How Long Do BPA Free Bottles Last?
BPA or Bisphenol-A is a chemical found in some water bottles, specifically plastics. Though it may not be felt immediately, BPA can cause harm to our bodies. Fortunately, there are water bottles that are BPA-free. They are safer to use will not cause any harm to our bodies. But how long do BPA free bottles last?
How Long Do BPA Free Bottles Last?
BPA free stainless steel water bottles last for about 12 years before showing signs of wear and tear. BPA free plastic water bottles can only last up to 2 years. The lifespan of BPA free water bottles can depend on the materials used to make them.
Stainless steel water bottles, like the Hydro Cell bottle, are naturally durable and safe to use. They are able to withstand low to high impact fall without breaking. Glass water bottles do not have a definite shelf life. As long as the glass is not broken, it is considered safe to use. Glass water bottles are considered 100% recyclable.
What Is BPA? Why Is It Considered Harmful?
Bisphenol A, commonly known as BPA, is a colorless chemical that can be dissolved in organic solvents, but not so much in the water. BPA is used to make plastic products and epoxy resins. A water bottle is just one of the plastic products made of BPA since 1957.
In 2011, it was estimated that BPA is one of the most produced chemicals in the world. BPA can pose harm to human health and to the environment. BPA can cause major health problems, such as birth abnormalities, cancer, diabetes, and reduced fertility. It can also affect the production of hormones in your body.
That’s why the use of BPA has been banned in states like California and countries like Canada and France.
How Can You Avoid BPA?
Aside from bottles, there are other containers and materials that contain BPA. To be able to avoid BPA, you should know what other products that may contain BPA.
- Baby Bottles: Baby bottles should be made of polypropylene that has a label 5 at the bottom.
- Canned Food or Drinks: Avoid consuming too much food or drinks from the can or make sure that the manufacturer does not use BPA in the lining.
- Cardboard Cartons: There are milk, soup, and juice cardboard containers that contain BPA. Make sure that the lining of the cardboard is made of aluminum and polyethylene.
- Wine Vats: Wine vats may contain as much as six times BPA compared to canned goods. You have to be sure that the vats are lined with safer materials instead of epoxy resin.
- Processed Fruits and Vegetables: Rather than buying processed fruits and vegetables, you can create your own in glass jars.
Why You Should Choose BPA Free Bottles
Using a BPA free bottle means saving yourself from its negative effects and saving the environment in the long run by lessening the number of harmful chemicals. BPA free bottles have lots of other benefits as well. Here are the other advantages of BPA free water bottles compared to water bottles with BPA.
BPA Free Water Bottles Are Healthier
Bottles that are BPA free remove the risk of drinking contaminated and toxic water. In addition to that, it can make your bottle last longer. Most stainless steel bottles, aside from having a long shelf life, are also BPA free. Stainless steel bottles do not leach chemicals onto your water.
BPA Free Water Bottles Are Cheaper
Nowadays, manufacturers are trying to produce BPA free bottles that are not so expensive. This is to encourage people to buy BPA free bottles and prioritize their health. These alternative bottles are safer to use and can provide more benefits than just a regular bottle.
Some brands are removing all their drinking bottles that contain BPA and make sure that the future products will be as safe and do not cost too much.
What Kind of BPA Free Bottle Should I Buy?
BPA free water bottles are very popular nowadays. Usually, water bottles that are made of glass and stainless steel are proven to be 100% BPA free.
Stainless steel water bottles also have insulation and a vacuum seal to keep your drinks cold or warm for a long time. Glass water bottles can last for a lifetime and are also free from toxic chemicals. However, glass water bottles are brittle and cannot survive high impacts.
Porcelain is another good choice of water bottle that is BPA free. Though some plastics are claiming to be BPA free, you can only use them for a short period of time. It might be durable and can survive impacts. However, it is not as durable as a stainless steel water bottle.
Related Questions
How Can You Tell If Plastic Has BPA?
You can tell if the plastic has BPA by looking at the number at the bottom of the water bottle is 3, 6, or 7. If the number under the water bottle is 1, 2, 4, or 5, they are usually BPA free. The number is usually surrounded by three arrows which means recycling.
What Is the Best Type of Water Bottle to Use?
The best type of water bottle to use is stainless steel if you prefer a water bottle that is more durable, safe, and is able to keep your drink cold for almost 12 hours and hot for about 8 hours.
Conclusion
BPA free bottles can last for many years. BPA free plastic bottles can last up to 2 years. A BPA free stainless steel bottle can last up to 12 years. BPA free glass bottles can last for a very long time, however, it is not as durable as the first two and may not even last for a year.