Check your Plastic bottles

Hidden Dangers In Plastics?


The Today Show Report Focuses On Safety Of Plastic Bottles
updated 6:36 p.m. PT, Thurs., April. 10, 2008

Consumers are double-checking their water bottles and plastic containers following an NBC report that hidden chemicals could pose a health risk.

Smart Plastics Guide

Video: Are Plastic Bottles Safe, Pt. 1 | Video: Are Plastic Bottles Safe, Pt. 2



In a few weeks, the final report of a government study on plastic bottles will be released. The concern is over a chemical -- Bisphenal A -- that many scientists are worried about.

"The effects are primarily reproductive and fertility effects in both male and female organisms," said Dan Tessier, toxicologist with the University Of Illinois, Chicago.

Animal tests have shown that Bisphenol A affects hormones, according to experts. But the chemical is not just in water bottles. It's found in baby bottles and children's sippy cups. Heating is thought to make the chemical leach out even more.

The FDA and the plastics industry, and some scientists say Bisphenol A leaching out at low levels, it's safe.

"The toxic effects on rats were done at levels that are thousands of times higher than we are exposed to in the environment," said Dr. Gilbert Ross, medical director of the American Council on Science and Health.

So how do you know what bottle the chemical is in? The key is to turn it over.

Inside the little triangle, you'll see a number, from one to seven. Bottled water is packaged in No. 1. Experts told the Today Show, the numbers 3, 6 and 7 pose the most danger, including cancer risks. Still, a federal panel of experts has some concern that even low levels cause neural and behavioral effects in children and fetuses. All plastics can degrade, especially with harsh treatment, like dish washing or microwaving-- so you may not want to reuse anything, to the point that it's getting shabby.

On the Today Show, Dr. Nancy Snyderman said, "The reality of 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."

A current study will take 20 years for conclusive results. In the meantime, Snyderman offered this advice when wondering about the safety of No.'s 3, 6 and 7 plastics.

"If I had to err on the side of caution, don't use those, use others," she said.