The chemical BPA and its impact on health is a hot topic. Especially when it comes to drinking bottles, many people ask themselves: What is the thing that I drink from every day actually made of? Unfortunately, the manufacturers of drinking bottles usually keep a very low profile. We at FLSK think you have a right to the facts. That's why we carefully researched and compiled current findings about the dreaded pollutant.
One thing in advance: You can be sure – our drinking bottles are absolutely BPA-free. When designing the bottle, we consciously chose high-quality stainless steel that does not emit any harmful substances. The FLSK is therefore harmless for you and your children. That's good news.
Bisphenol A – BPA for short – is a chemical used to make plastics and plasticizers. We come across things that contain BPA every day. For example, it is found in the inner coating of food cans, in plastic bottles and in many food containers. BPA is so common that it takes some effort to avoid it completely.
But why is the chemical so worrying? A chapter from the history of the substance provides information: In the 20th century, British chemists researched an estrogen substitute because obtaining it was extremely expensive. They found bisphenol A. Ultimately, however, it was not used as a medicine, but found its way into industry, where it is still processed on a massive scale today.
Where is BPA found?
Almost four million tons of bisphenol A are produced worldwide every year. Germany alone produces over 800,000 tons annually. The importance of BPA for the economy is immense, as bisphenol A can also be easily processed into other materials such as polycarbonate. In this form it is particularly popular for the production of motorcycle helmets, cell phone and computer cases, coffee machines, eyeglass lenses, car parts, tableware, cutlery, CDs, adhesives, beverage and food cans, thermal paper such as receipts, rubber products, nail polish, floor coverings, drinking bottles and much more more. BPA is everywhere.
The pollutant enters our body primarily through daily food. Regardless of whether it is cheese, meat or canned fruit – the packaging transfers the BPA to the food. It's not much different with drinks. BPA is often used in the production of drinking bottles. These are usually products made of polycarbonate or bottles that have a BPA-containing coating such as aluminum. Often there are drinking bottles for children that are made from plastic. At least the production of baby bottles made of polycarbonate is now banned throughout the EU, but BPA is still permitted in baby food packaging or containers.
Many health organizations recommend purchasing BPA-free products. Which isn't that easy, as there are no uniform labels. It is therefore hardly possible to find out exactly where PBA was processed using recycling numbers or printed codes.
It is also discharged into bodies of water via wastewater from factories that process the pollutant. Although it breaks down or is partially reduced in sewage treatment plants, certain residues remain. The concentration of the chemical in water may have a significant impact on the development and reproduction of birds, frogs, fish and other aquatic organisms, including consequences for the entire ecosystem.
What does BPA do to my body?
What is alarming is that the pollutant can already be detected in the body of almost everyone. Even small amounts of BPA affect our sensitive hormonal system. And that is not without its effects: the substance can cause health damage such as reduced sperm production in men, a disturbed estrogen balance in women, diabetes and breast and prostate cancer.
The effects of bisphenol A on infants and children are particularly dangerous. The earlier the stress occurs, the more fatal the damage is, because embryos can only break down the substance very slowly. Children can suffer from developmental disorders of the brain and other organs when exposed to BPA. Disturbed early brain development can in turn have an impact on behavior or learning ability. Because the pollutant is passed on from mother to embryo, you should pay attention to BPA-free drinking bottles and other products without BPA, especially during pregnancy.
What can I do about BPA?
In fact, it is often read that the effect of BPA on the human body or the environment is still insufficiently researched and controversial - but what this means needs to be explained in more detail: studies into its harmfulness are often carried out or funded by industry. They come to the relevant conclusion that the average amount of bisphenol A consumed is not enough to harm health. This is contradicted by numerous studies that were carried out independently of economic authorities and all warn of an acute danger.
One thing is certain: the use of BPA has consequences that we are not currently fully aware of. The topic has now reached large parts of society. For example, in Canada and the USA, policies have been put in place to reduce the risk of harm from the substance. The EU has banned the production of baby bottles containing BPA since 2011. A law that cannot, however, provide comprehensive protection against BPA.
It is up to you to inform yourself and avoid the corresponding products when purchasing them. It is difficult to exclude the use of BPA in plastics. However, in many cases there are sensible alternatives to plastics, e.g. glass cans instead of cans. Or just the FLSK instead of the conventional plastic bottle. Consuming consciously and informedly is something everyone can do to combat BPA.
BPA-free drinking bottles.
BPA is harmful to you, your family and the environment, that much is clear. But what are the alternatives? There are several materials on the market that are used to make BPA-free drinking bottles. You can find an overview of these materials here .
This much can be said: The food-safe type 304 stainless steel is particularly hygienic and germ-repellent. Bottles made from this material impress with their long durability, uncomplicated handling and low weight. You do not need an internal coating because stainless steel is acid-resistant, tasteless and odorless. The material is also shatterproof and does not contain any harmful substances.
FLSK – with high-quality stainless steel against BPA.
You know the FLSK as a stylish and functional insulated bottle. But did you also know that you are practicing health care on a daily basis? The FLSK is made of 100% high-quality type 304 stainless steel, which is completely BPA-free. This is particularly important with thermal bottles, as the pollutant dissolves particularly quickly in hot liquid. In addition, a drinking bottle containing BPA releases more of the chemical into the liquid the longer it is in contact with it.
With the FLSK you can prevent yourself from unknowingly consuming bisphenol A through your morning coffee on the way to work or the soda to refresh yourself during exercise. You can also give the FLSK to your child at school or kindergarten without any concerns. No matter what drink, what temperature or how long – the BPA-free FLSK drinking bottle does not release any harmful substances into the drink. Set an example against BPA and for your well-being with the FLSK.
