Across the United States you can find plastic drinking water containers in almost every fridge. We Americans tend to conclude that a plastic drinking water container is a perfectly safe choice.

But is it, really? Recently, per a study conducted by the National Toxicology program, plastic drinking water containers were found to contain an element that could migrate into the water (or other liquid) and precipitate potential health hazards. The compound, Bisphenol A (BPA) is a component of polycarbonate and other polymers used to make bottles for beverages.

BPA is often chosen for a drinking water container because it is strong, but not heavy, like glass. However, research has shown that individuals, who consume Bisphenol A, tend to have a greater risk of certain types of cancers. Additionally, BPA can potentially interfere with hormone levels.

Many families also re-use their bottled drinking water containers after washing them in hot water, either by hand or in the dishwasher. Leaching of BPA into the liquid actually increases with re-use.

Now, to be fair, the increased risk of developing health problems from consuming the substance comes from being exposed to high levels of the compound. Unfortunately, BPA contamination doesn't just come from drinking water containers. It is also used to line canned goods.

The CDC (Center for Disease Control)found trace amounts of the toxin in the urine samples of every person who underwent testing during a controlled experiment. Occasional use of drinking water containers that contain it might be safe, but why take the risk?

The market for bottled water remains largely free of federal regulation. The is translates to the possibility that you may be ingesting hazardous toxins that have made it into the public water system through either artificial or natural means. Why jeopardize your health even more by using a plastic drinking water container?

In addition to having health consequences, regular use of bottled waters produces an environmental danger. While most plastic is recyclable, a consumer has to make the choice to simply not toss their drinking water containers into their regular garbage.

By far, the best choice for drinking water containers is glass. Not only do you eliminate any potential health risks by no chemical contaminants, you also help to save the environment. A glass drinking water container can be reused repeatedly without degrading the material.

As someone who consumes a lot of H2O (we should all be drinking at least eight glasses of it a day) and also tries to be environmentally conscious, doing my research and realizing the dangers of the bottles typically used as drinking water containers was eye opening. I had always assumed that the plastic drinking water container I carried around all day and constantly re-used was the best and safest way to consume my daily intake of water.

Now that I understand the potential dangers of the main compound used in those drinking water containers, I can take steps to reduce my exposure to a dangerous chemical by switching to a glass. I am told that it tastes better, anyway.


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Rich Eng serves as the leader of a high growth healthcare services business for a Fortune 500 company. A 20 year industry veteran and "holistic health and fitness" coach, he constantly researches better ways to improve one's mind, body and spirit. Follow his link to learn more about the drinking water filters he personally uses and why he chose this product after extensive research.