At least recycle them!

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Ryan, Montreat, North Carolina — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 16:51:21 GMT

Consumers should take more responsibility for the products they use. We act like such a mindless consumer culture, never paying attention to what we use. That is, until a "special report" gets aired. Then everybody PANICS and acts irrationally by throwing good products away and even peeling labels off products in stores!

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Shirley C, Colleyville, Texas — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 17:02:33 GMT

All plastic bottles ARE marked, however not all have the marking on the very bottom of the bottle. Some, like Diet Coke, for example, have the marking on the side of the bottle towards the bottom, or another area. (A Diet Coke bottle is a #1, by the way.)

Don't worry about any other numbers you see other than the number within the recycle key (the triangle made of arrows). The other numbers are batch numbers and the like, and refer to the product within the bottle, not the bottle itself. As an FYI, Walmart's and Sam's Clear America Naturally Flavored Sparkling Water is also a #1.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Luke, Vermillion, SD — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 17:43:40 GMT

As one of the researchers on this compound the best advice I can give you is to do the sqeeze test. If you can sqeeze the bottle and it will bend then it's not polycarbonate plastic (BPA; also what is used to make bullet proof glass). All the bottles used for bottled water, propel, gatorade, soda pop, ect are NOT BPA. They are polyethelene, which is presumably safer. The best is glass or a metal container. Walmart sells a very nice metal container with a non-BPA resin coating on the inside. Baby bottles made of glass are starting to make a comeback (I fed my son with a BPA containing bottle too (Advent(R)), so none of us are perfect). If you have to use a BPA containing bottle use the liners produced by a variety of companies. If you can't use liners, NEVER reheat the milk in the bottle itself, reheat it in something (a glass glass; see leeching paragraph below).

As for Nalgene(R) bottles problem is with the leeching of the chemicals into the water. This happens when the bottle is repeatedly heated and cooled (I had a coach who drinks his coffee out of a Nalgene(R) bottle). If you look at your bottle and see white streaks in it, you're long past the point of contamination.

The topic of leeching into water is especially important when buying any canned vegetables as the resin coating on the inside of the cans is a BPA derivative. If you must use canned vegetables wash them very well before cooking. The safer way is to use frozen vegetables as they are never exposed to BPA.

BPA is not the only compound that of concern to the health of developing children. Recent work, in animal models, has shown that certain sunscreens can also exhibit effects strikinly similar to that of BPA. (http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2605.2007.00856.x).

The best advice to just to be careful. The more manufactured good that are ingested or applied the more chances you have of introducing foreign substances into your body. I'm not saying to not use sunscreen if you're out in the sun, but if you're sitting in a cube-farm for 8 hours in the middle of winter what's the point of using a foundation that contains SPF 45? You're just exposing yourself to more than you need to. As a rule the most basic stuff and/or the stuff that's been around the longest is usually the safest.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Wayne W, California — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 20:13:53 GMT

I've just check all my water bottles. The 5-gallon Arrowhead delivered water bottle has a 7. My Nalgene has a 7, my Swiss Gear bottle has a 7, my generic bottles that were given to me as promo items have a 7. I have a plastic vacuum meat marinator container that has a 7. By sucking the marinade into my meat I'm probably sucking all the BPA into the meat.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

A reader, New York City — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 20:15:56 GMT

So much hype over nothing! Countless people have used the hard plastic Nalgene bottles and other allegedly BPA-infused products with no ill effects whatsoever. This information is only creating an unnecessary and inaccurate health scare, and the government attempt to control us is only worsening the situation in terms of our severely (and saddeningly) limited free will.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Yvonne, Beckley, WV — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 20:46:03 GMT

We are a society of ease and convenience. Because of this we are killing ourselves with what we eat and drink not to mention what it is packaged in. If the human race is so smart then why are we in the process of destroying ourselves and the earth?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Concerned medical type, Anywhere, USA — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:54:01 GMT

A lot of polycarbonate is used in medical devices, for disposable syringes and other rigid transparent fluid handling stuff, and for moderate-cost patient support systems that need to be Xray-transparent. In the former case, fluids go directly into the bloodstream. In the latter case, sometimes the patient lies directly on the plastic surface, with broad-area skin contact. Any FDA action on those kinds of exposures?

If animal testing in fact already has shown probable cancer causation, why hasn't the Delaney Amendment's mandatory requirement for Federal exposure restrictions come into play?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Pembroke,MA — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 01:27:25 GMT

I believe the numbers inside the arrows indicate how many times the bottle has been melted down and recycled into new bottles. the more times the more outside chems. can leach into the plastic.I guess in this case recycling isn't such a good idea for our imediate health?Jim

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Duncan Donuts — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 01:40:43 GMT

People-don't think don't panic, yes panic! Plastics have never been healthy for humans and other living things, especially in association with in-door air, food, liquids, infants, children, the elderly, or those with immunity issues. For containers use glass you can reuse it, wash it, and make this the wake up call to regain control over your food, learn where it comes from, what it is stored in, take back your lives from industries who do not care about your health, your children, your and our future. In this society, keeping your family safe from poisoning requires vigilance, awareness, and pounds of suspicion.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Me — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 01:48:27 GMT

thankfully, i've always found the idea of paying for water in bottles to be beyond stupid. flavored or not.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

K. C Applen — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 01:59:18 GMT

Darn it. As if it wasn't enough to have to see all those Mesothelioma commercials on TV. Now we have to contend with this. Whatever happed to the FDA? More foder for young attorneys for years now I bet.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

JB, Portland — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 02:14:06 GMT

A 7 with arrows on the bottom does NOT mean BPA. Stupid story. it means it's a certain category of plastic, some of which has BPA. REI is selling Nalgenes new BPA-free bottles and guess what? There's a 7 on the bottom.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Dan — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 02:14:30 GMT

