FRIDAY SCIENCE OR PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

This week Today did a story on the dangers of plastic bottles. A government report soon to be released is raising concerns over Bisphenal A, a common chemical found in plastics. This chemical has been shown to affect hormones in animal studies, affecting fertility in both males and females. This chemical is not just found in water bottles, but in baby bottles and children’s sippy cups. It also thought that heating liquid in these containers cause the chemicals to leach out faster. The bottom of the bottle should have number on it. A 1 or 2 are OK, but numbers 3, 6, and 7 should be avoided. Actually 7 poses the most danger, including cancer risks since high levels of hormones can stimulate certain cancers (prostrate and breast cancers).

Normally, I hear this stuff and shake it off. But The Today Show’s health adviser Dr. Nancy Snyderman is a pretty level headed woman. So when she says “If I were to err on the side of caution, don’t use those, use others”, I’m going to take that advice. Of course, the water bottle I keep at work (one of my favorites) is a 7. I’m replacing it this weekend.