A recent report from NBC's "Today Show" this week has people scrambling to check their water bottles and plastic containers because of concerns that a harmful chemical, bisphenol A, or BPA, may leach into your water or food if the plastic is exposed to heat (via microwave or dishwasher) or excessive wear (causing cracking, peels and chips). Studies have shown that BPA is linked to fertility problems, and behavioral issues among children. A final government study will be released in a few weeks.
How do you know what bottle the chemical is in? The key is to turn it over. Inside the triangular recycling symbol is a number from 1 to 7. If it has a number 1 on it, that means use it once. Then, throw it away in a recycling bin. A 2, 4 or 5 is fine to keep refilling until you see wear or cracking, then discard. But the numbers 3, 6 and 7 pose the most danger, including cancer risks.
On the "Today Show," Dr. Nancy Snyderman said, "The reality of it is that nobody knows. There's been no long-term studies. After you repeatedly beat-up plastic and hurt the integrity of the outside, do chemicals leach out into your food and water? Common sense would say, probably yes."
Check out video of the "Today Show" report for yourself.
You can also go to the Institute of Agriculture and Trade Policy Web site for details about the numbers on the plastic bottles. Read up on recent news reports about the bisphenol A controversy.
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