LOL - so much panic out there. Bottom line is there are toxins in almost all manufactured food containers, yes even paper and metal cans. We can't escape it entirely. Just live your lives stress free or you'll actually worry yourself to death before any plastic bottles do it. :)

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Alexander H., SF CA — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 02:22:32 GMT

unfortunately, 1s and 2s have phthalates in them, which create another set of problems, though BPA is worse. glass really is best however you slice it. nonleaching metal too, though invariably there's a plastic spout on it.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Robert Potter — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 02:30:48 GMT

I am a Heavy drinker of Milk and have been for 50+ years and the Plastic containers that it comes in gives it an unwelcome taste.So I try to buy it in the paper carton or Glass bottle.I know what milk is SUPPOSED to taste like after 50 years and something is wrong with those plastic jugs.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Virginia, Waterloo, O — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 03:04:44 GMT

Because rats and other rodents have had birth problems and we humans have had the opposite - less infant deaths, higher birth weights and kid's hitting puberty sooner; we call this a problem. I don't get where these scientist can call this a problem. If you measured BPA concentrations in ALL generations you might be able to fine tune this study. For me, I think it is all bunk.
Now if it causes more people to use less plastic that is great, just when you buy your replacement containers - make sure they are MADE in the USA or CANADA, where we have stricter material content laws.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

jennifer oliver, albuquerque nm — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 04:21:38 GMT

thanks for the info. i will add this to my "things to do" list!

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Jim Prokop, Hammond, La. — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 04:33:38 GMT

The sky is falling!! The sky is falling!!!! Every time we listen to a "supposed" NEWS? broadcast something or some one is threatening our very existance!! Of course, there are the eternal "fear of everything" people who imediately jump on the bandwagon of hysteria blaming this "new" threat for everything from the drout to ingrown toenails....This BPA info is not NEW news, its over 10 years old!, and much HAS been done to eliminate ite "alleged" effects. Remember the Red Dye # 10 episode a number of years ago. The small print of that study said something to the effect that IF a RAT ate 200 pounds of hot dogs w/RD#10 EVERY DAY for 10 YEARS it "probably" would develope cancer! Personally, I believe the public has more to fear from that RAT than the red dye!!!!

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Larry -- Redcliff Alberta Canada — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 05:14:36 GMT

The blue shiny thick 5 gallon bottles of water for our coolers are recycled and each one has < 7 > stamped directly bottom center. Why are these suppliers not given an automatic shutdown until they get the health safety replacements. We are living beside a drain ditch of a river which has a water treatment plant. City problem because of the corroded fittings in the water lines, and now newer houses are having pvc lines receiving the city water in the newer homes--how safe is this ? I am very concerned, as we had a very busy glassfactory shut down in our area just to have this plastic health problem introduced. The resources are still here for the production of glass products and the plant employed hundreds even thru the dirty thirties until 1982. Lets get the glass plants rebuilt now!!! Save our children even if its too late for the baby boomers.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Teenager, Santa Fe, NM — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 06:06:03 GMT

REI, or at least the one near my home, has had a notice posted about safety of the older nalgenes for a while, newer bottles now have stickers on them noting the change in the materials used to make the bottles so that BPA is no longer included. However, if you are looking for an alternative, I suggest SIGG bottles, these are lightweight aluminum bottles that come in a variety of designs and colors, and they don't leech chemicals. BTW, Mr. Bazell, I'm a teenager and I've known about this information for at least 6 months if not longer, so please PLEASE put your amazing resources, connections, etc to a better use, and please offer the alternative solutions to the problem rather than sensationalizing it. And if anyone cares to know, almost all plastic containers that you can scratch with your fingernail can leech chemicals into foods, liquids,etc.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Kevin Michael East — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 06:17:58 GMT

In time, every chemical additive, every metal element, every gas vapor, every thing on this earth will prove to be toxic. We worry about lead, but did you ever stop to think of just how much contact the average person has had over a lifetime? We all should have been dead thirty years ago, before we knew it was toxic. As for those Chinese toys : What would possibly make you think that China cares the slightest bit if people, Chinese or otherwise, die from exposure to toxic chemicals?. They don't care about their own citizens, why should they care about you ? They already own enough of the Treasury Department of the United States, why should they care ? They don't need to invade, they can strangle us from within. Greed knows no borders and flies no country's flag.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Danai Leopoulou, Avalon, NJ — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 06:39:31 GMT

What about the bottles with number 1 on the bottom?? Is it safer to drink water from those bottles, since they arn't made with the same materials as 3, 6, and 7?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Kay Hoffer — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 11:13:31 GMT

years ago I read an article that said that the problem with plastic bottles was the chemical that made plastic transparent caused them to be toxic and that was the true culprit.. not the fact that it was "plastic" Is this correct? Is the solution that easy???

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

jeanne dalessio — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:04:59 GMT

I've just watched the segment with Matt Lauer @ these baby bottles..I want to know which bottles and sippy cups he gives to his children..

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Larry, Marietta, OH — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:26:55 GMT

I suggest that, rather than post an indignant response, each person should actually read the studies linked to this article and come to your own conclusions. It may be that young mothers will come to different conclusions than old fogeys. Notice the areas of negligible and minimal concern and notice the distribution of BPA in the population, even among those not eating baby food or drinking out of Nalgene PC bottles. How do people with almost no exposure to PC bottles get their BPA?
Also, category "7" on the bottom of bottles is "other" which is not exclusively PC. There can be other materials in this category that do not contain BPA residue.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

W. T. , Tupelo, Miss. — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:48:04 GMT

I was interested in the numbers so I could check my own and get rid of them. What surprised me while "scanning" the comments left by others is: Several of them were asking what they were to do with a bottle that had one of the mentioned numbers on it? OBVIOUSLY, DO NOT USE IT ! When you're given a warning that a product has anything in it that could be harmful to you, stop using it ! Here's your sign !

