How do I know if my plastic bottle (or plastic cap on my stainless bottle) leaches BPA or other toxic chemicals?
Exhaustive testing over the past decade has clearly shown that polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polystyrene plastic bottles have the potential to leach hormone disrupting toxins and/or carcinogens. These have been linked to developmental problems in infants and children, an increased risk of breast and uterine cancer, and decreased testosterone levels. One way to determine the type of plastic in your bottle is to look for the recycle imprint usually on the bottom of the bottle. PC is labeled as #7, PVC is labeled as #3, and polystyrene is labeled as #6.
Many, if not most, of the hard plastic bottles in circulation are PC (or #7) and are therefore a risk to your health. In addition, PC bottles are more prone to leach if: a) they have been exposed to harsh detergents (like dish washing soap), b) are old…the older the bottle the more likely it is to leach, and c) have been exposed to high temperatures such as those experienced in a dishwasher or left out in the hot sun.
We suggest a simple taste test to see if your plastic bottle or cap leaches anything: fill up a Pura bottle w/ a stainless lid and do the same with a bottle with a plastic cap. Toss both bottles in your car on a warm summer day and after a day or two simply taste the water. The difference in taste (and you will taste the difference) is due to petroleum by-products leaching from the plastic lid.
The jury is still out on whether other types of plastic bottles and coated aluminum bottles (such as SIGG) leach any harmful chemicals or toxins. Pura bottles are priced competitively to the leading aluminum bottles and are guaranteed not to leach any toxins. Why take the risk with plastic and coated aluminum?