Plastic sports water bottles contain a chemical called bisphenol A (BPA). BPA can be harmful to the endocrine system because it mimics an endocrine hormone, estrogen.
Effects
According to University of Cincinnati scientist Scott Belcher: "There is a large body of scientific evidence demonstrating the harmful effects [on the endocrine system] of very small amounts of BPA in laboratory and animal studies, but little clinical evidence related to humans."
Heat and BPA
Belcher conducted a study where sports water bottles were exposed to boiling water and found that up to 55 times more BPA was released than at normal temperatures. His study showed that the heat of the liquid has a direct result on the amount of BPA released. Belcher stressed that it is still unclear what level of BPA is harmful to humans. The results of the study were published in the January 30, 2008 edition of the journal Toxicology Letters.
BPA-Free Products
Many plastic products are now released in a BPA-free version. Most of the products are marked in some way to show that they don't contain BPA. Metal sports bottles are naturally BPA-free.
Prevention/Solution
If you are concerned about BPA consumption, simply purchase plastic products in a BPA-free version or switch to metal products.
Theories/Speculation
There are a number of theories that speculate that BPA may have an impact on autism and cognitive impairment. Concurrent with these theories, studies have shown a link between endocrine and neuro-endocrine hormones in schizophrenia.
Tags: BPA-free version, endocrine system, plastic products, sports water, sports water bottles