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

jessie, erie, pa — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:11:13 GMT

i was under the impression from the news report that i saw that the chemical was released when the plastic was heated, but not just during regular use.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Alyce Hillman, Port Angeles, Wash. — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:17:41 GMT

So, what about the bottles with a 1 on them? I usually drink the bottled water (with a 1 on the bottom of the bottle) and then pour a diet soda in the empty bottle to drink. Am I in any physical danger by doing that?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

John Joe — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:42:00 GMT

every product is chemically tainted whether it be glass, plastic, organic food whatever.. the human body will adapt to an extent.. so no need to panic.. imagine how many such products get dumped into 3rd world countries and there is no one to even question their greedy deeds there!! life is slowly becoming like a russian roulette

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Angela, Memphis, TN — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:58:59 GMT

Thirty three years ago when pregnant with my first of two sons I studied everything the La Leche League and Adele Davis had put out on how to nurish my pregnant self and my future child. Consequently no bottles were ever put in his mouth, his pacifiers/gum massagers were either his or my/my husband's finger or later a firm piece of dried fruit or home-made cracker of organic ingredients. My two sons were each nursed for almost two years. When they were interested in something on my plate I ground some up in my blender and fed it to them. As they got older I did not permit them to choose what they liked or didn't on their plate but instead served balanced mostly organic meals of which they were required to eat one modest serving of each item and then could have more of the items they liked. If they finished their plate, then they could have dessert. Fresh and home dried fruits were their candy with only rare exceptions given by a friend or grandparent. Today they are very strong, balanced and loving individuals. I am grateful that I had a healthy mistrust of man-made chemicals/baby formula gained from study. I do wish though that I had known at the time that many of our supplements are coal tar based and that more come from unnatural sources than I had realized. Today my advice to young mothers would be to nurse their babies with the help of the La Leche League and to investigate the raw vegan diet and how it provides, in more than sufficient quantity, complete, unheat-damaged, proteins, vitamins (with the possible exception for some individuals being easily supplemented vitamin b12), minerals and the most important of all, living enzymes, and to never stop studying nutrition and environmentally wise practices. Thus many, but not all, of your concerns will be prevented from occuring.
A grateful mom.
P.S. Some will ask, "What if someone can't nurse their baby?" I would answer that with help from the La Leche League that almost no one will be unable to nurse their baby in some fashion, including adoptive and full time working mothers but if that still be the case then here are some choices: buy breast milk, hire a nursing mother to pump some for you or just to nurse your baby, use goat milk, use raw nut or seed milk such as almond, cashew, sesame, etc. blended with small amounts of varying sprouts and a complete infant food derived supplement. Raw nut milk recipes are on the internet. And I would use glass bottles as well as diligently investigating what the lids/nipples are made of. Do beware of so called raw almonds though as they are now pasteurizing all commercially sold almonds from California by either heat or a nasty chemical process and are allowed to still label them raw even though they will no longer sprout as their enzymes, etc. have been killed and will thus not contribute to the healthy cell growth of those consuming them.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Pete Gomez — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 19:56:35 GMT

If you take the time to read the studies yourself, not just the one posted, you'll see that Lexan has been around since the 50's and there are many types of lexan on the market. The original cause was when NON-FOOD-GRADE Lexan was cleaned with caustic chemicals and mice were exposed to it. Yes, the little rodents BPA levels went sky-high.

Further tests on food-grade Lexan show that you will get BPA leaching if you put a very alkaline substance in the container and apply high heat. That is why Nalgene recommends you don't put your bottles in the dishwasher. Warm water and dish soap is fine. What leaches out of these tortured bottles is way under the safe exposure level for BPA for humans. Don't buy into the hype. If you're concerned get one of the new Tritan bottles from Camelbak or Nalgene, or get a #2,4 or 5 soft plastic bottle. I still use my Nalgene.

One more thing, mice and humans don't metabolize BPA at the same rate... mice hold on to it in their tissues, while humans get rid of it quite quickly.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Elenna Dunham, NY, NY — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:28:10 GMT

What about takeout containers? Soups and dishes with sauce are coming into our homes in plastic containers (which we often then reuse)... is there concern about these?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Ann Murphy Baltimore Maryland — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 19:59:08 GMT

Ok, what if the federal goverment doing to get the health risk off the grocery shelves to protect consumers. Just seems we are too slow reacting.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Theresa, Fairlee VT — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 20:36:58 GMT

How do I know if the sippy cups my young children drink from are safe if they don't show any numbers on the bottom? They are Playtex sippy cups that were bought at a local wholesale club store in sets of 3. I hate to throw them if they are safe but how do I know if they aren't labeled with any numbers? Some help or advice please

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Theresa, Fairlee VT — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 20:51:35 GMT

ok, second post for me here. I just wrote to a company, not sure if I can post which one here but was concerned about the safety of the cups and plates my kids eat off. They are common plates/cups found at your local Wal-Mart and this is the response that I just received back...

Our children’s drink ware is made from polypropylene which is a #5 on the recycling scale and does not contain BPA. Our plates and bowls are made from melamine which falls into the #7 category and also does not contain BPA. The news reports as of late are misleading in that all of the items that fall into the #7 category do not necessarily contain BPA; that category is a catch-all for all of the plastics that are not able to be recycled in any of the other categories.

