Nalgene, a popular water-bottle maker, has decided to change the materials in their hard plastic containers due to the health concerns that have been raised over the past few months.
The company, which offers an environmental alternative to buying bottled water, has traditionally used a chemical called bisphenol-a, or BPA, in their containers. However, recent animal studies have shown a negative effect to the hormonal system.
The National Toxicology Program in the United States recently released a draft reporting that some rats that were fed or injected with low doses of the chemical developed tumors, urinary tract problems, and reached puberty early. According to the New York Times, “the report said the animal tests provided ‘limited evidence,’ it also noted that the ‘possibility that bisphenol-a may alter human development cannot be dismissed.’”
Due to these tests and other concerns, the Canadian government is reportedly ready to declare BPA as toxic, prompting retailers such as Wal-Mart to remove food-related products containing the chemical compound.
Bottled water has been an environmental issue for quite some time, yet whenever Nalgene bottles have been brought up as a solution, it has been matched with uncertainty due to health concerns. While the company continues to stand behind it’s previous product, they have finally listened to consumer complaints and decided to implement the necessary changes.
“Based on all available scientific evidence, we continue to believe that Nalgene products containing BPA are safe for their intended use,” said Steven Silverman, the general manager of the Nalgene unit. “However, our customers indicated they preferred BPA-free alternatives, and we acted in response to those concerns.”
Nalgene recently introduced a line of bottles made from Tritan copolyester, a plastic that shares most of polycarbonate’s properties, including shatter-resistance, but is made without BPA.
More Reading: New York Times
