BPA and BPS Chemicals in Drinking Water: Health Risks, Standards, and How to avoid these harmful chemicals
During a recent online "water treatment discussion forum" there was a questioned posted regarding health issues the person was having and how, or if, they could be related to their water. After a very lenghty discussion. Which invloved getting much more detail from the original person posting the discussion, getting more in depth as to exactly what their health issues were, doing some research myself, drawing on my thirty six of professional experience in the water treatment industry and helping customers having health issues from drinking water contaminated with BPA, we came to an educated, researched based conclusion. Her health issues are related to drinking from plastic water bottles contaminated with BPA chemicals. This article sheds light on the health hazards of BPA and BPS chemicals in water, how we can avoid BPA chemicals from drinking water and, most importantly, protect our health.
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What Are BPA and BPS Chemicals?
BPA (Bisphenol A) and BPS (Bisphenol S) are industrial chemicals used since the 1950s to make polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. BPS is often used as a substitute for BPA in "BPA-Free" products but may pose similar health risks. These materials are commonly found in:
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Plastic water bottles
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Food storage containers
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Water pipes
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Linings of canned foods and beverages
Both BPA and BPS can leach into food and water, especially when plastics are heated or exposed to sunlight.
BPA and BPS Standards for Drinking Water
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets a Reference Dose (RfD) for BPA at 0.05 mg/kg/day, considered the maximum acceptable daily exposure level. Currently, there are no legally enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for BPA or BPS in U.S. drinking water. Some states and international agencies have stricter regulations, including BPA bans in certain consumer products.
EPA - BPA and BPS drinking water standards
How BPA and BPS Chemicals Get into Our Drinking Water
BPA and BPS contaminate drinking water through:
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Leaching from plastic water bottles, particularly when exposed to heat or sunlight
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Leaching from some reverse osmosis (RO) systems with BPA- or BPS-containing plastic components
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Industrial wastewater discharge
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Degradation of landfill plastics that seep into groundwater sources
Why Plastic Bottles and Some RO Systems Leach BPA and BPS
Plastic Water Bottles
Plastic bottles made from polycarbonate or certain PET plastics are more likely to release BPA and BPS when:
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Heated by sunlight
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Left in hot cars
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Reused or scratched
Reverse Osmosis Systems
Some RO systems use plastic storage tanks, housings, and tubing that are not BPA- or BPS-free. Exposure to warm water over time can cause these components to leach harmful chemicals into filtered water.
NSF.org - Reverse Osmosis standards
BPA and BPS Health Risks
Exposure to BPA and BPS is linked to:
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Hormonal imbalances
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Increased risk of breast and prostate cancer
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Heart disease
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Reproductive disorders
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Type 2 diabetes
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Developmental problems in children
Endocrine system disruptor
BPA, BPS, and the Endocrine System
Both BPA and BPS are endocrine disruptors that mimic estrogen and interfere with the body’s hormonal functions. Low-level exposure can:
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Alter reproductive development
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Disrupt thyroid hormones
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Impact brain development in infants and children
How to Prevent BPA and BPS from Getting into Your Drinking Water
Key Prevention Tips:
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Choose BPA- and BPS-Free Water Bottles: Look for BPA- and BPS-Free labels on the bottom or side.
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Avoid Leaving Bottles in Hot Environments: Heat accelerates chemical leaching.
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Use Stainless Steel or Glass Containers: These are safe alternatives.
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Select BPA- and BPS-Free Reverse Osmosis Systems: Modern systems often use safer, certified components.
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Check Product Certifications: Look for NSF/ANSI Standard 58 and BPA- and BPS-Free labels.
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Replace Old Plastic Containers: Aging plastics leach more chemicals.
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Verify 3-Gallon and 5-Gallon Water Bottles: Not all large-capacity plastic water bottles are BPA- or BPS-free. Always ask your dealer or store and check for appropriate labels before purchasing or committing to delivery services.
How to assure Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Systems are BPA- and BPS-Free
Understanding the BPA- and BPS-Free Label
The BPA- and BPS-Free label indicates the product contains no Bisphenol A or Bisphenol S in its plastic materials. You can usually find this label:
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On the packaging
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Imprinted or stickered on the product itself
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Listed in the user manual or technical specifications
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Final Thoughts
BPA and BPS contamination in drinking water is an overlooked but preventable health risk. By making informed choices about water bottles and filtration systems and verifying BPA- and BPS-Free certifications, consumers can significantly reduce their exposure to these harmful chemicals.
I wish you, Good days and Good water!
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