<p>We’ve accumulated quite a few, and some are favorite souvenirs or are pretty colors. How unhealthy are they? I know that the metal screw-top bottles are considered healthier, but they have all of the appeal of drinking from a fuel cannister.</p>
<p>There was a thread on the relative safety of drinking bottle about two years ago. Isn’t nalgene considered a good choice, if you do not want to use No. 4 plastic bottles, other plastic or metal containers? I think EmeraldKitty is an advocate of nagalene.</p>
<p>BPA has been banned in Canada. Recent studies such as the one described in the linked Science Daily article (“New Questions Raised About Controversial Plastics Chemical Bisphenol A”) are contradicting older studies. Is it really worth the risk?</p>
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<p>[New</a> Questions Raised About Controversial Plastics Chemical Bisphenol A](<a href=“http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090128074926.htm]New”>New Questions Raised About Controversial Plastics Chemical Bisphenol A | ScienceDaily)</p>
<p>Nalgene makes opaque (milky-white) water bottles that are a better choice.</p>
<p>For a couple of years I kept an empty orange juice bottle made of glass at my desk because of fear of the hazards of plastic drinking bottles. Moreover, I keep most dry goods in the kitchen cupboard, such as dried beans and pasta, in glass containers.</p>
<p>meh, BPA, Schmee-PA…</p>
<p>The original ones are banned in our house! But Nalgene is making BPA-free water bottles. This is from their website:</p>
<p>Question: Why is Nalgene transitioning from polycarbonate to other materials?
Answer: Nalgene’s principle goal is to create reusable containers for a wide range of consumers; from hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to commuters and kids on-the-go. We are always looking for new materials and products that help us meet that goal. Our decision to phase out production of the Outdoor line of polycarbonate containers is in response to consumer demand for products that do not include Bisphenol-A (BPA).</p>
<p>We are confident that the bottles which contain BPA are safe for their intended use. However, because of consumer requests for alternative materials, we have decided to transition our polycarbonate product line to Eastman Tritan copolyester. This product joins our family of bottles and containers made of various non-BPA materials such as HDPE, PP, LDPE and PET.</p>
<p>Through our Nalgene Choice program, we already offer the broadest product line in the industry, with a range of BPA free bottle and container choices to meet the needs of every consumer. Our website ([NALGENE</a> | choice](<a href=“http://www.nalgenechoice.com%5DNALGENE”>http://www.nalgenechoice.com)) offers consumers a clear guide to research the product and material that fits their needs.</p>
<p>Based on the findings of the Food and Drug Administration, The Environmental Protection Agency, The European Food Safety Authority, The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, The Japan Ministry of Health, Labor & Welfare, The American Plastics Council and other reliable sources from around the world, we continue to firmly believe in the safety of our products containing BPA. However, we intend to carefully monitor the results of the National Toxicology Report and the Canadian government’s inquiry into this issue and any other relevant scientific information.</p>
<p>Here’s a company I’ve done business with a few times that carries BPA-free products:</p>
<p>[Eco-friendly</a> reusable bags, plus facts & news on plastic bag issue](<a href=“http://www.reusablebags.com/]Eco-friendly”>http://www.reusablebags.com/)</p>
<p>Eh, I figure everything’s going to give you cancer these days, so I’m still using my old BPA-laden ones. They say they leach a lot more if they’re heated, but I never wash mine in hot water or put hot drinks in them, so hopefully I’ll be all right…</p>
<p>If you have BPA concerns, should not eat food packaged in most cans either. It’s used as a liner.</p>
<p>[BPA</a> Danger may be greater from Tin Cans than Water Bottles : TreeHugger](<a href=“http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/04/bpa-danger-from-cans.php]BPA”>http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/04/bpa-danger-from-cans.php)</p>
<p>BPA itself is NOT used as a liner. It is used as a plasticizer in certain polymer materials.</p>
<p>I used to actually brew my ice tea in a nalgene. Yes, that’s right, pour boiling water over tea bags INTO the nalgene.</p>
<p>I probably have so much brain damage, it doesn’t make any difference anymore.</p>
<p>I urge you all to check out Klean Kanteens.</p>
<p>[klean</a> kanteen: eco-friendly, durable, bpa-free reusable stainless steel water bottles](<a href=“http://www.kleankanteen.com/]klean”>http://www.kleankanteen.com/)</p>
<p>They even make one specifically for wine!</p>