Is Your Water Bottle Safe?
September 30, 2014
Staying hydrated is essential for making it through a tough rehearsal. But what you’re drinking out of is also important. If you’ve been sipping out of plastic disposable bottles, you may want to switch to a BPA-free Nalgene.
New
research
from the University of Florida warns against the use of disposable water bottles. Why? When they’re stored in hot areas—like in your car on a hot summer day or in a stuffy garage—a material in the plastic releases the chemicals antimony and bisphenol A, also known as BPA, into the water. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, low levels of BPA aren’t a huge health concern (though some officials have said it can be bad for children’s health). Antimony, on the other hand, is a carcinogen.
According to the study’s lead researcher, it’s okay to drink water out of a plastic bottle that’s been in the heat every once in awhile. You just don’t want to do it all the time. Next time you’re tempted to invest in a new leotard, think about upgrading your water bottle instead. Added bonuses? You don’t have to worry about your bottle getting crushed in your dance bag, and you’ll be helping the environment.
