The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic

The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic

The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic

Nalgene Bottles May Pose Some Health Risks

Nalgene water bottles are a staple on many college campuses, but a new study indicates that the bottles, when washed with harsh detergents, could pose health risks. Two recent articles, one published in Current Biology and another in Sierra Magazine, point to possible harmful developmental effects of a chemical emitted from Nalgene bottles, which are made with a plastic called Lexan polycarbonate resin. Patricia Hunt, primary author of the studies and a professor and researcher at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, found these results during an unrelated study. The discovery began as a mistake, Hunt said. A custodian at Hunt’s lab at the school was cleaning the lab and accidentally switched floor detergent with mice cage detergent. The harsher alkaline-based floor detergent was used on the cages and water bottles. Hunt’s lab became concerned when they suddenly noticed an alarming defect in the mice. The defect, called aneuploidy, which is an abnormal loss or gain of chromosomes, could possible cause birth defects such as Down syndrome, miscarriages or developmental abnormalities, Hunt said. The lab did further research and connected the defects to the effect of the harsh detergent on the Lexan in the lab. The harsher, alkaline-based detergent drew out a chemical from the plastic called bisphenol A. This is especially alarming, because BPA mimics the female hormone estrogen, which can be transmitted through skin contact, Hunt said. “We don’t know anything for sure,” Hunt said. “But the possibility is really problematic. After all, we just don’t know how much of this chemical we’re exposed to — how much BPA is leaking — on a daily basis.” This is also a concern, Hunt said, because this plastic is used so frequently with small children. Daniel W. Fox, a General Electric scientist, developed the plastic in 1953 by accident when he discovered a polymer he had created refused to break. According to General Electric’s Web site, which markets the plastic, it is commonly used in baby bottles, compact discs, cell phones, automobile parts, computers, space helmet equipment, food containers and Nalgene water bottles. The plastic is especially popular in modern use because of its strength, durability, appearance, optical purity and electrical compatibility. John P. Myers, co-author of “Our Stolen Future,” a book on environment health, notes on the book’s Web site that baby bottles made from the plastic in question are “quietly disappearing from the market.” Nalgene responded to the studies on its Web site, saying there has been no correlation between the studies in mice to the human body. Nalgene has marketed BPA products with more than 50 years of governmental approval. BPA levels, however, that are “far beneath the levels currently deemed safe by regulatory authorities,” have been shown to have negative effects on breast tissue and prostate development, tumors and sperm count, according to the “Stolen Future” Web site. Myers said it is dangerous to have this chemical in contact with food or beverage containers. This includes Nalgene water bottles. Students have mixed responses to the study. Matt Trembly, a junior majoring in political science, said, “The only thing Nalgene water bottles have going for them are fun colors and durability.” “The large openings make them difficult to drink out of, so if I thought there was a chance that they were poisoning me, I wouldn’t hesitate to stop using them,” said Trembly, who said he rarely uses the water bottles.Others, including Molly Mahar, a sophomore majoring in cinema-television production and a member of the climbing club with ample experience with the water bottles, disagree. “I don’t think I would stop using them at this point in the research,” said Mahar, who owns three of the bottles.

“Until there’s another kind of plastic that could withstand the kind of beatings Nalgene could take … the utility of them outweighs the safety here,” she said. Overall, experts are uncertain and hesitant about the Nalgene water bottles. “It depends on how the polymer is treated. But with repeated alkaline-based detergent in dishwashers, we just don’t know the possibilities,” Hunt said. Nalgene’s Web site recommends throwing away bottles that show discoloration.

Hunt recommends using less harsh detergents or tossing the bottles after a year. Polycarbonate plastics such as Lexan bottles that contain BPA can be found by the symbol #7PC on recycling logos.

More to Discover
Activate Search
Nalgene Bottles May Pose Some Health Risks