Now I am posting this because if the media is taking it too far then why are we throwing all of these plastic bottles and such away or is this company just yanking our chains?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Mischell Poitras — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 22:15:34 GMT

I was just wondering if anyone knows what plastic number Tupperware is?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Stacy Jones, Morrisville, VT 05661 — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 23:08:58 GMT

I've been using a nalgene bottle with green tea in it every day for a few months. I switched from soda to green tea thinking that I was making a better choice. All the while I am potentially putting a chemical in my body that I never knew was there. Great! Another thing to worry about. What is this world coming too. Plastic made with this chemical is in everyday household products, baby products, and drinking water bottles. Why wouldn't manufacturers be more cautious about what they used to make the products with?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Tracie, Denver — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 20:24:55 GMT

I found this site helpful, they give some better alternatives to the bad plastics. And they're do-able things too!
http://www.thegreenguide.com/products/Kitchen/Plastic_Containers/3

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Leslie Hingorani, New York, NY — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 13:02:27 GMT

What about plastic travel coffee mugs? Are these safe to use? I have one which is marked with a 20 on the bottom below the patent number.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Tom Plainfield Iowa — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 13:36:17 GMT

I was wondering if it was all plastic, ie storage containers, bowles ect, or just water bottles, are cause for concern with the numbers 7,3,and 6 on them.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Pam Ragusa, Austin, TX — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:47:40 GMT

I also checked all my dishes that are plastic type and ALL my Rubbermaid products have the 7 on them. Dishes, thermos, etc. So be aware of Rubbermaid products. We use the dishes in the microwave for years and now they are history. So check cereal bowls and all plastic bowls. Check everything.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Nicole Otewalt, Auburn, Ca — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 18:49:46 GMT

My re-useable 16oz iced coffee cup from Starbuck has a 7 on the bottom. Are they doing anything regarding this?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Scott O'Donnell, del mar ,calf — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 22:05:16 GMT

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Lindsay Wilson, Rochester NY — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:58:09 GMT

I have done a fair amount of research on this issue in order to find safe plastics for my 1 year old son. I had been using baby bottles containing BPA, and his sippy cups also contained it. I recently discovered that Munchkin brand cups are generally safe, and are WELL LABELED on their website. If you are looking for safe sippy cups, check their website. Also these cups are usually less than $5. Many of the other safe cups, Born Free, Sigg, etc, are upwards of $15. (that can add up if you need to have 5+ cups like we do!) I also have looked into Tupperware products. All of their products aimed at children are safe, however, some of their other products are not. I am currently looking into all of our Tupperware products to check their safety.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Theodora Nelson, Fort McMurray, Alberta — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 19:13:09 GMT

Okay so all of these comments deserve seriouse answers! I have the same thoughts and am a mother of a 1.5 yr old son, who for 1.5 years used sevens and fives.... so now Im pissed. What is the problem? Plastics, chemicals and poor ethics. Any solutions, oh.. what about all of this " GO GREEN" stuff I have been hearing about? Something like, save the planet, save yourself.... and it entails riding your life of needless chemicals. ( Lemon juice is better than lysol... And laying a stain in the sun is as good as bleach ) Cutting WAY down on things like driving cars thats emissions KILL US. And recycling... CHEMICALS=PLASTIC= Not good for anything. We could all just stop buying the product and wait until they find a safe and PROVEN method.And thank goodness it sounds like everyone is. And where are these people we pay with our taxes to regulate? Why arent they being brought out into the public to speak and answer our concerns? They work for us, they work for themselves! Do they drink and eat from 3,6 or 7?? Their children,brothers, sisters... PARENTS! I have a lot of concerns, for my son. He is going to live on this earth past me and my grandbabies... if he can have them. I just really want to know why and how anyone who knew this and didnt make it a number one issue at the first tests and didnt stop it. It isnt fair that the family we work so hard for and the lives we build and people we love, arent important to the persons in higher positions. Its even sadder that we keep them in those positions with the power we have forgotten we have over them.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Erica — Fri, 02 May 2008 16:29:51 GMT

I wonder about melamine too...I read somewhere else that it is mixed with other chemicals to make it hard and that these chemicals also are absorbed by our bodies. I am having a hard time finding much more about the subject and am getting ready to throw out all of my kids character plates...how do we find out?! Anyone?!

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Mike Higgins, Farmington, NM — Tue, 06 May 2008 14:20:32 GMT

This type of irresponsible reporting is causing the reaction above. An entertainment show has interest only in creating better ratings. PLEASE NOTE: Worldwide research for many years has shown NO risk to consumers from these chemicals; indeed, even the research noted here uses terms such as "we are looking to see if....", and "our research is not yet complete...".
Folks, Chlorine is in that water you drink from municipalities, and it is a known poison. Does that mean that you shouldn't drink tap water, or that it is unsafe? Of course not, just could be better tasting and easily cleaned of Chlorine. Why not do it? Remember, every time the local water distribution gets comtaminated, all these "experts" lead the public to the safe alternative of "Bottled Water". Do additional research by checking these sources on-lines; you'll find that the reliable eveidence shows No Danger From Plastics.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Amit Ranjan Sahu, Bangalore, India — Thu, 08 May 2008 16:11:41 GMT

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Allen, Los Altos, CA — Thu, 08 May 2008 23:59:52 GMT

The number in arrows tells you what type of plastic in used in the bottle. The number 7 in arrow means "OTHER". This could be one of many types of plastic. The highest concentration of chemicals that mimic estrogen come from Polycarbonate (PC). The clear (often clear colored) Nalgene bottles are made of PC. Water-cooler size water bottles are also PC. Polycarbonate (PC) is popular because it doesn't impart flavor - just chemicals! TO BE SAFE: select bottles made of #4 (LDPE) or #5 (PP). I'm an engineer with experience in the beverage packaging industry, and these are the safest.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Thelma Kingsale, Staten Island, NY — Fri, 09 May 2008 19:29:55 GMT

What about the re-use of water bottles with number 1 on the bottom, which it seems all bottled water companies use. Is it considered safe to re-use these bottles since they arn't made with the same materials as 3, 6, and 7?
What about the numbers 1-2-4-5? Are they safe? If not then why were they not mentioned in the article? I don't want to use those plastics if they are not safe. I can go to all glass if necessary.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Savannah, GA — Wed, 14 May 2008 01:36:38 GMT

I've looked at most of the bottles in my home out of curiosity. All of my water bottles are a "1", Sunny D is a "2", Pepsi is a "1" but to my surprise my Welch's Grape Juice is a "7". Go figure!

