quote:

Water Stored in Plastic Water bottles are be made from various types of plastic � polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC or vinyl), and others. To reiterate, they all migrate to some degree. I will focus on just one chemical that migrates out of one plastic that is used to make products with high use and sales profiles. Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a monomer used in the synthesis of PC plastics, epoxy resins, and composites, as well as a heat stabilizer in PVC. The list of products containing BPA is long. Some rigid containers such as water and baby bottles are made of PC. The popular Nalgene� water bottles are made of Lexan� brand PC. In the medical industry, it is used for syringes, containers, lenses, and dental products. Keep in mind that the FDA regulates only plastics in contact with foods and not any of the other exposures a person might commonly experience every day at home, school, or the office. Because the FDA approves plastics for specific uses rather than for individual chemicals, BPA is not explicitly regulated.[20] It is important to note that all exposures, no matter what origin, are relevant and cumulative. Even other chemicals that act in the body in similar ways can be part of the total effect. The body�s natural defenses try to breakdown toxins as they enter. These are called metabolites and can be significantly more toxic than the original chemical. Today it is common that dentists coat children�s teeth with dental sealants [21] that harden (polymerize) within the mouth. This exposure to BPA is large enough to have biologic effects. [22] Just as with other plastics, dental sealants polymerize imperfectly, leaving free monomers to be ingested or absorbed through the skin within the mouth. When it comes to dental solutions without plastic, the choices are limited. And I must say that I am extremely frustrated by the situation. One orthodontist I spoke with creates retainers from metal wire that can replace the standard polycarbonate ones. In tooth replacement, even some materials that dentists call ceramic have a polymer matrix. Gold caps or crowns are an excellent choice, but they too are glued into place with a volatile polymer. By far, the best alternative is to keep your teeth healthy by brushing and flossing regularly, and by eating a healthy diet. Food and beverages cans are coated with a BPA-containing plastic. During the processing of canned food, it is sterilized in the can at 250�F for 1 hour. Because heat increases its migration, this is an especially large exposure for people who eat canned foods. As PC plastics grow old, BPA and other chemicals are released. But even when they are new BPA migrates out of PC plastic. The Code of Federal Regulations section on PC plastics allows for migratory chemicals in the hundreds of parts-per-million (ppm) range as well as a percentage of the plastic�s total weight. While concentrations of ppm and higher are relevant, there is vast area of exposure that falls well below the FDA�s radar in the parts-per-trillion (ppt) range and lower. Testing methods are available, but the cost would be far greater. Because the industry is responsible for testing, it protests madly about the idea that these concentrations are relevant. If the table was turned and the burden of proof was on the consumer, the FDA would demand the most up to date testing methods. A graphic example of 1 ppt is one drop of liquid in 660 rail tank cars. That�s a train 6 miles long!

Source: http://www.mindfully.org/Plastic/Pl...et-PG5nov03.htm

since 2002 with your children? What did you drink before then?

quote:

Originally posted by Rodrico I do it from time to time when I got no grape drink in the fridge.

water, sugar, purple... grape drink.

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-M2J

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quote:

Originally posted by Dj Smitty20 I've been wondering this myself actually. Since I moved to Waterloo, my tap water is fucking disgusting so I used a Brita filter. The water in London is much better taste-wise but that probably doesn't matter in regard to safety. Also here in Waterloo, the tap water leaves a really nasty white residue after I do dishes. It's also in the shower and in the ice cube trays. My mom said it sounds like the water here has a lot of lime in it. That can't be good?

i live in kitchener and rarely drink tap water. your mom is right, the water in this region comes from the ground and has a high mineral content, making it quite hard (probably explains the white residue). i dont think its harmful though.

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-317-

I look at it this way, if you don't have a filter, you ARE the filter...

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"...End? No, the journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path...one that we all must take.
The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all change to silver glass...and then you see it...
...white shores...and beyond...the far green country under a swift sunrise."

quote:

Originally posted by Fir3start3r I look at it this way, if you don't have a filter, you ARE the filter...

what do you think it is in tap water that makes it harmful though? chemicals or bacteria? what makes it bad for you?

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-317-

quote:

Originally posted by phlog i live in kitchener and rarely drink tap water. your mom is right, the water in this region comes from the ground and has a high mineral content, making it quite hard (probably explains the white residue). i dont think its harmful though.

it has a strange smell too, although I notice it mostly in the shower. My landlords said that Waterloo region water isn't exactly the best in Canada and said that I should invest in a Culligan dispenser. Screw that, they're much too expensive so I just use a Brita container and change the filter every month or two.

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"No offense, but you're stupid"

quote:

Originally posted by Dj Smitty20 it has a strange smell too, although I notice it mostly in the shower. My landlords said that Waterloo region water isn't exactly the best in Canada and said that I should invest in a Culligan dispenser. Screw that, they're much too expensive so I just use a Brita container and change the filter every month or two.

I rent one for 2$ a month and a big jug is only 5$. It's really not that expensive. That's probably cheaper than your filter.

quote:

Originally posted by oldschool420 I rent one for 2$ a month and a big jug is only 5$. It's really not that expensive. That's probably cheaper than your filter.

but isn't Culligan just a glorified version of bottled water anyway? The Brita filters that I buy are $6.99 and last for two months.

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"No offense, but you're stupid"

quote:

Originally posted by Dj Smitty20 but isn't Culligan just a glorified version of bottled water anyway? The Brita filters that I buy are $6.99 and last for two months.

It is filterted very well. It tastes way better than normal tap water, and it's always cold which is the best part. Either way do what you like. Just thought I'd let you know it wasn't very expensive

you guys watch too much tv.

90% of the world would dream of drinking Canada's worst tap water.

stop bitching

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