How could bisphenol-a come out of a polycarbonate bottle?
Bisphenol A, or BPA, is a chemical used to manufacture polycarbonate, a clear and rigid plastic. Polycarbonate is used in various consumer products, such as baby bottles, reusable water bottles and metal cans.LeachingBPA can come out of a polycarbonate bottle through a process called “leaching.” According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, leaching is the dissolution of substances or components into a liquid.FactorsAccording to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), the amount of BPA that leaches out of polycarbonate products is dependent on the temperature of the liquid or the bottle. Higher temperatures yield higher BPA levels.Microwaving PlasticsBPA may also be released by microwaving polycarbonate plastic containers. Polycarbonate may break down when exposed to high temperatures.Potential HazardsInitial studies conducted by the National Toxicology Program indicate that babies and children may be affected by BPA more than adults.