Also, for those of you having a hard time finding the number on the bottles, ie Coke, they are sometimes tricky. I finally found the Pepsi one in between the curves/dips on the bottom edges of the bottle.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Mogen David — Wed, 21 May 2008 03:40:56 GMT

Let's get rid of plastic bottles for good and return to glass bottles. Glass bottles are inexpensive, inert, and can be washed and re-used over and over. With oil prices going through the roof, it is time to stop using plastics which contain oil. Drinking beer, milk, soda, and other beverages from a glass bottle tastes better and glass is inert which means that it doesn't combine with the contents or react with it. You get a pure drink from a glass bottle. And glass bottles can be re-used. Put a coating on the outside of a glass bottle if you are worried about breakage like they do with some rough service light bulbs. Going back to glass bottles will return everyone to a healthy lifestyle without the wasteful, poison chemical plastic bottles and reduce the demand for oil.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Anita McAlister - Saugus, California — Thu, 22 May 2008 21:45:04 GMT

Hi,
I was reading on the bottom of my water bottle which is blue and the number 7 appears in the triangle with PC under it and China (I suppose that it contains lead as so many things come from China now days anything is possible. It also states patent pending.

My son has 2 water bottles one of which states approved for water only (oops I put ice tea in it) It also has a triangle with a 3 the other one has a triangle 1 with PETG under it (they were both from Wal-Mart)

So in your opinion what are we to use?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Pete, Hartford, CT — Fri, 23 May 2008 04:48:03 GMT

"The number 7 indicates BPA."

Very incorrect for a news site. #7 is a classification for "other". It contains plastics that don't fit in the 1-6 categories, such as styrene, polycarbonate, nylon, fiberglass, and the new BPA free Tritan water bottles. Yes the new copolyester is a #7.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Pete, Hartford, CT — Fri, 23 May 2008 04:56:48 GMT

Many of you worry too much and don't read enough. You get information without verifying its source.

Lexan (with BPA) has been in our lives since the 1950's. Anyone who all the sudden thinks they got this or that disease by using their water bottle or baby food container is just crazy. There isn't enough BPA leeching to cause a human, adult or infant, any harm.

The change in plastic formula was brought on by consumer fear, not that there was anything wrong with Lexan. Score one for the plastic haters and score one for capitalism, since you just went out and replaced a bunch of bottles you didn't need to.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Dela — Sun, 25 May 2008 03:20:44 GMT

I had some concern and wanted to learn more before I started to panic. In my opinion ANYTHING and EVERYTHING can kill you if you over use it. This information about the '7' on the bottom of plastic was very interesting:

Question: What does the #7 represent?
Answer: Most plastic containers are marked (usually on the bottom) with a number within a triangle with arrows – commonly known as a recycling symbol. These numbers, known as the resin identification coding system, were created in 1988 to facilitate recycling programs across the country. These recycling numbers can range from #1 to #7, depending on the type of plastic. The #7 recycling label is a catchall indicator for plastics made with a resin other than those in the #1 to #6 designations, or made of more than one resin. The #7 category not only includes polycarbonate, but also includes compostable plastics made of organic material and other types of plastic that do not necessarily contain BPA (Bisphenol-A).

So ALL of the containers that have a '7' contain the potentially harmful resin.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Thelma Kingsale, Staten Island, NY — Tue, 27 May 2008 00:12:30 GMT

Most bottles have the number 1 in the bottom of the plastic bottle. Is the #1 safe?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Cory Smith — Fri, 30 May 2008 01:51:25 GMT

Some containers and cups that say "Made in China" on bottom do not have a recycle number on their base, although some do have the familiar triangular arrow symbol for recyclable. Without a type number how can we know what they are made of? Why are they sold in USA without type numbers?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Garry, Springville, CA — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 01:58:54 GMT

How safe are 5s for children, specifically, and the rest of us as well?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Troy Cheyenne WY — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:50:34 GMT

Does this mean I should get rid of everything (plastic bottle wise) that has a 3, 6 or 7?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Kimi — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 06:18:53 GMT

If you are trying to figure out the numbers 1, is PETE, 2 is High-density Polyethylene, 3 is Poly vinyl cloride (PVC), 4 is Low-density Polyethylene, 5 is Polypropylene, 6 is Polystyrene, and 7 is other,
look up Recycling numbers and find whats made out of them.

People have used BPH leaking plastics for years, and guess what? We are still here. The other thing is what does not cause cancer? The answer noting, every thing causes it. And every few so years theres something that puts baby's at risk for some disorder or something, like outers have said if theres no solution at the moment theres no use being paranoid.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Karen Hacker, Hollywood Florida — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:39:37 GMT

Is melamine and polyburnate safe?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

AJR, Chapel Hill, NC — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 22:56:54 GMT

http://zrecs.blogspot.com/2008/03/bpa-wallet-card.html
i found this site a while back after i read a teeny article about this. they have updated it. i am glad it is getting more mainstream coverage. this has been around for awhile, in fact the people's pharmacy recently had one of the leading scientists who has been working on this on their program. he claims can goods are lined w/ BPA plastic. he only eats & drinks things out of glass (or paper, i guess). he advises NEVER heat anything plastic in the microwave!!!! we have to cut out convenience for our health. it appears.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

kurt baltimore md — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 19:55:10 GMT

Is there any BPA in condoms?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

K. Albright, Boise, Idaho — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 18:21:21 GMT

A bit of an update:

http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/files/BSCactionsBPA_508.pdf

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Lance M, Kansas City — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 20:50:01 GMT

For full disclosure, I work on the marketing side for Glass. That said, I wanted to let those concerned about baby food know that Gerber has/is coming out with a line of food using glass for all the reasons described above. So be on the look out for it. I believe it's their organic line. PS - We're trying to come up with an ad campaign promoting the purity of glass v. plastic. Unfortunately we don't have the $$$ that "Got Milk" has. So word of mouth and viral are our best avenues for now. Thanks.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Jane Doe, Jersey City, NJ — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:34:45 GMT

