I went to university at an earthy, granola, type institution on the west coast of British Columbia, where outside observers might be led to believe that a plastic, Nalgene, water bottle was issued to each student upon registration. Nearly every person on campus habitually toted these water transport systems—often using them as an earth-friendly alternative to single serving, vending machine beverages.

It was with great sorrow, therefore, that I read the latest research being published about the toxic nature of these water bottles. My love affair with my Nalgene bottle seemed destined to come to an end.

Researchers were ringing alarm bells about the transfer of a carcinogenic compound called bisphenol-A (BPA) from polycarbonate plastic as far back as 1998, though the initial studies seemed to indicate an inconsistent rate of BPA transfer. Warnings were issued about using older, discoloured or scratched bottles, but studies seemed to indicate that newer intact bottles were relatively inert. The transfer of BPA was a huge concern to scientists, as its effects on the human body are pretty nasty. Along with its connections to cancer causing agents, scientists have linked the presence of the compound to altered sperm counts, irregular prostate and breast tissue development and even the creation of fat cells in the body.

In 2003, a paper published in Environmental Health Issues, stated that the problem of BPA transfer from poly-carbon was not limited to older, degenerating bottles. Brand new water bottles constructed from polycarbonate (#7) were still leaching detectable levels of BPA into their contents—a problem made more pressing by the fact that poly-carbonate was now being used in the manufacture of baby bottles.

Due to the widespread concern, major manufacturers, like Nalgene, began to revert back to the older forms of plastic that were used in their initial bottles—remember those old white bottles with the blue markings? They may, in fact, prove to less dangerous as a great deal of them were created from high density polyethylene (#2 HDPE).

Check the bottom of the bottle for information about what materials your trusty water bottle was made from. Experts suggest seeking out bottles made out of polypropylene (#5 PP), high density polyethylene, and low density polyethylene (#4 LDPE), glass or stainless steel bottles like these from Klean Kanteen HTUwww.kleankanteen.comUTTH.

As well, researchers across the board recommend that consumers refrain from re-using plastic water bottle dispensed by vending machines. Single serving water bottles, particularly when frozen and thawed or when left to sit at room temperature, can cause numerous problems for individuals seeking to quench their thirst.