Many fruit cups such as Dole and store brand fruit cups are made out of the #7 plastic. Also some pudding, gelatin, and rice pudding cups too so check them out.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Jerry Stillman — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:10:33 GMT

How about plastic coffee cups - like you get at, say, Dunkin Donuts? They're always made of polystyrene which is #6. Shouldn't fast-food places stop serving coffee (or any other beverages) in containers made of this material?
Also, are numbers 1,2 and 5 safe according to FDA?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Jerammie Hastings Ne — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 20:04:18 GMT

seiously people , relax a little. if you get in to it enough , everthing causes canser. The Sun so stay inside, the air, so don't breath, comercial food , so don't eat, water so don't drink. Also looking at a computer screen to long causes chronic back problems and possible loss of vision. Life is terminal (It ends in death)so enjoy it while it lasts, and don't swett the petty stuff

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Amanda Cunningham, Mckenzie, TN — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 03:21:07 GMT

This is very disturbing being as after I read this story in shape magazine I checked my very favorite water bottle (my pink, for the cure water bottle)and to my surprise it had the number 7 in the triangle!! I bought something for the cure of cancer and by using it I could get cancer?! Is anything safe anymore??? What is wrong with the world today!

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Kerrine Wichita Falls, Tx — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 18:09:58 GMT

My understanding is that the PBA leaks when the bottles/containers are heated. You shouldn't put them in boiling water, steam sterilizers, microwave, ect. I have been using the platex bottles with the bags and those are PBA free. Im glad that I have been using them with my daughter but I used AVENT with my two boys and it makes me wonder about the causes it will have on them.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Concerned Illinois Water Citizen — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 02:24:43 GMT

I'm concerned that more questions have not been raised about the quality of the water in the plastic bottles. As a matter of health, shouldn't we be more concerned qirh the quality of the water itself? Are more people leaning toward bottled water because of their concern of tap water quality?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Paul Rogers, St. Mary's, Georgia — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:57:11 GMT

The Trudeau Company came out with a Breat Cancer Awarwness bottle that has a plastic number of 7. So a company makes a bottel for the Breast Cancer Foundation that could possibly cause Breast Cancer... unbelievable.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Kerry Kleiber, Lafayette IN — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:04:13 GMT

I just looked at my bottle of Diet Code and it has a "1" within the symbols cited. I really had to look hard for it since it's embossed, so to speak, without any coloring. But it's there.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Patti, New Lenox, IL — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 00:34:16 GMT

Is this number on the bottom a threat only if the plastic is heated? This was my understanding months ago. I remember reading that the "higher" the number in the triangle, the safer the plastic.

I know not to reuse the water bottles that they sell in stores, you should throw them out, although many people refill them to save money (I don't blame them!). Not to mention the waste of plastic (not everyone recycles unfortunately).

What are we ever to believe anymore?? We're better off drinking out of our tap water and water fountains! But then again, their have been problems with "how safe if your water" too!

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Coco, Lake Alfred, FL — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:20:03 GMT

Hey Plastic... I want to break up! We started printing aluminum water bottles to replace our use of plastic....www.CocoMason.com
Check us out... these bottles are great!

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

jeung monterey, CA — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:33:30 GMT

where could i buy safe water bottle? and wher can i get BPA test in my body? Thank you giving us good knoledge. could i get all of previous answers who asked you about plastic bottle? why government can not control this terrible chemical things to human body?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

A. Brown — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 15:56:10 GMT

To S. Kenney:

The Arizona Tea web site says their gallon-sized tea bottles do NOT contain BPA. See:

www.drinkarizona.com/ProductCart/pc/viewContent.asp?idpage=1

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Tom, Michigan — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 21:26:39 GMT

I am sooo tired of the news telling us number 7 for recycling means BPA. THAT IS A FLAT OUT LIE!!!!! Number 7 in the triangle means number 7 for recycling and that is all that it means. Recycle number 7 catagory is an "Other" or catchall. Any plastic that does not fit in the 1 to 6 catagories is a number 7. That means a number 7 symbol could be any type of plastic or multi-layer plastic. Just because Polycarbonate (which does contain BPA) is a number 7 does not mean all number 7's are made from Polycarbonate. And YES YOU CAN TRUST GERBER! Their food and juice containers are number 7 because they are multi-layer plastic, so have to be a number 7, but they do NOT contain any BPA or Polycarbonate plastic. The news organizations need to STOP TRYING TO SCARE PEOPLE!!!!! I recommend investigating this issue ON YOUR OWN, then make up your mind. Don't rely on the news to tell you the truth, they want ratings! Call the company that makes the product and ask them what type of plastic it is made from.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Rita, Vancouver, B.C., Canada — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 09:47:49 GMT

"There is more of a concern if the container is heated and not just used to store food. That's why the baby bottle point is being hyped. Please don't overreact, this story actually isn't news. It's been around for at least 10 years."

Yes, there is a concern, which I've known for years about putting close to cooked foods in plastic containers. Also heating baby bottles! So you don't think Parents shouldn't "over" react about BPA's in the plastic that leach into their Children's food? Feeling Great Concern for their Children's Health is showing Love and Concern Not overreaction. Also just because this story has been around for 10 yrs. doesn't mean that we shouldn't get concerned! I hope you don't have children.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Rita — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 09:53:02 GMT

"I went looking for an alternative and found a neat wellness company that manufactures safely. What a relief for this Mom of three. How can I get in touch with others on your site to share this?"

PLEASE, from now on if Anyone has any company or web site that manufactures anything Safely put the Web Site address In Your Comments, instead of asking; how can I share your info with others on your web site. WHY didn't she as above simply put the name of the company or W.S. in her comment???

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Tisha Hunter, Nashville, Illinois — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:21:08 GMT

My daughter is nine months old and we have been buying gerber 4oz juices i was in the store yesterday and this lady told me about the number 7 in the triangle. are the gerber 4oz juices safe for my baby to drink?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Kathie, Alpharetta GA — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 23:47:41 GMT

Regarding sippy cups, I did some research and the AVENT sippy cups by Phillips (made in England) that you can get at Target, etc.. type retailers in the US, do not contain any Bisphemol. THey do not have a number on the bottom of the sippy cups, so I wrote to the company and that was the response I received. So that appears to be a safe sippy cup, along with Born Free (but they are more expensive). Born Free can be purchased at Toys R US. Regarding bottles, I also researched that and the Medela and Born Free bottles are all safe, but the glass bottles may be less expensive.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Linda Zimmerman, Owosso, Michigan — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 14:42:49 GMT

Another thing to look at is all yogurts, they are a #3 plastic and are causing concerns in health with scientists, lined or not, this is an issue that needs to be addressed and fast, Lets admit it folks, cardboard was a good safe container before, why can't it be used again? I think its about time we start caring for the general public, the future health of our children depend on it. All we need is one good caring company to step forward and start the ball rolling on these cancer causing containers.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Guy Hanks, Reston, VA — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 18:20:26 GMT

I get Deer Park 5 gallon bottles of water monthly. There is a 7 on the bottom. Does the larger volume of water dilute the leeching effects of BPA. These bottles are in many offices including Doctors offices.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Vivek, Philadelphia — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 20:57:35 GMT

i refill coke and sprite bottles to drink water, is it safe to reuse these bottles?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

marie, moses lake,wa. — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 03:40:51 GMT

My grandson has plastic bottles with the arrow triangle, but there are no numbers in it. Whats up with that?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Sharon Hardie,Imlay, Nv. — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 01:33:22 GMT

Why was glass containers discontinued? Just about everything is in plastic of some sort.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Susan Toffner — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 15:13:31 GMT

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Rossana, New York — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 04:23:19 GMT

I had 10 rats a few years ago, 5 males, 5 females, different ages and unrelated to each other. They ALL got mamammry tumors, both males and females and at the same time- The changes we made? we bought plastic water bottles- it was the kind that you fill from the top- these bottles are intended for pet use. My pets were turned into something like a scientific study- my example should be used for investigation! this was no coincidence!

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Dolores Jones Elma, WA — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 22:43:59 GMT

Where can I buy a water bottle for my car, that is safe to carry with me?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

C. Stamp, Heaven Bound — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 02:26:02 GMT

Number 1 is the worst you can get!!! Number one is all kinds of junk thrown together. P.S. Don't drink tap water either it's loaded with chlorene a known cancer causer. Dasani was banned in the UK because it contains potassium bromate (I think I have the spelling right), Aqua Fina is literally water from the Detroit River. 1,700 dead bodies a year pulled out of it!!! Distilled water leaches minerals out of your body. Most bottled waters are tap! Look into a good ionizing machine!!!

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Consuela Stahl — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 02:33:21 GMT

My advise is to get a water ionizer that hooks up to your faucet at home.. It will take chlorine out of your water. You can eliminate bottled water which is oxidizing your body (so is city and well water.) Acidosis is the disease - all else is a symptom! Research acidosis and you'll see.

Check out my websites and watch the videos. You'll be glad you did. Not trying to sell you anything - this is a health ministry. Japan has the key to NO cancer and powerful health. Now we have the same product here that the FDA fought to keep out for 30 years. Your health and life depend on you getting educated!!! Alkaline, ionized water is the answer to health and wellness. Not just anyone out there though. There are some that may kill you due to poor choice of metals in the plates. Just check out the websites you'll be soooo glad you did.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

pamela prieto, amherst, ohio — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:45:14 GMT

These are all great questions, but where are the answers? I would like to know the answers to all these comments that have been sent, especially the one about Tupperware and hard plastic drinking glasses.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

william Becker, East Pittsburgh,Pa. — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 01:46:34 GMT

I just want to know what each number in the triangle on the bottom of plastic bottles mean. I've heard that you should no reuse certain bottles.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Ryan, Cocoa Beach, FL — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 21:26:42 GMT

Switch to glass. Plastic is obviously bad, aluminum gets these weird white dots. If you want a great alternative, check out our reusable glass water bottles at www.livinglavidaverde.net . I am very active, but bring this with me everywhere, bike riding, beach, work and have encountered no problems. I love my glass bottle. Come and check us out!

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Paul Letteri Worcester , Ma. — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:26:58 GMT

Yes look for the numbers 3,6, and 7
to be saffe buy Lexan bottles .
I recently wrote to Drinkwell products that sell fountains for our pets to see what they are using it would be far better to pay a little extra to be safe .
p.s as ususal the U.S is far behind in hazerdous products and pollution Bush era descructive practices!

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Manda/Worcester, MA — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 18:44:58 GMT

I use the Klean Kanteen (http://www.kleankanteen.com/)
instead of plastic water bottles now. Its easy to refill and they have different sizes and covers.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Amyn — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 04:53:38 GMT

Please tell me if plastic water bottles with number 1,2,4 and 5 are safe and reuseable, also medicine bottles have number 1 under the bottles, so are they safe.Pls reply.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Sent, hamden, CT — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 18:41:03 GMT

Plastic council says the numbers dont indicate safety. It was assumed by illiterate journalists.

Myth: The number on the bottom of plastic cups, bottles and containers informs consumers about how to use a product or package.

Busted: This is false and potentially harmful misinformation. Many plastic items are marked with a resin identification code—usually a number or letter abbreviation—which indicates a specific kind of plastic material. The codes were originally developed by the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) to provide consumers and recyclers with a consistent, national system identifying resin types that can enter specific recycling streams for recycling plastics through the normal channels of collecting recyclable materials from households. The code is generally on the bottom of containers and is usually displayed inside a three-arrow recycling symbol. The resin identification codes do not provide guidance on the safe or intended use of a product and should not be used for this purpose

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Elizabeth Lewis, Lewisburg,Tennessee — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:03:36 GMT

I have heard that #7 bottle indicates that it contains BPA, but all of the new bottles I have purchased that are BPA free are a #7. Can you please explain in more detail.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Julie, Sheboygan, WI — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 01:41:15 GMT

Myth: You should believe what the plastic industry tells you is safe, as opposed to the the National Toxicology Program (NTP) and the Division of Extramural Research and Training (DERT), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) WHO ISSUED THE PUBLIC STATEMENT ABOUT THE DANGER OF ANYTHING LABELED WITH THE RECYCLING CODE "7"???

MSNBC has a link to the information about the #7 recycling code being unsafe directly from the www.www.niehs.nih.gov/news/media/questions
Check it out for yourself and make your own conclusions....are you going to trust the companies who are in danger of losing money if you stop using their products, or the industries who are working only to protect consumers???

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

BOB DILGER — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:24:41 GMT

HI, please tell us where we can find the answers to all these questions about numbers and plastic!!! Everything seems to be contradictory and confusing.HELP!!!

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Ryan, Cocoa Beach, FL — Fri, 29 May 2009 01:03:42 GMT

Plastic is definitely a concern. Not only is it bad for us, but the excessive consumption of non reusable bottled water causes major problems for our environment. If you want a safe alterntive to glass, check out http://livinglavidaverde.net/store.aspx . The bottles are safe, elegant and clear, so you know what you are getting.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Sharon — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:44:04 GMT

THIS IS SIMPLE: Industries and companies want to kill us, make us ills, that bring money to the hospitals, doctors, ambulance etc etc etc is a cycle where the more powerful win. We should take the advantage and hear those warnings to protect ourselves.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

CLN1960 — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:19:49 GMT

Keep in mind that all plastic water, fruit, soda bottles are shipped in trucks... that I believe in all cases are not cooled, and therefore are hot upon arrival to the store, even before you purchase them.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Living La Vida Verde, Cocoa Beach, FL — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:36:06 GMT

I switched to glass water bottles to be on the safe side. I liked them so much better than plastic and metal water bottles and so I started selling them on my green website: www.livinglavidaverde.net
Whatever you do, try to phase out using disposable bottles, they are wasteful and may be unsafe!

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

bobby.v.s , kochi, kerala, s-india. — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:25:54 GMT

please explain about the numbers shown inside the recycle sign and also you have specified 7 as BPA and 3 & 6 as unsafe. what about 1,2,4 & 5. please explain.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

underseeingeye — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:46:45 GMT

Wow.. I try to google search this issue and there is very little information. There's probably everything wrong with these bottles, but like everything else, the companies paid everyone off to keep this information out of the hands of the public.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Summer — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 22:54:45 GMT

It's time we all get back to the basics here. When I was young nobody had a water bottle, us kids used to just grap the hose while we were outside playing. (back when kids played outside) It's a shame so much has changed in the world. I question everything from plastic to lipstick and everything in between. It's not only plastic, it's food being grown in a way that doesn't make sense. They put fish enzymes in tomatoes???? Corn syrup in everything and you can't trust "organic" I not sure what anyone can do anymore.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Hol, Long Beach, CA — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 20:51:15 GMT

Just a note: Some bottles and food containers will be labeled a 7 which refers to the plastic used on the outside and is oftern coated in a safe plastic on the inside. I recently found this out by contacting Gerber after finding a 7 on the bottom of babyfood continers and snack containers. It seems odd to use this plastic but I am assuming it is cheaper. They reassured me that no #7 plastic was in contact with the food. For other items such as bottles and tupperware the only safe way is to contact the manufacturer to make sure other plastics were used. If you are buying your item from a dollar store or if there is no tag or number, pass on it. It may have traces of lead on top of the harmful plastic.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Ed Cauley, Tampa, Florida — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 20:16:31 GMT

What plastic bottle numbers are safe to use over and over for water? Can someone please give me the answer?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Janice Graham, Georgetown, Colorado — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 19:45:24 GMT

My husband and I shopped for ground beef and other meat at Wal-Mart when we found that the meat had been packaged in black #7 recycle trays. The neat had no absorbent paper between it and the plastic. Why is Wal-Mart allowed to pass this on to customers exposing them to dangerous cancer causing plastic?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

miriam cordova, houston, texas — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 02:33:47 GMT

what do the numbers in the triangles of the bottom of all the plastic containers mean {#1-8}?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

John Lompoc, CA — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:40:11 GMT

If you doo thorough research you will find that the designation of "7" does not mean that the plastic has BPA in it. It means "other" or "miscellaneous" type plastic. The numbers were created in 1988. Any plastic type created after that is designated "7." Not all "7" plastics contain BPA. It just suggests the possiblity. If you really want to know what is in a "7" plastic, you may have to contact the company that makes the product.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Josalynn, Schellsburg, PA — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 23:21:52 GMT

I just bought a plastic bottle at WAL-MART that says "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" on the front of it. It states on the sticker it is BPA Free. But when you look at the arrow triangle it has a "7" in it. What the .....?

So is it or is it not? And should I take and have it tested to see if it truly is BPA free?

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Charles, New York, NY — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:45:13 GMT

Wasn't sure how far back these comments went, so I'll just post what I discovered.

I purchased a Nalgene bottle that had the plastic bottle recycle code 7. Contrary to what was posted here, there was a bit sticker saying that it was BPA Free.

So, I called the parent company. It was explained to me like this..

Plastic bottles with the #7 AND with the letters "PC" just below, contain BPA. If it says "OTHER" or "BPA FREE," then they are BPA free.

Plastic bottles – are they safe?

Jeff Ware Onalaska,TX. — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:40:27 GMT

Are any of these questions every answered?